Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice / Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at University of New South Wales is designed for students who want to understand both criminal behaviour and the psychological processes that drive it, preparing them for careers in justice, mental health, and policy. Campus location: Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia—a leading hub for world-class teaching, research, and professional development in law, psychology, and social sciences.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin with foundational knowledge in both disciplines through core units such as Introduction to Criminology, Foundations of Psychology, and Psychological Science: Mind, Brain and Behaviour. This year builds essential skills in understanding crime, human behaviour, and academic research methods used in both psychology and criminology.

Year 2:
The focus shifts to deeper disciplinary learning with units such as Criminal Justice Systems, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods in Psychology and Criminology. Students begin analysing real-world crime patterns while strengthening their understanding of human cognition, development, and behaviour.

Year 3:
Students engage with more advanced topics including Crime Prevention and Policy, Social Psychology, and Forensic Psychology. This year develops analytical and applied skills needed to assess criminal behaviour and psychological influences in justice settings.

Year 4:
Honours-level study in psychology becomes central, including Advanced Psychological Research, Statistics and Experimental Design, and an independent research thesis. Students gain strong research capability and practical insight into evidence-based psychological practice.

Year 5:
The final stage integrates criminology and psychology through specialised electives and advanced practice-focused study such as Advanced Criminal Behaviour Analysis and Applied Psychological Interventions. Students consolidate professional readiness through research, applied learning, and interdisciplinary understanding.

Focus Areas:

Criminal behaviour analysis, forensic psychology, criminal justice systems, psychological assessment, crime prevention strategies, mental health and rehabilitation, research methods, and behavioural science applications.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop advanced skills in analysing crime and human behaviour, applying psychological theories to justice contexts, conducting evidence-based research, and designing interventions for crime prevention and rehabilitation.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The psychology component is aligned with Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) standards for honours-level psychology training, supporting pathways into professional psychology and further supervised practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities in QS World University Rankings and is recognised globally for excellence in psychology, law, and social sciences, with strong graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice / Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at University of New South Wales develop hands-on skills by combining real-world criminology contexts with advanced psychological training. Learning is highly practical, with students engaging in behavioural research, case-based analysis, and supervised psychological assessment training. Through structured placements, research projects, and industry-linked learning, students build the confidence to apply theory directly to real justice and mental health settings:

Psychology Laboratories : Students train in specialised research environments within UNSW School of Psychology, gaining experience in behavioural experiments, cognitive testing, and psychological data collection.
Criminology Case-Based Learning : Real criminal justice scenarios are analysed through structured coursework, helping students apply criminological theories to policing, courts, and correctional systems.
Research Methods Training (SPSS/R Software) : Students develop strong quantitative and qualitative research skills using statistical tools such as SPSS and R for psychological and criminological data analysis.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) : Industry-aligned placements and internships connect students with justice agencies, community organisations, and mental health services to gain professional experience.
Honours Research Project : In the final year, students complete an in-depth supervised psychology research thesis, contributing original findings in behavioural science or forensic psychology.
Fieldwork & Community Engagement : Opportunities to engage with community justice programs and support services help students understand real-world social and criminal behaviour contexts.
UNSW Library & Digital Resources : Access to one of Australia’s leading academic libraries, including criminology databases, psychology journals, and advanced digital research tools.

Facilities & Learning Resources: UNSW provides access to high-level research environments, simulation-based learning spaces, and dedicated psychology and criminology academic support services that enhance both practical and theoretical learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice / Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at University of New South Wales are uniquely positioned for careers that combine behavioural science with the justice system, enabling them to work in areas focused on crime prevention, mental health, rehabilitation, and forensic assessment. This double-specialisation opens doors to roles such as forensic psychologist (further study required), criminal intelligence analyst, rehabilitation officer, and behavioural support specialist.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Career support services: UNSW Careers & Employability provides dedicated psychology and criminology career pathways support, including internship placements, employer networking events, and tailored coaching for entry into competitive psychology-related professions.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates typically enter roles with a median salary range of approximately AUD 80,000–115,000 per year, with higher earning potential following postgraduate registration as a psychologist or advancement into senior justice roles.
University–industry partnerships: Students gain access to placements and collaborations with hospitals, mental health clinics, correctional services, forensic units, government justice departments, and research institutes, supporting real-world application of psychological and criminological training.
Long-term accreditation value: The Psychology (Honours) pathway is aligned with accreditation standards required for progression toward provisional registration as a psychologist in Australia, providing a critical step toward professional practice.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly move into roles in forensic support services, youth justice and rehabilitation programs, mental health services, policy advisory roles, and research-based positions in government or academia.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can pursue a Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Forensic Psychology, Master of Criminology, or Juris Doctor (JD), along with Honours research pathways and PhD study for those aiming for specialist clinical registration, forensic practice, or academic careers.