Criminology
Criminology is an interdisciplinary field devoted to the study of crime, deviance, social control and the legal system. Contemporary criminological scholars investigate a broad range of topics including justice, confl ict, risk, security, insurance, policing, governance and regulation. Key concerns include the nature of crime, how crime is defi ned and measured, why people commit crime and how societies might respond. Criminologists tackle ‘real world' social problems including offending, victimisation, juvenile justice, drug addiction, community safety, indigenous justice, organised crime and corrections. Criminology is shaped not only by scholars in law, philosophy, psychology and sociology, but also those in history, politics, economics, architecture, cultural studies, and other interdisciplinary fields.
Criminology at UNSW
Innovative teaching and a ‘real world' focus
Criminology courses include lectures, tutorials with problem based scenarios, online learning, field visits and guest lecturers (victim and prisoner rights advocates, indigenous justice workers, state and federal police offi cers, crime prevention workers, and others affected by crime and justice). You will be invited to get involved in the Crime and Justice Research Network - a new interdisciplinary initiative that brings together academics, researchers and students across UNSW with an interest in crime and justice.
Download the Criminology Information Brochure (PDF) (2 Mb)
Career Opportunities
In the private, public, and NGO sectors, Criminologists work in places such as:
- Attorney-General's Department
- National Drug, Alcohol & Research Centre
- Social Policy Research Centre
- State & Federal Policy
- ASIO
- Australian Bureau of Criminology
- The courts, prisons, and many more...
Our graduates are prepared for careers such as: policy analysts and advisors, research officers, project managers and research designers.
International Opportunities
As one of Australia's most international universities UNSW encourages students to spend a session or two overseas studying at one of our partner institutions as part of your degree. UNSW manages a large and active exchange program with over 180 different student exchange opportunities in 32 countries.
Program Information
Criminology and Criminal Justice
UAC Code: 422010
UNSW Code: 3422
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is a three-year degree which gives students the opportunity to build skills in applied social research and policy analysis combined with specialised study in criminology.The program allows students to focus on bringing together knowledge, methods and ideas derived from all the social sciences to the analysis of criminological problems. Students will gain: an informed understanding of criminal offending, victimisation, criminalisation and crime control in contemporary society; the ability to place contemporary Australian criminal justice in an historical and comparative context; the ability to engage critically with fundamental questions about ethics, justice and human rights.
Bachelor of Arts (Major or Minor in Criminology)
The Bachelor of Arts is a fl exible degree which allows students to combine two areas of interest from thirty five majors and minors. Students choosing a Criminology major will find it is a good fit with areas such as politics, sociology, history, psychology, philosophy, or women's and gender studies. The major in Criminology aims to provide students with a critical and informed understanding of crime and justice issues in contemporary society.
Research Project
Students in both the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justiceand the Bachelor of Arts (Major in Criminology) undertake a capstone course which will bring together the knowledge gathered in earlier parts of the degree to tackle a ‘real world' criminological issue. Students plan, conduct and manage an applied research project, develop skills in teamwork, and gain skills in interpreting and communicating research findings.
Please contact your Student Centre for information on how to include this area of study as an elective or general education course within your program.
Program Coordinator: Dr Alyce McGovern
Please check the rules of your program before enrolling in any courses listed. For program rules, please visit the UNSW Online Handbook.
http://www.handbook.unsw.edu.au/2012/index.html
