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5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
University of NewcastleThis double degree combines criminology and law to help students understand crime, justice systems, and legal frameworks from both a theoretical and professional perspective. It is designed for students who are interested in criminal justice, legal practice, policy reform, and working within courts, law enforcement, or government justice agencies.
University of Newcastle – Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
Curriculum Structure
Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both disciplines through core units such as Introduction to Criminal Justice, Foundations of Law, and Criminology: Crime and Society. These subjects introduce how laws are made, how crime is understood in society, and how justice systems operate in Australia. Students begin developing legal reasoning, research, and analytical skills.
Year 2:
In Year 2, learning becomes more specialised with units such as Criminal Law, Criminal Justice Process, and Legal Research and Writing. Students explore how criminal offences are defined and processed, while also strengthening their understanding of courtroom procedure and legal argumentation. This year builds the bridge between theory and real-world legal application.
Year 3:
Students progress into advanced study with subjects like Evidence Law, Penology and Punishment, and Administrative Law. This stage focuses on how justice systems function in practice, including sentencing, corrections, and government decision-making. Students also begin engaging in deeper case analysis and applied legal reasoning.
Year 4:
In the fourth year, students study higher-level law units such as Constitutional Law, Criminal Procedure, and Criminological Theory and Practice. They also participate in practical legal learning experiences, strengthening advocacy, courtroom skills, and policy analysis. This year prepares students for professional-level legal and justice work.
Year 5:
The final year focuses on professional readiness through advanced law electives and capstone-style criminology studies, such as Law of Sentencing, Human Rights Law, and Advanced Criminological Research. Students complete complex legal problem-solving tasks and may engage in practical legal training experiences, preparing them for entry into legal practice or justice careers.
Focus Areas:
Criminal justice systems, criminal law, legal practice, forensic criminology, sentencing and punishment, public policy, human rights, and justice reform.
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates develop advanced skills in legal reasoning, criminological analysis, critical thinking, research, advocacy, and policy evaluation, enabling them to work effectively in law, justice, and government sectors.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component meets academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Newcastle is recognised globally in major university rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is known for strong graduate employability outcomes in law, criminology, and public sector careers.
Students in this double degree build hands-on capability in understanding crime, justice systems, and legal practice through a mix of classroom learning, case-based analysis, and real-world engagement. You’ll develop practical legal reasoning alongside criminological research skills, supported by exposure to justice system environments, policy analysis tools, and applied learning experiences across law and criminology. The program is designed to feel applied and professional from early stages, preparing you for real roles in courts, justice agencies, and legal environments: where theory is constantly connected to practice.
Experiential learning in this program is built around applied legal training, criminology research, and industry-linked experiences:
This double degree equips graduates with a strong understanding of criminal behaviour, justice systems, and legal frameworks, combining criminological insight with professional legal training. Students develop analytical, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across law enforcement, legal practice, government, and community safety sectors. Career pathways include solicitor, criminal lawyer, policy adviser, criminologist, corrective services officer, and intelligence or compliance analyst: offering strong opportunities across justice, legal, and public sector industries.
Future progression and career opportunities are supported through the University of Newcastle’s employability-focused approach, practical learning opportunities, and industry engagement:
Employment & Salary Outcomes:
Estimated Median Salary Range:
Graduates working across criminology, law, and justice-related fields typically achieve a median salary of approximately AUD $80,000 – $115,000, with strong long-term growth potential in legal practice, government leadership, criminal justice reform, law enforcement strategy, and policy development.
Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a solicitor in Australia. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Criminology, Master of Criminal Justice, Master of Public Policy, or research higher degrees in law, criminology, justice studies, or public administration. These pathways support advancement into senior legal practice, criminal justice leadership, government policy roles, and academic research careers.
The minimum English language requirements are an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 94, ensuring eligibility for admission.The minimum requirement is an IB score of 33, which meets the eligibility criteria for admission.The minimum requirement is A-Level grades of BCC, which corresponds to a total point score of 10 (B = 4, C = 3, C = 3) based on the grading scale (A* = 6, A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1).The minimum requirement is an ATAR score of 85, which meets the eligibility criteria for admission.The minimum requirement for domestic students is an ATAR score of 87, which meets the eligibility criteria for admission.India : Indian boards (including CBSE & State board) accepted with a minimum average of 85% (87% for CISCE/ISC), calculated using English plus the best required externally examined subjects, depending on the state board.US : The minimum requirements are an SAT score of 1210 and an ACT score of 25 for eligibility.China : For the China (People’s Republic) National Entrance Examination (Gaokao), a minimum total score of 503 out of 750 is required, with scores from Shanghai and Hainan converted to the 750 scale.Criminal lawyerprosecutordefence lawyercriminologistforensic analystintelligence analystcorrections officerpolice legal advisorpolicy advisor in justice systemvictim support coordinator
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