Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2024: February, July

Duration: 
4 years
Location: 
City Campus
Footscray Park
Fees: 

2024: A$16,700*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Study the motivations that underpin criminal acts, and gain the knowledge needed to make a difference in the community, with the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University.

This four-year double degree combines the core units of the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Psychology.

Drawing on key themes in criminology and psychology, you'll gain the expertise needed to understand and solve real problems in the community.

You'll study important subject areas, such as:

  • 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.

Through completion of the psychology major, you'll gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and emotions to complement your knowledge of criminal behaviour and motivations.

As part of this course, you'll get practical experience in a fieldwork placement unit, where you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your studies.

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.

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Services and support are available online.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available for all students.

Gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and emotions with a psychology major.

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 (eg legal aid centres) 
  • the police force (State and Federal)
  • correctional services
  • border security services
  • policy development
  • social, health and market research
  • human resources and related service.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for further study; for example, honours 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.

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

Year 2

Year 3

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective unit 1

Year 4

Plus

12 credit points of Psychology Elective unit 2

Psychology Elective Units

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.

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

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

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.

Inherent Requirements

'Inherent requirements' are the abilities, attributes, skills and behaviours needed to meet the learning outcomes of a course. These should be met while preserving the academic integrity of the university’s learning, assessment and accreditation processes.

You need to be able to demonstrate that you hold, or can acquire, the inherent requirements for this degree.

We may be able to make reasonable adjustments to help you manage circumstances that impact your studies – provided these don't fundamentally change the academic integrity of the degree.

Read more about inherent requirements.

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.

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.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

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.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

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.