Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at RMIT University is designed for students who want to understand crime, justice systems, policing, corrections, and social reform while developing practical skills for careers across the justice sector. The program is delivered at RMIT's City Campus, Melbourne, Australia, and combines criminological theory with hands-on industry experience, including a compulsory 50-day professional placement in a criminal justice-related organisation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students build a foundation in criminology, criminal justice, and socio-legal studies. Through subjects such as Foundations of Criminology, Criminological Theory, and Criminal Psychology, students explore the causes of crime, the operation of justice institutions, and the relationship between law, society, and criminal behaviour.

Year 2
The second year focuses on applying criminological concepts to contemporary justice issues. Students study areas including Crime Prevention, Justice Policy, and International Human Rights and Global Crime, while also developing practical research and client interviewing skills that are highly valued across justice and community sectors.

Year 3
In the final year, students prepare for professional practice through advanced studies and workplace learning. Subjects such as Case Management Practice, Community Corrections, and Criminal Behaviour Analysis help students develop specialised expertise, while the compulsory 50-day industry placement provides valuable real-world experience within organisations such as Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, courts, corrections, and community services.

Focus Areas

Crime prevention, criminal justice systems, policing and corrections, criminal behaviour analysis, justice policy and reform, victimology, youth justice, forensic studies, border security, human rights, criminal intelligence, community corrections.

Learning Outcomes

Develop the ability to critically analyse criminological and socio-legal issues, evaluate justice policies and reforms, identify gaps in criminal justice systems, apply ethical and reflective practice, communicate effectively across diverse contexts, and produce evidence-based solutions to complex justice challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree is professionally aligned with the criminal justice sector through extensive industry engagement and a compulsory 50-day work placement. Students gain practical experience with organisations including Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, Corrections, Customs and Border Security, courts, and community service agencies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

RMIT is recognised for its strong industry-focused approach and work-integrated learning opportunities. The program's compulsory professional placement, industry partnerships, and practical curriculum are designed to produce work-ready graduates with direct experience in justice-sector environments

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at RMIT University is designed with a strong practical focus, ensuring students apply criminological theory to real-world justice settings. Throughout the program, students engage in interactive workshops, group discussions, case-based learning, research projects, and professional practice activities that develop industry-ready skills. The curriculum is closely connected to the justice sector, giving students opportunities to learn from industry professionals and gain direct workplace experience.

To support this hands-on learning experience:

Work Placement: Complete a formal 50-day supervised placement in the final year with organisations such as Victoria Police, Australian Federal Police, Customs and Border Security, Corrections, Community Services, courts, and local government authorities.
Industry Connections: Benefit from RMIT's strong partnerships with federal and state government agencies and the wider criminal justice sector, which are embedded into the design and delivery of the program.
Real-World Case Experience: Work on real wrongful conviction cases and explore practical criminal justice issues through applied learning activities.
Group Projects: Participate in presentations, group discussions, syndicate work, and collaborative research projects that mirror professional justice-sector teamwork.
Research Skills Development: Build applied research capabilities through research projects, client interviewing exercises, policy analysis, and evidence-based investigations.
Digital Learning Tools: Access online learning materials, digital resources, research databases, videos, readings, and interactive learning platforms that support flexible and technology-enhanced learning.
International Experiences: Undertake overseas study, international exchanges, study tours, or even complete field placements abroad through RMIT's network of more than 165 partner universities worldwide.
Specialised Study Areas: Explore practical elective areas including Criminal Intelligence, Criminal Behaviour Analysis, Forensic Studies, Border Security, Victimology, Youth Justice, Evidence in Practice, and Community Corrections.
Library Resources: Utilise RMIT's extensive library collections, criminology databases, academic journals, and research support services to strengthen investigative and analytical skills throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at RMIT University develop a strong understanding of crime, justice systems, and social policy, preparing them for careers that contribute to safer and more equitable communities. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application, graduates are equipped to analyse criminal behaviour, evaluate justice responses, and support policy development. Typical career paths include: criminal justice officer, intelligence analyst, policy advisor, and community corrections officer.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

Career support services: RMIT Career Connect offers personalised career guidance, resume and interview coaching, industry mentoring, networking opportunities, and job-search resources to help students successfully transition into employment.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates typically earn a median salary range of approximately AUD 68,000–98,000 per year, with opportunities for progression into senior policy, intelligence, and justice administration roles.
University–industry partnerships: RMIT maintains strong connections with government agencies, law enforcement organisations, community justice services, and not-for-profit organisations, providing students with industry engagement opportunities and practical learning experiences.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree provides a respected qualification for careers across criminal justice, public policy, corrections, and community services, with transferable analytical and research skills valued across multiple sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly move into roles within criminal justice agencies, youth justice programs, community rehabilitation services, policy and research units, and government departments focused on crime prevention and public safety.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this program, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Criminology, Master of Justice and Criminology, Master of Public Policy, Master of Social Work, or Juris Doctor (JD). Graduates may also continue into Honours and PhD research pathways to develop expertise in criminological research, justice reform, public policy, or academic careers.