Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University combines the study of human rights, social justice, law, and criminal justice, preparing graduates to advocate for positive social change while understanding the causes, impacts, and prevention of crime. This five-year double degree is ideal for students passionate about justice, human rights, public policy, advocacy, and community safety, and is offered at Brisbane, Melbourne, North Sydney, and Strathfield campuses.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build foundational knowledge of both disciplines through units such as Introduction to Criminology, Violent Crime and Society, and Legal Institutions and Human Rights. They also develop research and analytical skills while exploring the criminal justice system, juvenile justice, public law, and the relationship between human rights and Indigenous peoples.

Year 2:
The second year expands students' understanding of crime and society through Introduction to Forensic Psychology and the Law, Police Studies, and Introduction to Forensic Science and the Law. Students also examine social change, victimisation, Indigenous perspectives, and the broader global forces influencing justice systems and human rights.

Year 3:
Students move into more advanced criminal justice topics through Researching Criminology, Customs, Border Protection and Biosecurity, and Criminal Law for Criminology & Human Rights Studies. Alongside these studies, they explore ethics, security, terrorism, human rights, and offender rehabilitation, developing a deeper understanding of contemporary justice challenges.

Year 4:
The fourth year focuses on the intersection of justice and human rights through units such as Human Rights and Criminal Justice, Justice, Authority and Human Rights, and Australian Human Rights Law and Policy. Students also undertake Community Engagement and study emerging issues including cybercrime while gaining practical experience within the justice sector.

Year 5:
In the final year, students develop advanced expertise in global justice and advocacy through International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Advocacy, and World Politics and Justice. The program concludes with specialised human rights studies that prepare graduates for leadership roles in policy, advocacy, criminal justice, and international organisations.

Focus Areas: Human rights advocacy, criminal justice systems, criminological theory, policing, forensic studies, cybercrime, victimology, corrections and rehabilitation, border security, ethics, international humanitarian law, public policy, and social justice.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced knowledge of human rights principles and criminal justice systems; analyse crime and social justice issues using evidence-based approaches; apply ethical reasoning to complex legal and social challenges; conduct research and policy analysis; and advocate effectively for individuals, communities, and vulnerable populations in local and global contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The degree is designed in consultation with justice-sector and human rights stakeholders and includes professional experience through criminal justice placement and community engagement activities, ensuring graduates gain practical industry-relevant skills. Students complete professional experience within the criminal justice sector as part of the program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Australian Catholic University reports that 95% of its graduates are employed. ACU is also ranked among the Top 10 Catholic universities globally and the Top 40 young universities worldwide, reflecting its strong reputation for graduate outcomes and student success.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University combines classroom learning with practical experiences that allow students to explore crime, justice, policy, advocacy, and human rights in real-world settings. Throughout the degree, students develop professional research, policy analysis, advocacy, and investigative skills while examining contemporary issues such as cybercrime, forensic science, policing, border protection, criminal justice reform, and international human rights. The program draws on expertise from ACU's Thomas More Law School, National School of Arts and Humanities, and Faculty of Theology and Philosophy, giving students an interdisciplinary learning experience that connects theory with professional practice.

This practical focus is strengthened through a range of experiential learning opportunities and specialist resources:

Criminal Justice Sector Placement: Complete an 80-hour professional placement (with a minimum 40 hours of sector placement embedded in the Community Engagement unit), gaining direct experience within the criminal justice sector. Students receive intensive pre-placement training and post-placement debriefing with a clinical education specialist.
Community Engagement Project: Undertake the dedicated Community Engagement unit (LCRM304), allowing students to apply criminology and justice knowledge in community and professional environments while developing industry-relevant skills.
Research Training: Build practical research capabilities through units such as Introduction to Research for Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice Studies and Researching Criminology, where students learn research design, evidence analysis, and policy evaluation techniques.
Specialist Criminology Studies: Gain hands-on understanding of contemporary justice issues through subjects including Forensic Psychology and the Law, Forensic Science and the Law, Police Studies, Cybercrime, Customs, Border Protection and Biosecurity, Victimology, and Corrections and Rehabilitation of Offenders.
Human Rights Advocacy Training: Develop practical advocacy and policy skills through specialised units such as Human Rights Advocacy, Australian Human Rights Law and Policy, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights and Criminal Justice, and Security, Terrorism and Human Rights.
Interdisciplinary Projects and Case Studies: Work across law, criminology, politics, history, philosophy, and social sciences to analyse real-world justice and human rights challenges from multiple professional perspectives.
Library and Research Resources: Access ACU Library's extensive collections, legal databases, criminology resources, digital journals, research guides, and academic support services that support evidence-based learning and professional research.
Industry-Relevant Learning Environment: Learn from academics and practitioners connected to law, criminal justice, human rights, public policy, and community sectors, ensuring that classroom learning reflects contemporary professional practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Human Rights/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University equips graduates with a unique combination of expertise in human rights advocacy, criminal justice, social policy, and community safety. This interdisciplinary qualification prepares students to address complex global and domestic justice challenges while building the professional skills sought by government agencies, NGOs, law enforcement organisations, and international bodies. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Human Rights Advocate, Policy Advisor, Community Corrections Officer, Immigration and Border Protection Officer, Intelligence Analyst, and Humanitarian Program Coordinator.

Building on these career opportunities:

Career Preparation & Employability Services: ACU integrates practical learning throughout the degree, including an 80-hour criminal justice placement and professional training before placement commencement. Students receive workplace preparation, industry mentoring, and support from clinical education specialists to help develop job-ready skills and professional networks.
Employment Outcomes: ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, demonstrating strong graduate outcomes and employer confidence in ACU qualifications.
Median Salary: Graduates entering human rights, criminal justice, policy, community services, and government-related roles typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$80,000 per year, with significant growth potential as they progress into senior policy, intelligence, justice, and leadership positions.
University–Industry Partnerships: Through its placement programs and community engagement initiatives, ACU maintains connections with criminal justice agencies, community organisations, advocacy groups, and non-government organisations, giving students valuable exposure to professional practice in both the human rights and justice sectors. ACU also maintains pathway partnerships with TAFE and private education providers to support ongoing professional development.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop advanced capabilities in human rights advocacy, policy analysis, ethical decision-making, research, communication, critical thinking, intercultural engagement, and criminal justice practice. These transferable skills enable graduates to work effectively across government, international organisations, law enforcement, community services, and non-profit sectors.
Long-Term Qualification Value: This double degree combines two growing fields, providing graduates with a versatile qualification that is relevant across public policy, international development, justice administration, advocacy, humanitarian services, immigration, corrections, and government leadership. The multidisciplinary nature of the program enhances long-term career flexibility and advancement opportunities.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this double degree, graduates may continue into honours or postgraduate studies in Human Rights, Criminology, Criminal Justice, International Relations, Public Policy, Social Work, Community Development, Security Studies, Law, or related disciplines. Advanced study can lead to specialised careers in research, academia, public policy leadership, international advocacy, humanitarian practice, and senior positions within justice and government organisations