Bachelor of Criminology and Justice

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University is designed for students who are fascinated by crime, criminal behaviour, social justice, and the way justice systems operate. Studying at the Joondalup Campus, Perth, Western Australia, students gain a comprehensive understanding of crime, law, policing, courts, corrections, and justice while developing practical skills through industry projects, work-integrated learning, and practicum opportunities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminological theory and justice systems. Through units such as The Pursuit of Justice, Criminology, and The Psychology of Criminal Behaviour, students explore why crime occurs, how justice is understood across society, and the psychological factors that influence offending behaviour. Students also develop essential academic and research skills through Research in Action.

Year 2

The second year focuses on how criminal justice agencies respond to crime and social issues. Students examine rehabilitation and punishment through Corrections and Alternatives to Punishment, analyse law enforcement practices in Policing and Social Justice, and strengthen professional capabilities through Case Management and Professional Skills. They also investigate wrongful convictions and systemic challenges in Investigating Miscarriages of Justice.

Year 3

In the final year, students broaden their understanding of contemporary and global justice issues through advanced units such as Young People and Crime, International Human Rights, and Global Criminology. The degree culminates in either a Criminology and Justice Capstone Project or a Criminology and Justice Practicum Placement, allowing students to apply their knowledge to real-world criminology and justice challenges while gaining valuable professional experience.

Focus Areas

Crime and criminal behaviour, criminological theory, policing and social justice, corrections and rehabilitation, human rights, youth crime, global criminology, criminal justice policy, case management, justice system processes, research and professional practice.

Learning Outcomes

Apply multidisciplinary criminology and justice knowledge to real-world issues; critically investigate and analyse crime and justice challenges; design ethical and innovative solutions; utilise digital technologies responsibly; communicate effectively across professional contexts; engage respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives; and demonstrate professional integrity, autonomy, and leadership skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This course is accredited by Edith Cowan University as an AQF Level 7 Bachelor Degree. The program is closely aligned with careers across criminal justice agencies, policing, corrections, community services, youth justice, policy development, intelligence, and related justice sectors, with opportunities for practicum placements and industry-based learning embedded throughout the degree.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Edith Cowan University is recognised for strong student outcomes and teaching quality. ECU highlights that it has received 19 consecutive years of 5-star ratings for teaching quality in the Good Universities Guide and is consistently recognised for providing an outstanding student experience. The university also emphasises work-integrated learning opportunities designed to improve graduate employability and industry readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University develop practical, industry-relevant skills from the beginning of their studies. The program combines criminology theory with real-world applications through workplace learning, industry projects, research activities, and collaborative problem-solving. Throughout the degree, students engage with contemporary criminal justice issues, build professional skills, and work with industry partners on authentic justice-related challenges. In the final year, students can choose between a substantial practicum placement or a capstone industry project, providing valuable hands-on experience before graduation:

Workplace Practicum Placement: Eligible students can complete a practicum placement in a relevant criminal justice agency, undertaking a minimum of 270 hours of professional experience and gaining direct exposure to justice sector operations.
Industry-Based Capstone Project: Students can work in small groups on a real-life industry project, collaborating with external organisations to address current criminology and justice challenges.
Criminal Justice Review Project: A unique work-integrated learning opportunity that allows students to engage with industry-focused justice projects and develop practical research and analytical skills.
Group Project Experience: The capstone project requires students to work collaboratively in teams, strengthening communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Research Training: Units such as Research in Action help students develop investigation, data analysis, and evidence-based decision-making skills relevant to criminal justice professions.
Professional Skills Development: Dedicated study in Case Management and Professional Skills prepares students for workplace practice in corrections, community justice, youth justice, and related sectors.
Digital Technologies: Students learn to use established and emerging digital technologies to investigate criminological issues, analyse information, and develop evidence-based responses to justice challenges.
Industry Engagement: Students have opportunities to work with criminal justice agencies and industry professionals through work-integrated learning experiences and applied projects.
Real-World Case Investigation: Through opportunities such as the Criminal Justice Review Project and justice-focused investigations, students examine authentic criminal justice issues and wrongful conviction cases.
ECU Library Resources: Students have access to ECU's extensive library collections, research databases, study spaces, and digital academic resources that support criminology and justice research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice at Edith Cowan University develop a strong understanding of crime, justice systems, policing, corrections, and social justice issues, preparing them for a wide range of careers across government and community sectors. The course combines academic knowledge with practical industry experience, helping students graduate job-ready with valuable professional skills. Typical career outcomes include Police Officer, Community Corrections Officer, Youth Justice Officer, Parole Officer, Research and Policy Officer, Customs Officer, Security Officer, and Family Law Case Worker.

Career Preparation & Employability Support: ECU begins preparing students for employment from the start of the degree through workplace practicums, industry-based projects, work-integrated learning opportunities, and the university's Criminal Justice Review Project. These experiences allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world justice issues before graduation.
Industry Partnerships: Students have opportunities to work on industry projects with organisations such as the Western Australian Department of Justice. Previous students have completed capstone projects addressing real correctional and justice challenges under the supervision of industry professionals. ECU also offers unique experiential learning opportunities through initiatives such as The Innocence Project.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates develop skills in critical analysis, research, policy development, problem-solving, ethical decision-making, digital literacy, and professional communication that are highly valued across justice, law enforcement, corrections, policy, and community services sectors.
Employment Statistics: According to Australian labour market data, employment for criminology and criminal justice graduates is strongest across public administration, policing, corrective services, intelligence, youth justice, and community services sectors, with demand continuing for graduates possessing policy, research, and investigative skills.
Median Salary: Criminology and justice graduates in Australia typically enter roles with median starting salaries of approximately AUD $65,000–$75,000 per year, with experienced professionals in policing, corrections, intelligence, and government policy positions often earning significantly higher salaries depending on their role and level of responsibility.
Long-Term Value: The degree provides a recognised qualification that can lead to careers across criminal justice agencies, government departments, law enforcement organisations, corrections services, security agencies, and community-based justice programs. The practical learning components and industry engagement strengthen graduates' long-term employability.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students may continue their studies through postgraduate coursework or research programs in areas such as Criminology, Criminal Justice, Public Policy, Social Work, Psychology, Security Studies, Community Services, or Law (where admission requirements are met). Further study can lead to specialised careers in policy analysis, research, leadership, intelligence, rehabilitation services, and academia.