The Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University is designed for students who want to understand both the legal system and the causes, patterns, and responses to crime in society. It suits students who are analytical, socially aware, and interested in justice, law reform, and real-world legal problem solving. Campus location: Burwood (Melbourne), Geelong Waterfront Campus, and Cloud Campus (online learning options).
Curriculum structure:
Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and criminology. Core studies typically include introductory units such as Criminal Law, Criminology: Crime and Society, and Legal Principles and Research. This stage focuses on understanding how the legal system operates in Australia while introducing key ideas about crime, justice, and social behaviour.
Year 2:
The second year develops deeper analytical and legal skills through more structured learning in areas such as Constitutional Law, Crime, Deviance and Control, and Legal Research and Writing. Students begin applying theory to real-world issues, learning how laws are interpreted and how criminological theories explain crime trends and justice system responses.
Year 3:
In the third year, students engage with more complex legal and criminological topics including Administrative Law, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Procedure. This stage strengthens advocacy, legal reasoning, and research skills, preparing students for more advanced case analysis and justice system evaluation.
Year 4–5 (Advanced Study & Integration):
In the final stages, students focus on specialised law electives and advanced criminology subjects such as Evidence Law, Sentencing and Penology, and Contemporary Issues in Crime and Justice. This phase also includes practical legal training components, mooting, and applied research projects that integrate both disciplines for professional readiness.
Focus areas: Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Practice, Crime Analysis, Public Policy, Legal Research, Justice Systems
Learning outcomes: Graduates develop strong legal reasoning, advanced research skills, and a deep understanding of crime and justice systems, enabling them to work effectively in legal, government, and justice-related roles.
Professional alignment (accreditation): The Bachelor of Laws component is structured to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training), while criminology strengthens expertise in justice policy and criminal behaviour analysis.
Reputation (employability rankings): Deakin University is widely recognised in Australian graduate outcome surveys (QILT) for strong graduate employment outcomes, particularly in law, criminology, and public sector pathways.
At Deakin University, the Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Laws is built around applied learning where you actively develop legal, analytical, and criminological skills through real-world simulations and professional practice environments. You don’t just study criminal justice systems—you engage with them through case analysis, legal problem-solving, and research-driven projects that reflect how law and criminology operate in practice. Students also gain experience using professional legal tools, working in collaborative teams, and applying criminological theory to real justice system challenges: bridging academic learning with professional legal and policy environments.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University are prepared for impactful careers across the justice system, legal profession, and public policy sector. This degree builds strong capabilities in legal reasoning, crime analysis, and justice system understanding, making graduates highly relevant in roles that address crime prevention, law enforcement policy, and legal advocacy. Many graduates move into careers such as criminal lawyer, policy advisor, criminologist, or corrections and justice officer: working within courts, government agencies, and community justice organisations.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, graduates can progress into the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice to qualify for admission as a lawyer, or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Criminology, or Master of Public Policy. Many also advance into research degrees (PhD) in law or criminology for careers in academia, justice reform leadership, or senior government advisory roles.



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