Bachelors of Psychological Science / Criminology and Criminal Justice

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science / Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University combines the scientific study of human behaviour with a comprehensive understanding of crime, justice systems, and criminal behaviour. Delivered at the Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, this four-year double degree is ideal for students interested in understanding why people think, feel, and behave the way they do while exploring the causes, prevention, and responses to crime.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in both psychology and criminology. Core courses such as Foundations of Psychology, Psychology and the Social World, and Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice introduce key psychological theories, crime patterns, and justice system structures. Students also begin developing critical thinking and academic research skills.

Year 2

During the second year, students build their understanding of human behaviour and criminal justice processes through courses such as Brain and Behaviour, Developmental Psychology, and Crime, Policy and Justice. The curriculum explores how biological, social, and environmental factors influence behaviour while examining contemporary criminal justice issues and policy responses.

Year 3

The third year focuses on advanced psychological and criminological concepts. Students study subjects such as Research Methods and Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, and Crime Prevention and Community Safety, gaining analytical and evidence-based problem-solving skills. Greater emphasis is placed on understanding complex criminal behaviour and evaluating justice interventions.

Year 4

In the final year, students undertake advanced studies and electives that allow them to tailor the degree to their interests. Courses may include Psychological Assessment, Forensic Psychology, and Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice. Students integrate their knowledge across both disciplines and further develop professional, research, and communication skills relevant to future employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas:

Human behaviour, psychological science, criminological theory, criminal justice systems, forensic psychology, crime prevention, research methods, social psychology, community safety, policy analysis, criminal behaviour, evidence-based practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop an understanding of human cognition, emotion, and behaviour; analyse crime and justice issues using contemporary criminological theories; apply psychological and criminological research methods; evaluate criminal justice policies and interventions; communicate evidence-based findings effectively; and demonstrate ethical and professional decision-making skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The psychological science component is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing the foundation for students wishing to pursue further study towards registration as a psychologist. The criminology and criminal justice component aligns with contemporary industry and justice-sector requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Griffith University is recognised globally for its strengths in psychology and social sciences and is consistently ranked among the world's leading universities. Griffith is highly regarded for graduate employability, industry engagement, and practical learning opportunities that prepare students for successful careers across government, community, research, and justice sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus combines the scientific study of human behaviour with an in-depth understanding of crime and justice systems. Throughout the degree, students gain practical research, analytical, and problem-solving skills while learning from academics who are active researchers and industry experts. The program is designed to connect classroom learning with real-world applications through research activities, professional practice opportunities, and access to advanced teaching and learning facilities. Understanding human behaviour is a crucial component of criminology, allowing students to explore the psychological factors that influence offending, victimisation, rehabilitation, and justice outcomes.

This practical focus is reinforced through a range of learning experiences and facilities:

Professional Practice Placement: Students have the opportunity to undertake a professional practice placement during their final year, spending one day per week in a justice-related workplace to gain industry experience and build professional networks.
Research Training: The psychology component develops practical research skills through psychological investigation, data collection, behavioural analysis, and evidence-based decision-making projects.
Psychology Research Laboratories: Students have access to psychology teaching and research laboratories that support studies in cognition, perception, behavioural science, developmental psychology, and social psychology.
Crime and Justice Case Studies: Students examine contemporary issues such as cybercrime, criminal law, domestic and family violence, victimisation, homicide, and crime prevention through applied case-based learning.
Industry-Led Learning: Griffith is home to Australia's largest community of criminology and criminal justice academics and students, providing opportunities to learn from internationally recognised criminologists and industry professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Research Institutes and Centres: Students benefit from Griffith's strong research culture, including access to expertise from leading criminology and social science research groups that contribute to policy development and criminal justice reform.
Digital Learning Tools: Students utilise industry-standard research and statistical software for psychological and criminological analysis, data interpretation, and evidence-based research projects.
Collaborative Projects: Many courses involve research reports, presentations, case analyses, and collaborative projects that mirror professional practice within psychology and criminal justice environments.
Library and Learning Resources: Students have access to Griffith University's extensive library collections, digital databases, psychology journals, criminology publications, research repositories, study spaces, and academic support services.
Field-Based and Community Engagement Opportunities: Through placements, internships, projects, and community partnerships, students can engage directly with organisations addressing crime prevention, justice reform, rehabilitation, and community safety

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelors of Psychological Science / Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University Gold Coast Campus combines the study of human behaviour with an in-depth understanding of crime and justice systems, giving graduates a unique perspective on why people offend and how societies respond to crime. This double degree develops strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across both psychology and criminal justice sectors. Graduates may pursue careers as Intelligence Analyst, Youth Justice Officer, Behavioural Research Assistant, Community Corrections Officer, Crime Prevention Officer, and Policy Advisor.

This unique combination of disciplines creates excellent career opportunities:

Career Preparation & Employability Services: Griffith University's Careers and Employment Service supports students through career planning consultations, resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, and job-search assistance. Students can also participate in the Griffith Employability Award, which recognises professional development, leadership activities, volunteering, and industry engagement experiences that enhance graduate employability.
Employment Outcomes: Griffith graduates are highly regarded by employers, with the university consistently achieving strong graduate employability outcomes. The combination of psychological science and criminology knowledge prepares graduates for opportunities across government, community services, justice agencies, research organisations, and behavioural support settings.
Median Salary: Graduates entering psychology-related support roles, criminal justice, intelligence, youth justice, corrections, and policy positions typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$85,000 per year, with opportunities for higher earnings in specialist, research, and leadership roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: Griffith University maintains strong partnerships with government agencies, justice organisations, community service providers, and research institutions. These industry connections help ensure students gain contemporary knowledge and exposure to real-world challenges affecting both behavioural science and criminal justice sectors.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in psychological science, human behaviour, criminological theory, criminal justice systems, research methods, data analysis, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and professional communication. These skills provide a strong foundation for careers involving behaviour analysis, justice practice, policy development, and community engagement.
Long-Term Qualification Value: This double degree offers a highly versatile qualification that combines two complementary disciplines. The psychological science component provides foundational knowledge for further psychology studies, while the criminology and criminal justice component enhances career opportunities across justice, security, and public policy sectors.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this double degree, graduates may pursue an Honours year in Psychological Science or Criminology, followed by postgraduate studies in Psychology, Criminology, Criminal Justice, Counselling, Social Work, Public Policy, Security Studies, or related fields. Students seeking registration as a psychologist can continue through accredited honours and postgraduate psychology pathways, while others may progress into specialised master's or research programs leading to professional, leadership, research, or academic careers.