Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Global Security

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Global Security at Murdoch University Australia (Perth, Western Australia) is designed for students who want to understand crime, justice systems, international security challenges, and global threats such as terrorism, cyber risk, and geopolitical instability. It is ideal for students interested in careers in intelligence, security policy, law enforcement, and international relations where analytical thinking and real-world problem solving are essential.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in crime, society, and global systems through introductory units such as Introduction to Criminology, Global Politics and Security, and Crime, Law and Society. These units help students understand how crime is defined, how justice systems operate, and how global events influence security. Students also begin developing research, communication, and critical thinking skills essential for advanced study.

Year 2:
The second year focuses on deeper analysis of criminal behaviour and global security challenges through units such as Criminal Justice Systems, Terrorism and Security Studies, and Research Methods in Social Sciences. Students start applying theoretical knowledge to real-world issues such as transnational crime, cybersecurity risks, and policing strategies while strengthening their analytical and data interpretation skills.

Year 3:
In Year 3, students engage with more specialised topics including Cybercrime and Digital Security, Intelligence Analysis, and Transnational Crime and Global Justice. This year emphasises practical understanding of how intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and governments respond to complex security threats at both national and international levels.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced study and professional readiness through units such as Security Policy and Strategy, Advanced Criminological Theory, and a Capstone Project in Criminology and Global Security. Students complete independent or supervised research projects that integrate both disciplines, preparing them for employment or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: Criminology, global security studies, intelligence analysis, cybercrime, terrorism studies, international relations, criminal justice systems, policy development, and research methods.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will be able to analyse crime and global security threats, evaluate justice and intelligence systems, apply research methods to real-world problems, and develop evidence-based solutions for national and international security challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): While not a professionally licensed program, it is aligned with national higher education standards and designed in consultation with industry and government expectations in criminology, policing, and security studies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Murdoch University is recognised in Australia for strong graduate employability outcomes and industry-connected learning, particularly in criminology, security studies, and social sciences (refer to Murdoch University official course and rankings publications for latest data).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this degree build real-world capability through a strong focus on applied criminology, international security issues, and evidence-based problem solving. Learning is designed to move beyond theory, helping you practise how security threats, global crime trends, and justice responses are analysed in professional environments. You will develop practical skills through interactive learning environments, guided research tasks, and exposure to industry-informed scenarios that reflect real global security challenges:

In addition to classroom learning, students engage with industry-relevant tools, collaborative projects, and university-supported career experiences that build job-ready skills from early in the degree:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): structured opportunities that connect academic study with real-world experience in justice, policy, and security-related organisations
Murdoch Careers Support: career counselling, employability workshops, CV and interview preparation, and networking with employers in government and security sectors
Group-Based Applied Projects: collaborative assessments focused on analysing crime trends, security risks, and policy responses to global challenges
Digital Learning Platforms: access to online academic systems, research databases, and discipline-specific criminology and security resources for assignments and investigations
Murdoch University Library: dedicated research support, academic databases, and specialist criminology and social science collections for advanced study
Scenario-Based Learning Activities: practical case studies exploring cyber threats, transnational crime, terrorism risks, and justice system responses
Industry Engagement Opportunities: guest lectures and professional insights from justice, policing, policy, and global security practitioners

These experiences are designed to ensure students graduate with both academic knowledge and practical skills that align with modern criminology and global security careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Global Security at Murdoch University Australia are prepared to work at the intersection of crime prevention, international security, and intelligence analysis. This interdisciplinary degree equips students with a strong understanding of criminology, global security challenges, and strategic risk management, enabling them to contribute to national and international safety efforts. Graduates are well positioned for careers in government, defence, intelligence, and global security organisations where analytical and critical thinking skills are essential.

Common career pathways include Intelligence Analyst, Security Analyst, Policy Officer, and Criminologist, with opportunities across government agencies, defence organisations, international security bodies, and law enforcement sectors:

Career Support Services: Murdoch University provides dedicated employability support through Murdoch Careers, offering personalised career counselling, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, mentoring programs, and access to internships and Work-Integrated Learning (WIL). Students also benefit from industry-informed learning and practical project opportunities that enhance real-world readiness.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: Graduates in criminology and global security fields are in steady demand due to increasing national and international security challenges. Early-career salaries typically range from AUD $70,000–$95,000 per year, with a median salary of approximately AUD $80,000, depending on role, sector, and level of responsibility.
University–Industry Partnerships: Murdoch University maintains strong partnerships with government agencies, defence organisations, intelligence services, law enforcement bodies, and global security institutions. These collaborations support internships, applied research, and real-world learning experiences focused on security analysis, policy development, and threat management.
Long-Term Qualification Value: This double degree provides a globally relevant qualification combining criminology with international security studies. It is designed to develop adaptable skills in analysis, risk assessment, policy evaluation, and investigative thinking, ensuring long-term career flexibility in both domestic and international contexts.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for roles in intelligence analysis, security operations, counter-terrorism support, policy development, border security, crime prevention, and strategic risk analysis. The program builds strong analytical, research, and decision-making skills, enabling graduates to respond effectively to complex and evolving global security challenges.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate pathways such as a Master of International Security, Master of Intelligence and Security Studies, Master of Criminology, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Public Policy, or research degrees including Honours, Master of Research, or PhD. These pathways support progression into senior intelligence roles, defence and security leadership positions, and academic or policy research careers.