There is high demand for people with skills in crime prevention. The Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention will get you ready to take up the many job opportunities available.

If you’re passionate about keeping your community safe, you could work with your local council as a community safety officer or in urban planning and design. You could also pursue a career with the state government in the Department of Justice and Community Safety or as a crime prevention officer for Victoria Police. There are many exciting opportunities to work with community organisations around the country.

Designed by VU in partnership with the Department of Justice and Community Safety in response to workforce demand, the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention will see students gain an understanding of key research and effective, evidence-based crime prevention strategies, as well as develop expertise in planning, implementation and evaluation.

Flexible study options are available and the course can be completed full-time (by studying two subjects at a time over eight week blocks), or part-time (by studying one subject at a time over eight week blocks) across the year.

 

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About the scholarship

The demand for crime prevention skills is so high that the Victorian Government has provided funding for six scholarships as part of its Crime Prevention Strategy. Three scholarships were awarded in 2023 and there are another three scholarships available in 2024.

The Crime Prevention Scholarships are designed to provide financial assistance to students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention who have relevant community crime prevention employment or volunteer experience, and who may have financial barriers preventing them from undertaking post-graduate study.

The purpose of these scholarships is to build capability and knowledge of individuals currently involved, or with a demonstrated commitment to future involvement, in the delivery of community crime prevention activities in Victoria and to help increase the impacts of their work in line with the objectives of the government's Crime Prevention Strategy. Scholarship applicants with relevant employment or community experience are eligible to apply, even if they do not hold a relevant undergraduate degree.

Individuals who speak languages other than English, parents looking to return to work, those who identify as female, people with disabilities, and those from diverse cultural backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We recognise and celebrate the incredible richness that diverse perspectives bring to our community, and we firmly believe that every unique voice will contribute profoundly to making our communities safer.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible for The Crime Prevention program you must be:

  • An Australian citizen, Australian Permanent resident, NZ citizen or holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa
  • currently residing in Victoria
  • eligible for and enrol full-time or part-time in the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention at VU
  • provide demonstrated evidence of working or volunteering in crime prevention
  • complete the statement addressing the requirements outlined in the application process below.

 

Value

  • This scholarship is valued at $11,000 for a maximum of 6 months or prorated for part time study over 12 months
  • Scholarships will be paid in two instalments, subject to satisfactory academic progression:
    • first instalment paid upon enrolment beyond first block census
    • final instalment paid upon completion of the course.

Applications

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  • Documentation supporting the application must include:
    • Professional Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum 2 pages)
    • A letter of support from your current employer
    • A personal statement (Approx. 500-700 words) addressing:
      • Your experience of working or volunteering in crime prevention or a related field
      • How this scholarship will support you to successfully complete this graduate certificate
      • How you will use this qualification beyond VU.

 

Assessment & Selection

  • Applications will be shortlisted by a representative of the VU Scholarships Office and College of Law and Justice.
  • Shortlisted applicants will be reviewed and scholarships awarded by a panel of representatives from the VU Scholarships Office, College of Law and Justice and the Department of Justice and Community Safety.

Contact us

For more information about the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention and the available scholarships, please contact the course director, Ruth Liston:

Email: Ruth.Liston@vu.edu.au