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 (3)
COR109 Discovering Science
PSY101 Torts B
PSY102 Introductory Calculus
Advanced courses (14)
PSY200 Biodiversity and Ecology
PSY201 Chemistry
PSY202 Science Research Methods
PSY203 Contracts A
PSY204 Contracts B
PSY205 Property A
PSY300 Constitutional Law
PSY301 Equity & Trusts
PSY302 Property B
PSY303 Corporations Law
PSY304 Civil Procedure
PSY305 Administrative Law
PSY306 Evidence
PSY307 Professional Conduct
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (7)
CRM101 Regulation
CRM102 Economics for Business
CRM103 Discovering Management
CRM105 Marketing Essentials
JST101 Editing for Professionals
PSY100 Exploring Business Research
SCS110 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
Advanced courses (6)
CRM202 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends
CRM204 Communication for the Creative Professional
CRM301 Information Systems in Organisations
CRM304 Digital Journalism
LGL201 Accounting Principles
SCS225 Introduction to Contemporary Global Media and Communication
Elective courses (2)
Select 2 elective courses from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Business Law
JST202 World of Work: Your Pathway to Employment
LGL202 Global Communication
CRM203 Work Integrated Learning Project
CRM302 Work Integrated Learning Placement
CRM303 Work Integrated Learning Project
CRM305 Work Integrated Learning Placement
CRM306 Business, Governance and Society
SCS286 Human Development and Learning
SCS295 Professional Experience: Play and Pedagogy in Early Learning
Note: 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:
- Complete 3 introductory level (100 coded) required psychology courses including COR109
- Complete 14 advanced level (200/300/400 coded) required psychology courses
- Complete 7 required introductory level (100 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 6 required advanced level (200/300 coded) criminology courses
- Complete 2 elective courses
- 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
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan