Bachelor of Social Work / Criminology and Justice
Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.
In this program you will:
- Learn about social inequality and how to make a difference in the legal system
- Complete two field placements where you’ll learn practical skills
- Research crime-related issues and develop problem solving skills
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide, forensic science and more
- Have the opportunity to complete a professional placement in your final year
Starting on 1 July 2025, eligible students can receive $319.50 per week during their mandatory placement.
Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac payment
Applications will be direct to UniSC. More information to come in early 2025.
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- At-risk youth support
- Community agencies
- Community development and education
- Crime and justice research and policy
- Crime victim support services
- Government agencies
- Mental health
- Offender transition-from-prison programs
- Organisational management
- Policy development and analysis
- Private practice
- Social research
- Youth advocacy
Accreditation
The social work component of the program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and prepares professionals to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Total courses
- 36
- Total units
- 480
- Duration
- 5 years 5 years
- CRICOS code
- 088622J
- UniSC program code
- AR363
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (12) 144 units
COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services
Developing courses (10) 120 units
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM205 Criminal Law
CRM206 Professional Development
SCS225 Social Research
SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK202 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK251 Working with First Nations Peoples and Multicultural Communities
SWK277 Working With Children, Youth and Families
SWK278 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
Graduate courses (10) 168 units
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders
SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1(36 units)
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK304 Direct Practice 1
SWK306 Direct Practice 2
SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2(36 units)
SWK401 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice
Discipline elective courses (4) 48 units
Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime
Note: CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
(Honours) program.
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Successfully complete 2 field education placements for a total of 1000 hours(SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1 and SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2) in different settings
- All students are required to complete a minimum of 140 hours (equivalent to 20 full days) of face-to-face classroom-based learning, the focus of which is professional practice skills. At least 35 hours (equivalent to 5 full days) of face-to-face professional skills learning must occur before the first placement.
- Professional skill competencies that must be demonstrated in classroom learning include but are not limited to: advanced oral communication skills and professional documentation; assessment, engagement and decision-making with individuals and groups; developing the personal and professional insight and emotional intelligence required for effective use of self as a professional.
- CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice (Honours) program.
In order to commence field education placement you must:
- Hold a valid Blue Card, throughout the duration of your program, which is issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian (CCYPCG). You should allow 12 weeks for CCYPCG to issue the card. Note: students who do not possess a valid Blue Card will be unable to complete the field education component of their program and will be unable to meet graduation requirements
- Have a National Criminal History check (by Queensland Police Service or other state/territory authority)
- Travel to attend field education placements at your own expense
- Please note, while all endeavours will be made to place students in a given semester, this is not guaranteed and students may need to enrol at a later time should a position in an agency be unavailable in the preferred semester
- Have all required mandatory vaccines
Program notes
- For Sippy Downs students some courses in this program will be taught at the Sunshine Coast Heath Institute
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- Most courses are valued at 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
WIL notes
- It is a Queensland Government requirement that students undertaking a placement within a clinical setting are fit tested annually for an approved respirator. Clinical settings include hospitals, residential aged care facilities, residential disability care facilities, prison health services, youth detention health services, community health care settings, and vaccination clinics. If the Fit Testing requirement applies to placement activity within your Program, it will appear in your mandatory checks on Sonia Online. In accordance with Australian Standards, you must be clean shaven for your fit test. Facial hair that lies along the sealing surface of a tight-fitting respirator prevents an effective seal. Therefore, it is a requirement that there is no hair growth between the skin and the facepiece sealing surface in order to achieve a fit. At this stage, there is no exemption in Queensland to this requirement for religious or other reasons and UniSC is unable to waive this requirement.
-
It is no longer a requirement that students in Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Please note that some placement host organisations have chosen to continue requiring COVID-19 vaccination. If you are not fully vaccinated, it is important to know that placement opportunities in your program may be limited and may result in a delay to your placement.
UniSC still strongly recommends that all students undertaking placement are fully vaccinated and provide evidence of this vaccination status to the University.
- For more information on mandatory requirements refer to Social Work - Placement.
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
Explore the likely peer cohort in the student profile data
No admissions data available
In UniSC admitted new student{{ studentProfile.model.allStudents > 1 || studentProfile.model.allStudents[0] === '<' ? 's' : '' }} at the {{ studentProfile.getLocationByCode() }} campus
| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
|---|---|---|
Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than five students.
Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 55.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 55.00 |
Additional entry information
English (Units 3 and 4, C)
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Bachelor of Social Work/Bachelor of Criminology and Justice - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$15,072 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$27,900
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 011221 |
| Moreton Bay | 014321 |
Student story
“I hadn’t studied before – I had just worked. University was a big switch, however it’s great. I really love it actually, and you get out of it what you put in.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.