Bachelor's of Criminology and Psychology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology at RMIT University combines an accredited psychology major with applied criminology studies, helping students understand criminal behaviour, human decision-making, and the social factors that influence crime. Campus location: Melbourne City Campus, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. This program is ideal for students interested in justice, human services, behavioural science, and psychology-related careers, while building practical skills in forensic interviewing, risk assessment, behavioural analysis, and case management.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both psychology and criminology while developing academic and research skills. Subjects such as Introduction to Criminology, Criminal Psychology, and Psychology and the Human Condition introduce key theories of crime, offender behaviour, and psychological principles that underpin human actions. Students also begin exploring the relationship between crime, society, and justice systems.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on understanding criminal justice processes and advanced psychological concepts. Through courses such as Forensic Interviewing, Research Methods, and Behavioural Analysis, students learn how to assess evidence, conduct interviews, analyse criminal behaviour, and apply psychological research techniques to real-world justice settings. Practical case studies help connect theory with professional practice.

Year 3:
In the final year, students deepen their expertise in specialised areas of criminology and psychology while strengthening professional and analytical capabilities. Advanced subjects such as Case Management, Risk Assessment, and Applied Criminology Practice prepare students to work with offenders, victims, and clients with complex needs. Students also undertake higher-level research and policy analysis, developing skills valued across justice and human services sectors.

Focus Areas: Criminal psychology, criminological theory, forensic interviewing, behavioural analysis, criminal justice systems, case management, risk assessment, research methods, crime prevention, victim support.

Learning Outcomes: Develop an understanding of the psychology of crime; apply criminological and psychological theories to real-world issues; conduct forensic interviews and behavioural assessments; analyse criminal justice policies and practices; develop communication, research, and case management skills for justice and human services settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program includes an accredited psychology major and provides a foundation for students wishing to pursue further study toward professional psychology registration, subject to additional honours and postgraduate requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): RMIT is recognised globally for industry-connected education and practical learning. The university is ranked among the world's leading institutions and is known for strong employer engagement, work-integrated learning opportunities, and career-focused programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology at RMIT University develop practical skills through real-world case analysis, applied psychology training, and justice-focused learning experiences. The program combines criminology and psychology to help students build capabilities in forensic interviewing, risk assessment, behavioural analysis, case management, and research, while learning from academics and industry professionals including criminologists, psychologists, lawyers, and former police officers.

Through interactive and industry-connected learning experiences:

Real-World Case Studies: Students examine contemporary criminal cases, crime trends, justice policies, and offending behaviour to apply criminological and psychological theories in practical contexts.
Forensic Interviewing Training: Dedicated study in forensic interviewing helps students develop professional communication techniques used when working with clients, witnesses, offenders, and victims.
Research & Data Analysis Software: Students learn research design and statistical analysis methods, including analysing psychological data using statistical software as part of their psychology research training.
Role Plays & Simulation Activities: Interactive workshops, role plays, discussions, and scenario-based exercises mirror real justice and human services environments.
Applied Projects: Case-based projects allow students to explore issues such as mental health, risk assessment, behavioural decision-making, and justice interventions.
Industry-Connected Learning: Students learn from practising psychologists, criminologists, lawyers, and former police officers who bring professional experience directly into the classroom.
Internship Opportunities: The program includes the option to undertake an internship placement, providing exposure to professional practice environments and workplace experience.
Justice Sector Connections: RMIT maintains close links with courts, police, corrections, justice agencies, and community organisations that help shape course content and learning experiences.
Library & Research Resources: Students have access to RMIT's extensive library collections, academic databases, and research resources to support criminological and psychological investigations and evidence-based practice.
Professional Practice Skills: Training in communication, risk assessment, behavioural analysis, ethical decision-making, and case management prepares students for careers across justice and human services sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor's of Criminology and Psychology at RMIT University gain a valuable combination of expertise in human behaviour and the criminal justice system, preparing them for careers focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, mental health, and public policy. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree allows graduates to understand both the psychological factors behind offending and the broader social and legal responses to crime. Typical career paths include: youth justice officer, behavioural support practitioner, criminal justice analyst, and community services coordinator.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Career support services: RMIT Activator and Career Connect provide career counselling, industry mentoring, employability workshops, internship opportunities, networking events, and job-search support to help students build professional connections before graduation.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates typically enter roles with a median salary range of approximately AUD 70,000–100,000 per year, with opportunities for higher earnings through postgraduate qualifications and advancement into specialist roles.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from RMIT's industry connections across community services, justice agencies, mental health organisations, government departments, and not-for-profit sectors, supporting practical learning and professional engagement.
Long-term accreditation value: The combination of criminology and psychology provides a strong foundation for careers in justice, human services, behavioural research, and rehabilitation, while also supporting progression into accredited postgraduate psychology pathways where eligibility requirements are met.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly progress into roles in youth justice services, rehabilitation programs, community development organisations, corrections support services, policy research units, and behavioural intervention programs.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can continue their studies through a Master of Psychology (subject to pathway and admission requirements), Master of Criminology, Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy, or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates may also pursue Honours and PhD research pathways for careers in academia, advanced behavioural research, forensic practice, or justice policy development.