Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University is designed to give students practical exposure to the criminal justice sector while developing strong analytical, research, and professional skills. Throughout the degree, students explore contemporary issues such as forensic psychology, forensic science, cybercrime, border protection, biosecurity, corrections, and rehabilitation, applying theory to real-world criminal justice challenges. Students gain hands-on experience through community engagement activities, industry placements, research projects, and work-integrated learning opportunities that help them build professional networks before graduation.

This practical focus is reinforced through a range of experiential learning opportunities and student resources:

• 80-hour Professional Placement: Students complete an 80-hour placement within the criminal justice sector, gaining firsthand experience in professional justice environments. Before commencing placement, students undertake intensive workplace preparation training and receive guidance from a clinical education specialist.
• Community Engagement Unit: In their final year, students complete the Community Engagement unit, allowing them to work directly with community and justice-related organisations while applying criminological knowledge to real social issues.
• Research Training: Students develop practical research capabilities through units such as Introduction to Research for Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies and Researching Criminology, preparing them to conduct evidence-based investigations and policy analysis.
• Industry-Relevant Learning Areas: The curriculum includes specialised subjects in forensic psychology, forensic science, cybercrime, police studies, victimology, corrections and rehabilitation, customs and border protection, and criminal justice policy. These areas expose students to contemporary tools, methods, and challenges faced by criminal justice professionals.
• Applied Projects and Collaborative Learning: Students undertake case studies, policy analysis exercises, research projects, and collaborative assessments that reflect real criminal justice scenarios and encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Library and Digital Resources: Students have access to ACU Library services, extensive criminology and law databases, digital journals, research collections, academic skills support, and online learning platforms that support both coursework and independent research.
• Pathway to Honours Research: High-achieving students may progress to an Honours year, providing opportunities to undertake advanced criminology research under academic supervision

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University prepares graduates to understand crime, justice systems, policing, corrections, and social policy while developing strong analytical and professional skills. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience, students graduate ready to contribute to safer communities and effective justice outcomes. Typical career opportunities include Criminologist, Community Corrections Officer, Intelligence Analyst, Youth Justice Worker, Policy Advisor, and Law Enforcement Officer.

This strong foundation creates excellent career prospects:

• Career Preparation & Employability Services: ACU incorporates an 80-hour professional placement within the degree, allowing students to gain practical experience in criminal justice settings. Students also receive pre-placement training, career preparation support, professional mentoring opportunities, and access to ACU CareerHub for job opportunities, career planning, résumé development, and interview preparation.
• Employment Outcomes: ACU reports that 95% of its graduates are employed, reflecting the university's strong reputation for producing work-ready graduates and maintaining close connections with employers.
• Median Salary: Graduates entering criminal justice, corrections, community services, intelligence, and government-related roles typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$80,000 per year, with opportunities for substantial salary growth as they advance into specialist and leadership positions.
• University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from ACU's partnerships with criminal justice agencies, community organisations, government departments, and not-for-profit organisations through placement and engagement opportunities. These industry connections help students build professional networks and gain valuable workplace experience before graduation.
• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in criminological theory, criminal justice practice, policy analysis, ethical decision-making, research methods, communication, and critical thinking. These highly transferable skills are valued across justice, government, law enforcement, and community sectors.
• Long-Term Qualification Value: The degree provides a recognised qualification for careers across policing, corrections, youth justice, intelligence, border security, community services, and public policy. The practical placement component and broad industry relevance support long-term employability and career progression.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through honours or postgraduate programs in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Human Rights, Public Policy, Social Work, Psychology, Security Studies, Community Development, or Law (subject to entry requirements). Further study can open pathways to specialised professional roles, leadership positions, research careers, and academic opportunities within the justice sector.