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Introduction to the Bachelor of Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is a multidisciplinary degree that combines academic study with a strong vocational focus. It is the first degree of its kind in Aotearoa, offering students a 360-degree look at the criminal justice system and its processes.

Degree Structure

The BCJ requires 360 points, consisting of:

• 255 or 270 points of compulsory courses (depending on courses chosen at the second year)
• At least 90 points of approved elective courses
• 15 points from the Bachelor of Criminal Justice or from other degrees A minimum of 135 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.

Duration and Study Options

The degree takes 3 years of full-time study or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years. Students can study either on campus or exclusively online, with the online programme following different term dates and having a more prescribed course list.

First Year

In the first year, all courses are compulsory, totaling 120 points, with an additional 15 points of 100-level compulsory courses usually taken in the second year.

Second Year

In the second year, students take either 75 or 90 compulsory 200-level points, depending on whether they take CRJU202 Criminal Law for Criminal Justice (15 points) or LAWS202 Criminal Law (30 points). The remaining 15 or 30 points at 200-level will be selected from the list of elective courses.

Third Year

At the third year, there are 45 points of compulsory courses, with a choice of 60 points at 200 and 300-level from the list of elective courses. A final 15-point course at 200 or 300-level can also be completed from the list or from courses in any other degree at UC.

Double Degrees

It is possible to study a Bachelor of Criminal Justice alongside other degrees at the same time, such as the Bachelor of Laws or Bachelor of Science.

Subjects and Courses

The BCJ includes study across different subject areas, including:

• Criminology
• Sociology
• Developmental and behavioural psychology
• Policing
• Criminal law and procedure
• Human services Students can select topics of interest, such as criminal behaviour, rehabilitation, human ethics, and many more.

Compulsory Courses

Year 1

• CRJU101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CRJU150 Legal Method in the Criminal Justice Context
• CRJU160 Legal Issues in the New Zealand Criminal Justice System
• HSRV103 Violence in Society
• HSRV104 Youth Realities
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology Social, Personality and Developmental
• One course chosen from specified options

Year 2

• HSRV210 Gender, Crime and Social Theory
• MAOR219 Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
• SOCI293 The History of Gangs in New Zealand
• PHIL139 Ethics, Politics and Justice
• CRJU201 Crime and Justice
• CRJU202 Criminal Law for Criminal Justice

Year 3

• CRJU301 Sentencing Theory and Practice
• CRJU302 Prisons and Corrections

Elective Courses

Students complete 105 points from a list of elective courses (or 90 if enrolled in a double degree BCJ and Bachelor of Laws), with at least 45 points at 300-level. One 15-point course at 200-level or 300-level can be chosen from courses from any other UC degree.

Fees

Domestic Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $7,466 per 120 points
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $7,914 per 120 points

International Students

• 2025 tuition fee estimate: $36,470 per 120 points
• 2026 tuition fee estimate: $37,890 per 120 points
• 2027 tuition fee estimate: $39,560 per 120 points

Further Study

Options include:

• Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice
• Postgraduate Diploma in Criminal Justice
• Master of Criminal Justice
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Criminal Justice

Careers

Graduates work in areas such as:

• Probation and parole
• Forensics
• Public and private investigation and security
• Social work
• Criminal justice policy
• The police

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice provides practical experience examining the justice system and identifying opportunities for reform, offering a dynamic and supportive learning environment that prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities.