Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is designed for students who want to understand crime, justice systems, and the social factors that shape criminal behaviour, while building strong analytical and research skills for real-world impact. Campus location: UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This program is ideal for students interested in law enforcement, policy, justice reform, or further legal and postgraduate study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminological thinking and the structure of justice systems. Core learning typically includes introductory subjects such as Criminology: Theory and Practice, Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems, and Crime, Law and Society. These subjects help students understand why crime occurs and how justice systems respond in Australia and globally.

Year 2
In the second year, students move into more analytical and research-focused study, exploring how crime is measured and managed. Key areas include Research Methods in Social Sciences, Policing and Law Enforcement Studies, and Youth Crime and Justice. This year develops critical thinking and evidence-based analysis skills needed for real-world criminal justice challenges.

Year 3
In the final year, students engage with advanced topics and applied learning, focusing on reform, policy, and complex justice issues. Subjects may include Penology and Corrections, Criminal Justice Policy and Reform, and Contemporary Issues in Criminology. Students are encouraged to connect theory with practice through case studies and capstone-style learning.

Focus Areas

Crime theory, criminal justice systems, policing and law enforcement, youth justice, corrections, criminal policy, research methods, and social justice reform.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to analyse crime and justice issues using evidence-based approaches, understand the operation of legal and correctional systems, and contribute to policy development and reform in criminal justice contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

While not a professionally accredited law degree, the program aligns closely with criminal justice, policing, corrections, and policy sectors, supporting pathways into government and justice-related organisations.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

UNSW is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities, with strong global recognition in social sciences and law-related disciplines in rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales gain hands-on experience through applied crime analysis, justice system simulations, and real-world policy evaluation. Learning is strongly practice-focused, with opportunities to engage in research-led teaching, digital data interpretation, and exposure to contemporary criminal justice challenges through UNSW’s Law & Justice environment. Students also develop industry-ready skills through structured projects, analytical tools, and potential work-integrated learning experiences:

UNSW Kensington Campus (Law & Justice precinct): Central hub where students access dedicated learning spaces for criminology, law, and justice studies within a research-intensive environment.
UNSW Library (Kensington): Extensive academic resource centre supporting criminology research, legal databases, crime statistics, and policy archives.
Research Methods & Data Analysis Tools: Training in statistical and social science software such as SPSS and other qualitative/quantitative research platforms used in criminological studies.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Industry exposure opportunities through placements, internships, and collaborations with justice-related organisations and community agencies.
Crime & Justice Simulation Activities: Scenario-based learning including case analysis, policy problem-solving, and justice system decision-making exercises.
Digital Learning Platforms: Use of online academic systems and datasets for analysing crime trends, justice policies, and behavioural patterns.
Group Research Projects: Collaborative assignments focusing on real-world criminology issues such as policing, corrections, and criminal behaviour analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at University of New South Wales are well prepared to step into roles that directly engage with crime prevention, justice policy, and community safety. Many go on to work as criminal justice analysts, correctional services officers, policy advisors, and crime prevention officers across public and private sectors.

Progression pathways typically include roles in government agencies and justice organisations, with strong demand across Australia for criminology graduates. Median salary range: AUD 70,000–95,000 per year depending on role, experience level, and sector.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Career support services: UNSW Careers & Employability provides personalised career coaching, internship matching, resume support, and employer networking events to help students transition smoothly into the workforce.
Employment outcomes: Graduates benefit from strong employability outcomes supported by UNSW’s industry-aligned curriculum and practical learning focus through Work Integrated Learning (WIL).
University–industry partnerships: Students gain exposure to justice-sector organisations including government departments, law enforcement bodies, legal advocacy groups, and community safety organisations through placements and collaborations.
Professional value: The degree is highly regarded for careers in public policy, justice administration, corrections, and criminological research, providing long-term relevance in both Australian and international contexts.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly enter roles in criminal intelligence, rehabilitation services, border security, youth justice, and policy research units.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Criminology, Master of Criminal Justice, Juris Doctor (JD), or research pathways (Honours/PhD) to specialise further in law, policing, forensics, or policy development.