Program Overview

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Introduction to the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies

The Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies is a four-year double degree that combines the core units of the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Psychology. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the motivations that underpin criminal acts and the knowledge needed to make a difference in the community.

Course Overview

The course draws on key themes in criminology and psychology, enabling students to gain expertise in understanding and solving real problems in the community. Students will study important subject areas, including:

• Policing and offending
• Criminal justice system
• Human rights
• Corporate crime
• History of criminal law and trials
• Victims, justice, and the law
• History, theories, and practice of psychology
• Clinical aspects of psychology

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Elucidate and apply a broad knowledge of criminological and psychological theory and social research methods
• Exercise skills in independent research, theoretical analysis, and critical evaluation in criminology, psychology, and health
• Critically reflect on how broader systemic factors have an impact on and help inform human behaviour and wellbeing
• Exhibit advanced interpersonal and collaborative skills, consistent with professional, ethical, and culturally sensitive practice, when working with people from diverse backgrounds
• Interpret and coherently communicate knowledge and ideas using a range of media
• Demonstrate independence, self-reflection, and creativity to meet goals and challenges in professional and academic pursuits

Entry Requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don't meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s).

Minimum Entry Criteria

• Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English
• Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent)
• Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Human or Health Services or similar
• Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago, with Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent)

Course Structure

To attain a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies, students will be required to complete 384 credit points in total, consisting of:

• 384 credit points Core studies including 24 credit points of psychology electives

Year 1

• Psychology 1A (APP1012, 12 credits)
• Psychology 1B (APP1013, 12 credits)
• Foundations of Psychological Research (APP1016, 12 credits)
• Australian Legal System in Context (BLB1101, 12 credits)
• Interpersonal Skills and Communication (HHH1000, 12 credits)
• Introduction to Criminology (LCR1001, 12 credits)
• Policing and Offending (LCR1002, 12 credits)
• Crime and Inequality (LCR1003, 12 credits)

Year 2

• Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology (APP1017, 12 credits)
• Psychology 2A (APP2013, 12 credits)
• Psychology 2B (APP2014, 12 credits)
• Legal Research Methods (BLB1114, 12 credits)
• Developmental Psychology (HPP2001, 12 credits)
• Criminal Law (LLW1001, 12 credits)
• Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing (LLW1002, 12 credits)
• Legal Interpretation (LLW1004, 12 credits)

Year 3

• Psychological Issues in the Workplace (APP3023, 12 credits)
• Fieldwork (APP3028, 12 credits)
• Qualitative Social Research Methods 1 (APS2030, 12 credits)
• Quantitative Social Research Methods 1 (APS2040, 12 credits)
• Corporate Crime (LCR2001, 12 credits)
• History of Criminal Law and Trials (LCR2002, 12 credits)
• Criminological Theory (LCR2003, 12 credits)
• Plus 12 credit points of Psychology Elective unit 1

Year 4

• History, Theories and Practice of Psychology (APP3034, 12 credits)
• Research Methods in Psychology (APP3035, 12 credits)
• Clinical Aspects of Psychology (APP3037, 12 credits)
• Digital Criminology (LCR2004, 12 credits)
• Contemporary Issues in Criminology (LCR3001, 12 credits)
• Victims, Justice and the Law (LCR3004, 12 credits)
• Research Project (LCR3902, 12 credits)
• Plus 12 credit points of Psychology Elective unit 2

Psychology Elective Units

• Counselling Theory and Practice (APP3015, 12 credits)
• Group Behaviour (APP3016, 12 credits)
• Organisations and Work (APP3018, 12 credits)
• Psychobiology (APP3019, 12 credits)
• Cognitive Psychology (APP3026, 12 credits)
• Relationship and Family Wellbeing (APP3027, 12 credits)

Fees and Scholarships

The tuition fees for this course vary. As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester. There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Fee Type

• International Fees for full-time international student (2026): AU$18,400 per semester

Scholarships

Victoria University awards hundreds of scholarships, worth millions of dollars combined, to students at all levels of study. These scholarships support marginalized groups and reward high achievers for their hard work and perseverance.

Careers

On graduation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake a variety of roles in a range of employment settings. You could pursue a career in one of the following areas, using multi-disciplinary approaches to client services:

• Health and community services (for example, child protection)
• The criminal justice system and security roles (e.g., legal aid centers)
• The police force (State and Federal)
• Correctional services
• Border security services
• Policy development
• Social, health, and market research
• Human resources and related services Once you have successfully completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for further study; for example, honors in psychology. After completing an accredited fourth-year psychology degree, you may pursue postgraduate studies in psychology, which is part of the requirement to become a registered psychologist.

Start Dates

The course starts on 27 July 2026, at the Melbourne City Campus.

Professional Accreditation/Industry Recognition

This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).