Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

at Griffith University - Mount Gravatt Campus Australia

The Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies is an 80 credit point program designed to provide graduates in the criminology and criminal justice discipline with the opportunity to undertake advanced study in research methodology and to undertake supervised research work in the discipline area appropriate to their research trajectory.

The program provides the necessary preparation for entry into a higher degree research program (Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or equivalent program) for applicants who do not possess the required qualifications for direct admission into these programs. The program will also be available to students who wish to undertake advanced studies in the identified disciplinary fields but who may not wish to progress to MPhil or PhD study.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for admission to MPhil or PhD candidature subject to fulfilment of the requirements for candidature as specified in the Higher Degree Research Policy and successful completion of the confirmation procedure. The grade achieved will determine eligibility for admission to either a PhD or MPhil candidature.

The Program Director will be responsible for the overall supervision of students in the program and for monitoring their progress throughout the program.

Students may choose to exit the Graduate Diploma program (after successfully completing the specified courses) with the Graduate Certificate in Criminological Research Studies

Understanding human behaviour and what makes people tick is a crucial skill in the world of criminology and justice. With this double degree, you'll be prepared for a range of crime-related career opportunities with a focus on the psychological side of criminology. You'll also learn about the trends in crime control, along with new tactics and techniques for solving crime.

Industry and expert connections:-
At Griffith, criminology has always had a strong industry connection and a high level of cooperation from police agencies and other crime-related bodies. This double degree continues the tradition with a multitude of opportunities to meet with and hear from industry experts. In your final year, you'll have the option to complete a professional practice placement one day a week in a justice-related workplace.

Graduate Outcomes:-
Combining criminology with psychological science will give you the skills and understanding needed to deal with the human behaviour of crime. You'll find work in probation and parole, community corrections, family services, counselling, child protection, program and policy development, research and administration. There are also opportunities for crime trend analysis and the role of psychology in crime prevention.

With this degree, you'll be a part of the leading school of criminology in Queensland. You'll learn from internationally recognised experts and industry leaders who bring their authentic and compelling crime experiences to your study.

In your first year, you'll learn about the current trends in crime in Australia and overseas. Academic and professional experts will explain proven ways that crime can be examined, prevented and reduced. You'll participate in courses that include the police, courts and criminal law, forensic psychology and homicide.

In your second and third years, you'll narrow your focus into a key area of criminology and criminal justice based on your interests and desired career. You can choose from elective courses in policing, corrections, working with offenders and victims, counter-terrorism, or crime analysis and investigation.

Industry and expert connections
In your final year, you'll have the option to complete a professional placement and gain practical experience, which helps expose you to potential careers of interest and employers. You may also have the opportunity to study abroad and gain invaluable learning and experience that can increase employment opportunities.

You will also have the opportunity to gain experience in cutting-edge criminological research through the Criminology Undergraduate Research Internship Program. You'll be mentored one-on-one by criminology experts and can select an internship to suit your interests from a diverse range of research projects. Internship opportunities are offered on a competitive basis three times a year and usually last four to six weeks. It's a priceless opportunity only available through Griffith.

If you are a graduate from a non-education background, perhaps seeking a career change, and wish to teach in secondary school settings, this new degree will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge you need to register with the QCT.

You will learn the theory and practice of teaching, as well as about the characteristics of learners and teachers and the social contexts of education. The degree includes education studies, curriculum studies in two nominated teaching areas, and professional experience in secondary school settings.

In this double degree, you'll develop an understanding of the vital importance of human services within Australia's legal and social systems.

Through the human services component, you'll learn how to build a better future for individuals and families. You'll also be empowered by a greater understanding of the principles of social justice and social inclusion. In the criminology and criminal justice component, you'll learn about the causes of crime and how society responds to them through the justice system.

Industry and expert connections
Your study will include courses about policing, working with offenders and victims, and analysing and preventing crimes. You'll hear from academic and professional experts about how crime can be prevented and reduced.

You'll also undertake a range of courses to prepare you as a human services practitioner to create a more socially just world.  

You'll receive plenty of hands-on experience in your final year of study. Within a genuine human services environment, you'll put theory into practice in a supervised setting. This experience will enhance your skills in the workplace and get you ready to graduate job-ready.

Graduate Outcomes
You may find opportunities in policing and security, intelligence, probation and parole, child protection, crime analysis, courts and justice services, crime prevention and regulatory agencies.

You will be prepared for a career in areas such as law enforcement, working directly with offenders in welfare and counselling roles and in criminological research and policy roles.

This degree will prepare you for a career as a Clinical Psychologist. You will learn how to undertake psychological assessments, develop case conceptualisations, implement and evaluate interventions, apply research methodologies and engage in ethical professional practice.

The program has been designed to meet the requirements for eligibility for full registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and entry to the Registrar program for the area of practice endorsement in clinical psychology. Completion of the degree also meets the requirements for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society's College of Clinical Psychologists.

If you are keen to work as a psychologist, this degree will give you a thorough grounding in clinical, developmental, biological, cognitive, and social and organisational psychology.

You will learn how to use interpersonal skills and the principles of counselling to help people with personal, health, vocational and social difficulties.

You will also learn how to apply psychological theories to topics such as thinking and perceiving, motivation, stress, health and criminal activity.

In fourth year, you will begin formal research training and be introduced to professional psychological practice. You will complete an honours research project and study four core courses. You will need to achieve the required level of academic performance in the earlier years of the degree to be eligible for the fourth year of study.

You will have the opportunity to put your academic studies into practice through a professional practice placement.

This degree integrates supervised placement experiences and coursework focused on psychological practice. You will learn how to practice professionally and ethically and to communicate and collaborate effectively as you gain skills in evaluating client needs, designing and implementing evidence-based interventions and evaluating outcomes.

This program has been designed to meet the requirements for the fifth year of a 5+1 pathway to general registration as a Psychologist. Enrolment in this program may allow you to register as a provisional Psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia as part of the requirements of a 5+1 pathway and prepares you for eligibility to complete a +1 internship as a provisional Psychologist.

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours) is designed for students who want to hone their knowledge and skills through research.

You'll gain research training at a standard that will prepare you for postgraduate studies in justice administration, criminal justice or criminology. You'll also learn about advanced theoretical concepts and policy debates in contemporary criminology - setting you up to access a career at more than an entry-level position in the criminal justice system.

Your research will help to identify the social issues that lead to crime. You'll also learn to understand what makes criminals tick as well as how to minimise the negative impacts of crime on society.

Industry and expert connections
At Griffith, criminology has always had a strong industry connection and a high level of cooperation from police agencies and other crime related bodies. This Honours degree continues the tradition with a multitude of opportunities to meet with and hear from industry experts.

Graduate Outcomes
This degree sets you to enter the criminal justice system in a broader and usually higher range of rewarding roles such as an analyst or program design consultant - careers where the ability to do independent research is key. It also offers you a great pathway into a PhD, a Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours) puts you one step ahead.

This is your opportunity to expose yourself to an intensive research environment. You will develop expertise in research and learn the concepts, methods and skills required to apply knowledge with creativity and initiative to new situations. The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is awarded on the basis of independent supervised study that produces a substantial piece of research as judged by independent experts of international standing.