Address criminal behaviour through understanding the psychology of crime.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2024 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
- * In addition to being able to study all courses at Sippy Downs, students may choose to complete some first-year psychology courses at Gympie. Only first-year psychology courses are offered at Gympie. The remainder of the degree is completed at Sippy Downs. International students can study at the Sippy Downs campus only.
Designed to prepare you for a career in psychology and criminology, this double degree explores the psychological dimensions of crime and crime-related applications of psychology. You'll examine the professional practice of psychology and develop an understanding of the scientific basis of psychological research.
You will learn from award-winning psychology staff and have the opportunity to participate in paid research assistant work in your second or third year of study. As a part of the Criminology component, you'll become prepared for real world challenges through guest lectures and opportunities for practical learning.
Earning two qualifications upon completion, graduates gain a competitive advantage in employment areas such as prisons and community correction and in offender management programs. There is also greater scope for employment in organisations in addressing issues such as integrity testing and workplace misconduct prevention.
This course is designed to meet the national accreditation requirements adopted by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). You can complete further study to become a registered psychologist, clinical psychologist or pursue an academic career.
Career opportunities
Employment destinations include crime and justice research and policy work; counselling / support work; human resource management; youth support; disabilities support; policing (state, federal, specialist); security practice and management; safety; intelligence; customs and border protection; child protection; crime victim support services; community conferencing; consumer protection; ombudsman and anti-corruption agencies; regulatory investigations, and many others.
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4)
COR109 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
PSY100 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
PSY101 Social Work and Human Services Practice
PSY102 Group Processes and Practice
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 International Community Development and Global Justice
PSY201 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
PSY202 Working Effectively with Aboriginal People
PSY203 Human Services Placement 1
PSY204 Human Services Placement 2
PSY205 Working with Children, Youth and Families
PSY300 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions
PSY301 Community Development and Social Action
PSY302 Complexity and Social Work: Group-Based Approaches
PSY303 An Introduction to Australian and Comparative Politics
PSY304 Communication and Thought
PSY305 Foundations of Australian Law A
PSY306 Foundations of Australian Law B
PSY307 Criminal Law and Procedure A
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6)
CRM101 Criminal Law and Procedure B
CRM102 Torts A
CRM103 Torts B
CRM105 Contracts A
JST101 Contracts B
SCS110 Property A
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Property B
CRM204 Constitutional Law
CRM301 Equity & Trusts
CRM304 Professional Health Communication
LGL201 Corporations Law
SCS225 Social Research
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
LGL202
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM303
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
SCS286
SCS295
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses in total, including the core course
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression