Bachelor of Criminology

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology at Macquarie University is designed for students who are curious about the causes of crime, the operation of justice systems, and the social issues that shape criminal behaviour. Delivered at Macquarie University's Wallumattagal Campus in North Ryde, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, the program combines perspectives from criminology, law, social sciences and Indigenous studies to help students understand crime, injustice, policing, punishment, and emerging challenges such as cybercrime, terrorism and security.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminological thinking and learn how crime is understood within society. Through units such as Introduction to Criminology and Crime and Society, students examine the nature of crime, deviance, victimisation, and the social factors that influence criminal behaviour. They also begin exploring the relationship between inequality, justice, and social control.

Year 2

The second year focuses on the institutions, policies, and practices that shape criminal justice systems. Students deepen their understanding through subjects such as Crime, Policy and Governance, Policing and Crime, and Homeland Security: Intelligence and Law Enforcement, developing insight into policing, governance, security, intelligence, and policy responses to crime. This stage encourages students to critically evaluate how justice systems operate in contemporary society.

Year 3

In the final year, students engage with advanced criminological issues and apply their knowledge to real-world challenges. Units such as Global and Strategic Issues in Criminology, Social Order and Social Control, and Gender and Crime explore contemporary debates surrounding crime prevention, social regulation, justice, inequality, and global security. Students also complete a capstone experience that strengthens their research, analytical, and policy-development capabilities.

Focus Areas

Crime and justice systems, policing and security, criminal justice policy, inequality and social exclusion, Indigenous justice, cybercrime, terrorism and security, punishment and prisons, criminological theory, research methods, social harm and deviance.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a critical understanding of crime and injustice; analyse the cultural, political and historical factors that shape crime and deviance; evaluate the impacts of inequality and exclusion on justice outcomes; apply criminological theories and research methods to contemporary issues; communicate complex ideas effectively; develop ethical and evidence-based policy responses to social problems; and collaborate with industry, government and community stakeholders to address challenges across the criminal justice system.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Criminology is not a professionally accredited program. However, it is designed in consultation with industry needs and prepares graduates for careers across criminal justice agencies, policing, corrections, intelligence, security, policy development, community services, research, and related sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Macquarie University is internationally recognised for its strong graduate outcomes and industry engagement. The university consistently ranks among Australia's leading institutions and is ranked among the world's top universities in the QS World University Rankings. The criminology program emphasises practical, research-informed learning and contemporary industry relevance, helping graduates develop skills valued across government, justice, security, and policy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Criminology at Macquarie University develop practical, research, and analytical skills by exploring real-world issues related to crime, justice, policing, security, and social policy. The degree takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining perspectives from criminology, law, sociology, politics, and psychology while encouraging students to apply theory to contemporary criminal justice challenges. Learning is supported by Macquarie’s industry-connected teaching environment, extensive research expertise, and opportunities to engage with real-world professional settings through experiential learning initiatives and work-integrated experiences.

This practical focus is strengthened through a range of learning experiences and facilities:

PACE (Professional and Community Engagement) Program: Gain valuable industry experience through internships, placements, and community-based projects with government, industry, and community partners, helping you develop workplace-ready skills before graduation.
Industry-Relevant Projects: Apply criminological theories and social scientific models to contemporary issues involving crime, policing, social control, law, security, and public policy through research-driven coursework and assessments.
Research and Policy Analysis Training: Build practical research capabilities by investigating crime trends, criminal justice systems, victimisation, governance, and policy responses using evidence-based approaches.
Cybercrime and Security Learning Opportunities: Explore emerging issues such as cybercrime, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and security through specialised units that reflect contemporary challenges facing criminal justice professionals.
Access to Macquarie University Library: Utilise one of Australia's leading university libraries, providing extensive criminology, law, social science, and policy resources, research databases, study spaces, and digital learning tools.
Expert-Led Learning Environment: Learn from academics and industry experts with strong connections to security, intelligence, criminology, and public policy sectors, bringing current professional insights into the classroom.
Collaborative Learning Activities: Participate in discussions, case studies, research projects, and problem-solving exercises that examine criminal behaviour, justice systems, policing practices, and contemporary social issues.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology at Macquarie University develop a strong understanding of crime, justice, policing, security and social policy, preparing them for careers across the criminal justice system and related sectors. Career opportunities may include Victim Support Officer, Intelligence Analyst, Youth and Family Worker, Law Enforcement Officer, Court Support Services Case Manager, Parole Officer and Community Services Professional. The degree also develops transferable skills in critical thinking, research, policy analysis and problem-solving, creating pathways into a wide range of professional roles:

Career Support Services: Macquarie University's Employability Connect team provides personalised career advice, résumé and interview support, networking opportunities, employer engagement programs and access to job vacancies. Students can also gain valuable workplace experience through the university's Professional and Community Engagement (PACE) initiatives and industry-based learning opportunities.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: According to Graduate Outcomes Survey data for Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences graduates at Macquarie University, 65.4% of graduates secure full-time employment, with an average graduate salary of approximately AUD $60,800 per year.
Industry Connections: The program prepares students to collaborate with industry, government agencies, non-government organisations and research bodies across the criminal justice sector. Through practical learning experiences, students gain exposure to real-world challenges and professional networks that enhance employability.
Accreditation & Quality Assurance: The Bachelor of Criminology is delivered under Macquarie University's rigorous academic quality review framework and complies with Australia's Higher Education Standards Framework, ensuring the qualification remains respected by employers and postgraduate institutions.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for employment in areas such as crime prevention, law enforcement, intelligence, rehabilitation, community services, policy development and criminal justice administration. The degree also equips students with skills in research design, policy writing, ethical reasoning, public speaking and data literacy that are valued across multiple industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, students may continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master's degree in criminology, criminal justice, public policy, security studies, intelligence, social research or related disciplines. The degree also provides a strong foundation for research-based higher degrees, including a Master of Research or PhD, for students interested in academic, policy or specialist professional careers.