Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Contribute to society in a meaningful and practical way, by gaining an understanding of why crime occurs and influencing the way communities view crime. This course also provides an opportunity to work with people caught up in the criminal justice system, either as the accused, offenders or victims of crime.
Course essentials
ATAR
Lowest Adjusted ATAR 50.00
Entry requirements
Credit
Study mode
Online
Duration
Start dates
01 March 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Course overview
The degree will prepare you for work in state and federal police, in courts and corrections, government departments, and for work in community based agencies delivering criminal justice courses.
Through this course, you will learn to understand crime data, why crime rates and types vary in different countries and across remote, regional and urban settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different crime prevention strategies and policies, as well as develop a knowledge of criminal justice processes.
You will engage with debates about the interaction between the criminal justice system and groups in society who are overrepresented as victims, offenders or both. You will also consider the influence of factors such as disadvantage, ethnicity, aboriginality, disability, age and gender and the effect of these factors on access to justice.
Students in this degree will develop the practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work or further study. Assessments are informed by practical examples of the requirements of industry, practical experience in the field and presentations by those already in the field. This course also offers foundational research knowledge for students wanting to pursue post graduate studies or who would like to develop their research skills in industry. You can also choose to complete either a major (6 units) or a minor (4 units) from specified study areas.
Major options: Community and Human Services, Behavioural Studies, Sociology, IT Security.
Minor options: Community and Human Services, Behavioural Studies, Sociology, IT Security, Writing, Indigenous Studies.
Nested qualifications
In addition to the 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice, there is also the option of completing a 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice or a 3-year Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualifications also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career.
These courses were developed in consultation from students, justice and community based agencies.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Humanities and Social Sciences
Course co-ordinator
Cassie Pedersen
Career paths
Professional recognition
This course is recognised by Community Corrections Services (CCS).
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
Commonwealth Supported Places are subsidised by the Australian Government. The tuition fee is called the student contribution amount. The indicative fee above is based on a typical first-year enrolment for this course and should be used as a guide only. For 0.5 EFTSL (60 credit point) courses the certificate fee is displayed. Your fee will depend on the units you chose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved credit you receive.
How it's calculated
The government sets the fee each year. The amount depends on the discipline area and band of each unit. 2026 annual student contribution amounts for 1 EFTSL (equivalent full-time student load) range from $4,738 (Band 1) to $17,399 (Band 4). The sample course structure below link to the EFTSL, Band and fee for each unit or you can use our unit search to find these details.
Other fees
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Fee assistance
If you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan, you can defer the payment of all or part of your student contribution fee. If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 2, 2026
20 July 2026
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 1, 2027
1 March 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Semester 2, 2027
19 July 2027
Locations
Berwick (on campus)
Gippsland (on campus)
Mt Helen (on campus)
Online
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
- Online learning is only an option if you’re not studying on an international student visa. Testing
Contact hours
A full time student would normally study 4 courses per semester, each course will have approximately 3 - 4 hours of contact time on campus per week, therefore students would have 12 - 16 hours of contact time on campus, plus personal study time. The Higher Education timetable can vary from semester to semester with the days and times each class is scheduled, your timetable could be split across 2 days or the 5 days.
Work integrated learning
Students will gain valuable professional experience by undertaking placement in the third year of the degree. Prior to this, students will complete a pre-placement unit designed to assist them in cultivating a professional identify and enhance their skills in locating and applying for work in the criminal justice system and associated areas.
Sample course structure
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
- Understanding University Learning15 credit pointsATSGC1369
- Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions15 credit pointsCRJUS1285
- Crime in Contemporary Contexts15 credit pointsCRJUS1286
Elective
- Explanations of Crime15 credit pointsCRJUS1287
- Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control15 credit pointsCRJUS2475
Elective
- Australian Criminal Courts in International Context15 credit pointsCRJUS2100
- Policing in Practice15 credit pointsCRJUS2474
Elective
- Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives15 credit pointsCRJUS2300
- Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts15 credit pointsCRJUS2472
- Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)15 credit pointsCOOPK2204
Elective
- Young People: Risk to Corrections15 credit pointsCRJUS3202
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences15 credit pointsFEAFN3001
- Cooperative Placement 1 (Criminology and Criminal Justice)30 credit pointsCOOPK2205
- Justice Responses to Difference15 credit pointsCRJUS3303
- Victims in the Criminal Justice System15 credit pointsCRJUS3478
- Cooperative Placement 2 (Criminology and Criminal Justice)30 credit pointsCOOPK2206
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements (year 12)
Admissions Criteria for current Year 12 students and recent secondary graduates (the past 2 years)
Prerequisites
• Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Guaranteed ATAR
This course has a guaranteed ATAR.
If you meet the course pre-requisites and any ‘Essential Requirements for Admission’, we will guarantee you a place in this course with this ATAR. We use the adjusted ATAR, factoring in subject adjustments and SEAS as detailed below.
Subject Adjustments
A study score of 35 in Humanities, any History, Literature, Legal Studies or Philosophy equals 3 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 5 points.
SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme)
Applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage are encouraged to apply for the Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS). Depending on eligibility and your circumstances, a SEAS application may provide support for your course application.
Entry requirements (non year 12)
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Foundation Access Studies Program (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a justice- or community and human services-related field, completed within the last 10 years. Applicants must also successfully achieve a score of at least 70% on a literacy test provided by the University. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
English language requirements
Overall Academic IELTS band score of 6.0, with no band less than 6.0 or equivalent.
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
- VTAC application
- Yes
- VTAC code
- 3701830451 - Berwick (on campus)
3700730451 - Gippsland (on campus)
3700530451 - Mt Helen (on campus)
3700830451 - Online - Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- HK5
TAFE
Completed Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma qualifications will be considered for admission.
Preference will be given to students whose prior studies include courses in humanities, e.g. professional writing and editing, liberal arts, media and communications, justice studies, marketing and public relations. - Credit will be considered based on the TAFE qualification completed and its relevance to the degree.
University
Successful completion of at least one (1) Australian university level (or equivalent) unit will be considered for admission.
Additional units will enhance a student's application. Students are encouraged to consider units that relate to the arts or social sciences.
Credit for any other previous studies will only be granted from those completed no more than 10 years prior to admission.
Entry via FAST
This course is eligible for entry via the Foundation Access Studies (FAST) program. FAST is designed to provide alternative entry to tertiary study at Federation University Australia. You may also be eligible for credit into this course, depending on your selected major/s. Please contact FedUni for further information.
Additional entry and exit options for this degree
In addition to the full 3-year Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, this course also provides the option of completing a 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice or 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualification also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career.