Program summary
Understand 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.
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.
Application and admission advice
Contact Student Central
information@usc.edu.au
+61 7 5430 2890
Ground floor, Building C, Sippy Downs
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What will I study
Select your location, starting year and starting semester below to display your program structure and a recommended study sequence.
Program structure
Psychology courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
COR109 Communication and Thought
PSY100 Introduction to Psychology A
PSY101 Introduction to Psychology B
PSY102 Current Directions in Psychology
Developing and Graduate courses (14) 168 units
PSY200 Research Methods in Psychology A
PSY201 Research Methods in Psychology B
PSY202 Physiological Psychology
PSY203 Introduction to Human Development
PSY204 Social Psychology
PSY205 Motivation and Emotion
PSY300 Advanced Methods in Psychology
PSY301 Cognitive and Perceptual Psychology
PSY302 Intercultural and Indigenous Psychologies
PSY303 Personality and Assessment
PSY304 Human Associative Learning
PSY305 Abnormal Psychology
PSY306 Psychology of Health and Wellbeing
PSY307 Adult Development and Ageing
Criminology courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM202 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM301 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
LGL201 Criminal Law: An Introduction
Elective courses (3) 36 units
Select 3 elective courses (36 units) from either faculty (Arts, Business and Law or Science, Health, Education and Engineering).
Suggested electives include:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM203 Homicide
CRM302 Youth Justice
CRM303 Restorative Justice and Mediation
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
SCS225 Social Research
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
SCS295 Gender and Culture
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 384
Recommended study sequence
This recommended study sequence ONLY represents the CURRENT program structure. Students in previous structures should use this sequence to inform order of courses and current course details. For courses in your commencing structure not included in the current sequence, search the course code for current course offerings and requisites.
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 384 units as outlined in the Program Structure
Program notes
- 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
- The unit value of all courses is 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 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
How to apply
Am I eligible to apply?
- Confirm that you meet the program specific admission requirements, prerequisites and recommended prior study outlined on Why study this program?
- Confirm that you meet the general undergraduate admission requirements and English Language Proficiency requirements
- Refer to the application dates for cut-off dates and deadlines
- Check your eligibility for credit
Domestic students
Apply via Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) — Use the relevant QTAC code specified on Why study this program?
Exceptions
The below applicants can apply online directly to USC:
- USC Tertiary Preparation Pathways (TPP) students who are currently enrolled in, or have had an enrolment in the previous two years; or
- USC / TAFE Articulation program students; or
- USC students who have completed an undergraduate program within the last two years, or are due to complete their program prior to their proposed semester of commencement;
- USC students who are currently enrolled in one program and want to study another program concurrently.
International students
Apply direct to USC International
More information
- Search for answers and ask questions in askUSC
- Contact Student Central
International students should contact USC International
How to enrol
New to USC?
Once you have applied and received your offer of a place from USC, follow the steps to Get Started at USC to respond to your offer, plan your study and enrol in the correct courses (subjects).
Continuing students
Before you enrol, visit Planning your study to make sure you are studying the right courses at the right time so you complete the required unit value to graduate from your degree when you plan to.
It is each student's responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements, and to be aware of the academic calendar dates.
Visit How do I enrol? for enrolment instructions and key dates.
Need assistance?
View step-by-step instructions to enrol at How do I enrol?
Refer to the Academic Calendar for key dates, including the last day to add, drop or swap a course or class and Census dateas.
Search for answers and ask questions about enrolling in askUSC, or contact Student Central.