Overview
Contribute to the welfare and safety of your community with a career in community justice or law enforcement.
In our Bachelor of Criminal Justice you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of our justice systems as well as a holistic approach to community justice.
You will study the law and restorative justice models and learn the contributing factors to why people interact with the legal system (including mental health, drug use and childhood trauma).
Be a part of criminal and community justice systems that aim to meet community standards and change rates of offending. You’ll graduate work-ready in areas that keep people safe and support the legal system, including:
- prisons
- police
- corrections
- the courts
- youth justice.
You will learn in a dynamic classroom environment that tests your ideas, builds your practical skills and strengthens your foundational knowledge. In your final year you will undertake a key industry placement to ensure you're confident and work-ready upon graduation.
You’ll gain an excellent understanding of the connected systems that contribute to criminal justice.
Meet the current needs of the justice system
This course is one of the preferred providers for the Department of Justice.
Key parts of the industry and profession, including Victoria Police, recognise the need for a more educated workforce. This course helps you fulfil that need, and makes you highly employable.
Graduates have a valuable overview of the complex criminal justice system. You will understand the interconnectedness of social welfare, law, correctional institutions, community, and policing. For example, how early-intervention programs for at-risk young people are a cost-effective way to reduce crime (Smart Justice).
Volunteer opportunities
VU has strong ties to the legal community, including partnerships with the Magistrates’ Courts.
We encourage all our students to gain the practical experience needed to graduate work-ready. One of the ways you can do this is through volunteering.
The Department of Justice has several volunteer opportunities in Victoria’s court, legal and prison systems.
Learning advice
VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in criminal justice
Your qualification will be widely recognised in areas including:
- police work and law enforcement
- community legal settings
- security and intelligence organisations
- corrections
- community courts
- youth justice
- community services.
Possible job titles include:
- police officer or correctional officer
- customs or border-force officer
- public service administrator
- court administrator
- corrections worker
- community justice worker.
Salaries
Use Job Outlook to find average salaries in Australia for various criminal justice-related professions:
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Criminal Justice students will be required to complete 288 credit points in total consisting of:
- 96 credit points First Year Core units;
- 192 credit points Professional Core studies including 24 credit points Capstone studies;
Course structure and units
First Year Core
-
- Unit code
- AEB1804
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEK1105
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA1024
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASL1003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASW1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AYW1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LCR1002
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
-
- Unit code
- ACW2024
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AEB2803
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASA2034
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASC2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASL2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASL2003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- AYW2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY2001
- Credits
- 12
Year 3
-
- Unit code
- ASC3007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASL3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ASS3009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY3000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY3001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY3003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- ECY3004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- EDI3001
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Exhibit high levels of responsibility, accountability and ethical practice required to work as a professional in the criminal justice system; | ||
| 2. | Initiate professional judgement in diverse and challenging settings within the modern criminal justice system; | ||
| 3. | Exhibit a range of intellectual and social skills in their understanding of the application of legislation and social policy; | ||
| 4. | Develop critical analysis and understanding of relevant areas of criminal justice social science research in specific areas of study; | ||
| 5. | Generate, organise and undertake research into relevant aspects of criminal justice; | ||
| 6. | Exemplify advanced academic skills in analysis, critical thinking and communication; and | ||
| 7. | Advocate, dispute and negotiate with professional competence using a range of well developed communication and interpersonal skills. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission 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.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Justice or Police Administration, Corrections, Legal support or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 24 February 2025
- 28 July 2025
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply through VTAC
Apply through VTAC if any of the following apply to you:
- you are applying for more than one course
- you are completing Year 12 in 2023
- you have an existing VTAC application to study in 2024
VTAC very late applications are due 14 January 2025.
Apply via VTACSpecial Entry Access Scheme
You can apply for consideration of your life circumstances during the application process by submitting a VTAC Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) application.
Apply direct to VU
Apply directly to VU if any of the following apply to you:
- you are a current VU student
- you are only applying for this course and are not completing Year 12 in 2023
Direct applications are due on 16 February 2025 for our next intake which starts on 24 February 2025.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
