Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

This double degree combines an in-depth understanding of criminology with practical business skills, preparing you for careers that bridge justice, security, and corporate environments. It’s ideal for students curious about crime, law enforcement, and business management who want versatile career options.

Campus locations: This program is delivered at Deakin’s Burwood (Melbourne) Campus and Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus, giving students access to modern law facilities and strong metropolitan and regional learning environments.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

You’ll start by building foundational knowledge in both criminology and business. Key units include Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Law, and Foundations of Business, giving you a strong grounding in understanding crime and organizational principles.

Year 2:

Your learning deepens with units like Crime and Society, Criminal Justice in Practice, and Management and Organisations, where you explore social, legal, and management frameworks while developing analytical and problem-solving skills.

Year 3:

This year focuses on applied knowledge and real-world perspectives. Units such as White-Collar Crime, Corporate Finance, and Organisational Behaviour help you understand complex crime patterns and how businesses operate.

Year 4:

The final year emphasizes professional readiness and specialization. You may study Advanced Criminological Research, Strategic Management, and undertake work-integrated learning opportunities to apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

Focus Areas:
Criminology, Criminal Law, Business Management, Organisational Behaviour, Research Methods, Strategic Management

Learning Outcomes:
Critical thinking, Problem-solving, Analytical research, Ethical decision-making, Business acumen, Communication skills

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Deakin’s criminology and business programs are designed to align with industry standards, preparing graduates for roles in government, corporate, and non-profit sectors. The courses are informed by professional practice and ensure you gain skills relevant to careers in law enforcement, business management, and corporate compliance.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Deakin University is recognized nationally for its practical, industry-focused approach and consistently ranks highly for graduate employability, especially in fields related to criminology and business management.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Business at Deakin University gain practical experience by combining criminology theory with real-world business problem-solving. Throughout the degree, students analyse crime and justice issues, work on authentic business challenges, develop digital and analytical skills, and apply their knowledge through work-integrated learning opportunities. The program is designed in consultation with industry partners, ensuring students graduate with skills that reflect current professional practice in both the criminal justice and business sectors. As students progress through the degree, they engage with practical learning experiences that strengthen employability and professional readiness:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Both the criminology and business components include WIL units that connect classroom learning with professional practice. Students gain industry insights, career preparation skills and exposure to real workplace environments through credit-bearing experiential learning opportunities.
Internship Opportunities: Business majors include dedicated WIL units, with students able to undertake the MWL318 Internship unit, allowing them to gain hands-on industry experience while earning academic credit.
Industry-Designed Curriculum: The criminology curriculum has been developed in collaboration with Victoria Police, the Department of Justice and Community Safety Victoria, and the Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers, ensuring learning remains aligned with industry expectations and emerging challenges.
Real-World Business Projects: Through Deakin Business School, students work on practical business challenges, consulting projects and industry-focused assessments that mirror contemporary workplace scenarios.
Digital Learning Tools: Students develop digital literacy through units such as Managing Information in the Digital Age (MIS203) and learn to use digital technologies for research, business analysis, communication and professional reporting.
Criminology Research Training: The Criminology Research (ACR302) unit develops applied research skills, enabling students to investigate crime and justice issues using professional research methodologies and evidence-based analysis.
Specialised Criminology Studies: Students can explore contemporary areas such as Digital Criminology: Technologies of Crime and Control, Crime Prevention and Security, Crime, Terrorism and Security, and Organised Crime, gaining insight into modern criminal justice challenges.
Mentoring and Professional Networking: Students can participate in mentoring programs, volunteering initiatives, consulting experiences, student societies and industry networking opportunities that enhance career development.
Business Competitions and Global Experiences: Deakin Business School offers access to local and international business competitions as well as overseas study experiences across Asia, Europe and North America, helping students build global perspectives and intercultural skills.
Libraries and Learning Resources: Students have access to Deakin's extensive library network, digital databases, academic skills services, collaborative study spaces and specialised research resources that support both criminology and business studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Business leave Deakin well-prepared for a dynamic range of professional careers, equipped with analytical, leadership, and problem-solving skills. The program combines an understanding of justice systems and human behavior with business strategy and management, making graduates highly employable across government, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors. With hands-on learning opportunities and strong industry links, students gain practical experience that ensures they can make an immediate impact in the workplace.

Typical job roles:
Graduates often move into roles such as: Policy Analyst, Compliance Officer, Human Resources Officer, or Risk Management Consultant.

Detailed insights:

University services supporting employment: Deakin’s Career Hub offers tailored career advice, internship placements, networking events, and mentoring programs to connect students with industry professionals.
Employment outcomes: Criminology and business graduates have strong employability, with many finding roles in government agencies, corporate compliance, and consulting firms. Salaries vary by sector but generally start in the range of $60,000–$80,000 for entry-level roles.
Industry partnerships: Deakin maintains strong links with law enforcement agencies, private corporations, and community organizations, providing opportunities for placements, projects, and networking.
Accreditation and professional recognition: The business component is aligned with industry standards and professional associations, adding credibility to your qualifications and enhancing career progression.
Graduate outcomes: Alumni often pursue leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, or policy development positions, reflecting the program’s versatility and focus on employable skills.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can continue their studies through honours programs in criminology or business, or pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminology, or professional pathways in law, public policy, or corporate governance.