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.
Careers 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.
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.
Entry requirements
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 (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.
Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.
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
We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.
Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.
If you have questions, please get in touch:
- Phone: +61 3 9919 1164
- Online: enquiry form
Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.
VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.
