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The course will prepare you for work in state and federal police, in courts and corrections, government departments and for work in community based agencies delivering criminal justice courses.
Through this course, you will learn to understand crime data, why crime rates and types vary in different countries and across remote, regional and urban settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different crime prevention strategies and policies, as well as develop a knowledge of criminal justice processes.
You will engage with debates about the interaction between the criminal justice system and groups in society who are overrepresented as victims, offenders or both. You will also consider the influence of factors such as disadvantage, ethnicity, aboriginality, disability, age and gender and the effect of these factors on access to justice.
Students in this course will develop the practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work or further study. Assessments are informed by practical examples of the requirements of industry, practical experience in the field and presentations by those already in the field. You can also choose to complete either a major (6 units) or a minor (4 units) from specified study areas.
Major and minor options: Community and Human Services, Behavioural Studies, Sociology.
Nested qualifications
In addition to the 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, there is also the option of completing a 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice or a 3-year Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualifications also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career.
These courses were developed in consultation from students, justice and community based agencies.
Here’s what the course structure could look like. It’s just an example (so don’t use it for enrolment). Interested in the details? You can find current course structure or select a single unit name below to find out what it’s about and how much it costs.
You’d be looking at about 25-30 hours per week (if you’re full time), but this includes on-campus classes and self-directed study (i.e. homework).
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any English
Minimum ATAR of 50
Admission criteria for applicants with a Higher Education Study
Compulsory: Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as the Foundation Access Studies Program (FAST).
Admission criteria for applications with a Vocational Education and Training study
Compulsory: Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
Admission criteria for applications with work and life experience
Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a justice- or community and human services-related field, completed within the last 10 years. Applicants must also successfully achieve a score of at least 70% on a literacy test provided by the University. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) Program
How you apply will depend on your current situation – school leaver, tertiary background or life experience – and whether you’re also applying for courses at other institutions. Visit our how to apply page to find out more.
Ready to fill out your application? You might need these codes:
Direct application: Yes
Federation University code: HK3
Fees are subject to change annually.
You will also need to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).
If you're eligible for FEE-HELP, you can defer payment of your tuition fees (up to HELP loan limit). If you’re also eligible for a SA-HELP loan, you can defer your SSAF payment too. You won’t have to start paying either loan back until your income reaches the compulsory repayment threshold.
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Your previous studies might count towards this course (which means you could finish it sooner). Use our credit search to find out if that’s the case.
The Associate Degree is a direct pathway to the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.