Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) at the University of Wollongong is designed for students who want to understand crime, justice, social inequality and the factors that shape communities while developing the skills to create positive social change. Delivered at the Wollongong Campus, the program combines a broad social science foundation with specialised criminology studies, making it ideal for students interested in criminal justice, policy, community services and social research.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Social Science Foundations

In the first year, students develop a strong understanding of contemporary social issues and the ways societies function. Through foundational social science subjects, students explore social inequalities, community wellbeing and the impact of social structures while building essential academic, research and communication skills. The curriculum introduces key concepts that prepare students for advanced criminology studies in later years.

Year 2: Exploring Crime and Justice

During the second year, students begin focusing on criminology-specific studies that examine crime, justice systems and societal responses to offending behaviour. Students investigate topics such as crime and justice, youth crime and crime prevention while developing analytical skills to evaluate criminal justice policies and practices. This stage encourages students to critically examine how societies define and respond to crime.

Year 3: Advanced Criminological Analysis

The final year allows students to explore specialised areas of criminology through advanced subjects and research-focused learning. Students may study areas such as environmental crime, innovative justice approaches and criminological research methods while undertaking deeper analysis of contemporary criminal justice challenges. The program develops the professional and investigative skills needed for careers across government, community and justice sectors.

Focus Areas: Crime and justice, criminological theory, youth crime, environmental crime, crime prevention, innovative justice, social inequality, public policy, community development, research methods and social change.

Learning Outcomes: Develop an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, analyse criminal justice policies and practices, evaluate social issues using evidence-based approaches, conduct social research, communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and apply critical thinking to complex community challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): While the Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) is not linked to a specific professional accreditation body, it is designed in consultation with contemporary social and justice sector needs and provides career-ready learning experiences that support employment across government, community and criminal justice organisations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Wollongong is globally recognised for graduate employability and industry-focused learning. The program incorporates career-ready experiences, practical learning opportunities and real-world engagement to help graduates transition successfully into professional careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) at the University of Wollongong develop practical skills by examining real-world crime, justice and social policy issues through an interdisciplinary lens. The program combines criminology theory with applied research, policy analysis and community-focused learning, helping students understand contemporary challenges such as youth crime, environmental crime, crime prevention and innovative justice responses. Throughout the degree, students engage with career-ready learning experiences and have opportunities to broaden their perspectives through international study options and applied social science projects:

This practical focus is supported by a range of learning opportunities and facilities:

Career-Ready Learning: Students participate in career-ready experiences embedded throughout the degree, helping them develop professional skills valued by employers in government, community and justice-related sectors.
Criminology Research Training: The major includes criminology-specific research methods subjects, allowing students to build practical skills in social research, crime analysis, data interpretation and evidence-based policy evaluation.
Real-World Case Studies: Learning activities incorporate contemporary crime and justice case studies that help students apply criminological theories to real social and criminal justice issues.
International Study Opportunities: Students may choose to complete elective subjects overseas, gaining international perspectives on crime, justice systems and social policy.
Interdisciplinary Learning Environment: The program combines criminology with broader social science studies, enabling students to investigate crime alongside social inequalities, public policy and community wellbeing issues.
Expert Academic Researchers: Students learn from academics within UOW's Criminology, Justice & Social Policy discipline who are active researchers and maintain strong connections with government and community organisations.
UOW Library Resources: Students have access to UOW Library's extensive collections of criminology, justice, sociology and social policy resources, including academic journals, databases, research guides and digital learning materials that support research projects and assignments.
Digital Learning Platforms: Students utilise UOW's digital learning systems and online research resources to conduct academic research, collaborate on projects and develop professional research capabilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology) at the University of Wollongong develop a strong understanding of crime, justice, social policy and community issues, preparing them for careers that contribute to safer and more equitable societies. Graduates may pursue roles such as Policy Analyst, Community Development Officer, Crime Prevention Officer and Youth Justice Worker, while also building valuable research, communication and critical-thinking skills sought by employers across government, community and private sectors. This career-focused degree equips students to address complex social challenges and make a meaningful impact in their communities:

Career Support Services: UOW's Careers and Employability team helps students become job-ready through career consultations, résumé and interview workshops, employer networking events, internship opportunities and the UOWx co-curricular program, which allows students to gain practical experience and showcase employability skills to future employers.
Employment Statistics & Median Salary: Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences graduates from UOW report a full-time employment rate of approximately 58.1%. Graduate salaries typically range between AUD $53,000–$70,000 per year, with an average starting salary of around AUD $53,000, depending on the sector, role and level of experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program includes career-ready learning experiences and opportunities to engage with government agencies, community organisations, social policy bodies and justice-related sectors. Students develop practical knowledge through real-world projects and industry-informed learning that reflects contemporary social and criminological issues.
Long-Term Qualification Value: As a recognised Australian bachelor's degree from the University of Wollongong, this qualification provides a strong foundation for careers across criminal justice, social policy, advocacy and community services. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also creates flexibility for graduates to work across multiple sectors throughout their careers.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in advocacy, community and social services, policy analysis, community development, government agencies, social research and justice-related organisations. The degree develops highly transferable skills in research, policy evaluation, communication, problem-solving and ethical decision-making.

Further Academic Progression

After completing this degree, students can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Social Work (qualifying), Master of Public Health, Master of Teaching, Master of Social Policy, Master of Research or other specialised social science and criminology-related programs. The degree also provides a pathway into higher research degrees for students interested in academic, policy or leadership careers.