Program Overview

Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Communication

Overview

Murdoch offers combined degrees which combine Criminology and another bachelor degree in an integrated course of study. This allows students to gain a range of opportunities for the study of disciplines which are greater than those for students studying one degree. Combined degrees with the Bachelor of Criminology include the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Psychology or Bachelor of Communication.

Admission Requirements

• Entry requirements (onshore): As per normal university admission requirements
• English language requirements: Equivalent of an Academic IELTS overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the social, psychological, legal, technological and policy influences on criminal behaviour, policing and investigation methods
2. Evaluate the scientific evidence on the development, maintenance, investigation and/or responses to criminal behaviour
3. Critique the social, psychological, legal and policy influences impacting on First Nations and CALD members of the community
4. Apply criminological theory to specific crime issues and/or cases to provide evidence-based responses
5. Identify, attain and synthesise current criminological literature to produce a variety of written and oral communications suitable for a range of audiences
6. Discuss and/or critique professional standards, such as confidentiality, research ethics and/or client ethics, and recognise diversity within these standards
7. Gather and analyse media and communication research and practice in local, regional, international and global contexts
8. Synthesise theoretical perspectives of media and communications issues and apply to changing dynamics in the field
9. Demonstrate ethical thinking in interpersonal, social and professional contexts
10. Demonstrate relevant critical, professional and technical skills using traditional and digital media for employment in the relevant discipline
11. Demonstrate cognitive flexibility by applying creative, technical and critical thinking skills to address complex communication and media issues
12. Communicate and engage with a range of audiences, stakeholders and publics through media and communication platforms using voice, text, sound and image

Structure

The course consists of 96 credit points, including:

• Course Core: 36 credit points
  • Required Units - Criminology: 12 credit points
    • CRM101: Criminology in Context (3 cp)
    • CRM201: Policing and Crime Prevention (3 cp)
    • CRM303: Technology, Crime and Justice (3 cp)
    • CRM307: Culture, Diversity and Crime (3 cp)
  • Criminology Specified Electives: 3 credit points
  • Required Units - Communication: 12 credit points
    • COM100: Thinking Communication (3 cp)
    • COM101: Social Media (3 cp)
    • COM200: Communication Research (3 cp)
    • COM306: Specialist Communication (3 cp)
  • Communication Specified Electives: 9 credit points
    • Choose from a list of units, including:
      • COM109: Introduction to Digital Media Skills (3 cp)
      • COM201: Playful, Social and Engaging Media (3 cp)
      • COM203: Consulting and Freelancing (3 cp)
      • COM208: Podcasting (3 cp)
      • COM210: Contemporary Issues in Communication (3 cp)
      • COM245: Media Law and Ethics for Communicators (3 cp)
      • COM302: Web Analytics and Digital Story Telling (3 cp)
      • COM303: Media Audiences (3 cp)
      • COM308: Professional Internship (3 cp)
      • CRE301: Client Consultancy (3 cp)
      • GRD110: Design Foundation (3 cp)
      • GRD204: Design Thinking for Innovation (3 cp)
      • PHO124: Introduction to Photography (3 cp)
      • SIK102: Wandju Boodja (Welcome to Country) (3 cp)
• Major: 48 credit points
  • Criminology Major: 24 credit points
    • MJ-CRIB: Criminal Behaviour (24 cp)
    • MJ-CRIS: Crime Science (24 cp)
    • MJ-LEGS: Legal Studies (24 cp)
  • Communication Major: 24 credit points
    • MJ-CAMS: Communication and Media Studies (24 cp)
    • MJ-SC: Strategic Communication (24 cp)
    • MJ-JRN: Journalism and Content Production (24 cp)
• Discovery Study: 3 credit points
• Option: 9 credit points
  • General Electives: 9 credit points
    • Choose units subject to meeting prerequisite requirements

Alternative Exits

Students may exit with either a Bachelor of Criminology or Bachelor of Communication, provided they have met the complete requirements for these programs.

Course Details

• Course version: 29
• Version start date: 01/01/2026
• Owning college: College of Law, Arts and Social Sciences
• Owning school: Law and Criminology
• Duration in years: 4
• Enrolment pattern(s): Part Time, Full Time
• Credit points: 96
• Award title: Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Communication
• AQF level: Level 7 - Bachelor Degree