Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students studying the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice will explore how individuals behave, think and feel, and come to understand the complex causes and impact of crime. The Criminology and Criminal Justice degree includes studies in forensic science, cybercrime, border protection and biosecurity, understanding violence and trauma and the legal and social policies that keep us safe. The Psychology degree helps students to acquire knowledge, assimilate theories and concepts and develop applicable skills that are valuable to the enhancement of human functioning in a broad range of professional settings. By combining these degrees, graduates will gain wider insights than can be developed in a three-year single degree. Psychological studies will assist those who seek a career in the justice sector. Similarly, those with aspirations of becoming a Forensic Psychologist will be assisted with the knowledge gained from the criminology studies.

Areas of study

Child welfare and development, community work, criminology, health, human resources, law, marketing and market research, psychology.

Career opportunities

Aboriginal justice, youth (juvenile) justice, corrections, community support, crime prevention, road safety, women’s rehabilitation, drug and alcohol policy work, policing, forensic intervention services, disability services within justice and corrections. counselling, child welfare and development, human resources, marketing and market research, or fourth year study in psychology to pursue a career in psychology.

Professional recognition

This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia and undergoing scheduled re-accreditation for 2025 onwards. Upon completion of an APAC- accredited undergraduate degree, students who go on to complete Honours in Psychology will be eligible for provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia. Please note that after completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate degree, a further minimum of three years education and training in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in Australia.

Practical experience

Students can complete one Community Legal Engagement unit and undertake a 40-hour placement in the criminal justice sector or in an organization that provides services to, or that conducts research with, people who have come into contact with the criminal justice system; or they can complete at least 100 hours of community engagement related to psychological science. Before students begin professional experience for this course, they should review the mandatory state or territory legal and industry policy requirements. An overview of these requirements can be found via the ACU Work Integrated Learning Search tool.

Honours

Available as an additional year to meritorious students who wish to undertake research training to make a contribution to scholarship and evidence-based psychology or criminology practice.

Fees and charges

Visit the ACU website for general information about tuition fees.