Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Federation University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Federation University Australia is designed for students who want to understand the causes of crime, the operation of justice systems, and the strategies used to create safer communities. Through a combination of criminological theory, criminal justice practice, and industry-focused learning, students develop the skills needed for careers in policing, corrections, courts, government, and community justice agencies. Campus locations: Berwick, Gippsland, Mt Helen, and Online.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminology and the criminal justice system. Units such as Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions, Crime in Contemporary Contexts, and Explanations of Crime introduce key concepts relating to crime, offending behaviour, justice processes, and criminological theory. Students also examine how crime is understood and addressed within contemporary society.

Year 2

The second year focuses on the practical operation of justice institutions and crime prevention strategies. Through units including Australian Criminal Courts in International Context, Policing in Practice, and Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives, students explore courts, policing, rehabilitation, and correctional systems while developing a professional understanding of criminal justice practice. Additional studies such as Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts help students analyse crime across different communities and environments.

Year 3

In the final year, students apply their knowledge to complex justice issues and gain valuable industry experience. Subjects such as Young People: Risk to Corrections, Justice Responses to Difference, and Victims in the Criminal Justice System examine contemporary challenges facing justice systems. Students also complete Cooperative Placement 1 and Cooperative Placement 2, gaining real-world experience within criminal justice-related agencies and developing professional networks before graduation.

Focus Areas: Crime causation, criminal justice systems, policing, courts, corrections, rehabilitation, crime prevention, victimology, social justice, research methods, community safety, and criminal justice policy.

Learning Outcomes: Develop the ability to analyse crime trends, evaluate crime prevention strategies, understand criminal justice processes, assess justice policies, conduct social research, and communicate effectively within criminal justice and community service settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is officially recognised by Community Corrections Services (CCS), supporting graduates seeking careers within correctional and community justice sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Federation University developed this course in consultation with justice and community-based agencies, ensuring strong industry relevance. The program also includes professional placements and work-integrated learning opportunities that enhance graduate employability and workplace readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Federation University is designed to connect academic learning with real-world criminal justice practice, even in the online study mode. Throughout the program, students analyse crime data, evaluate crime prevention strategies, explore criminal justice systems, and apply criminological theory to contemporary issues through industry-informed assessments and case studies. Learning activities are developed in consultation with justice and community-based agencies, ensuring students gain practical skills that reflect current industry expectations. A major highlight of the degree is the opportunity to undertake professional placements within criminal justice-related organisations, allowing students to gain first-hand experience before graduation.

This practical focus is reinforced through a range of experiential learning opportunities and resources:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Students complete Cooperative Placement 1 and Cooperative Placement 2 during the third year, gaining professional experience within criminal justice-related agencies.
Industry Placement Preparation: Before commencing placement, students undertake the Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice) unit, designed to help them build professional skills, develop their career identity, and learn how to secure employment opportunities within the justice sector.
Industry-Informed Assessments: Coursework incorporates practical examples from industry, professional presentations from practitioners, and field-based experiences to help students understand the realities of criminal justice careers.
Crime Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation: Students learn to analyse crime trends, evaluate crime prevention initiatives, and assess criminal justice policies using evidence-based approaches commonly used within government and justice agencies.
Research Skills Development: The Research Methods in the Social Sciences unit provides training in research design, data collection, and analysis, preparing students for professional research roles and postgraduate study.
Industry Collaboration: The program was developed in consultation with justice and community-based agencies, ensuring learning outcomes remain aligned with employer expectations and workforce needs.
Online Learning Technologies: Online students access digital learning resources, virtual classrooms, discussion forums, recorded lectures, assessment tools, and academic support services through Federation University's online learning environment.
Library and Academic Resources: Students have access to Federation University's extensive online library collections, academic databases, research materials, study support services, and specialist learning resources throughout their studies.
Professional Recognition: The course is recognised by Community Corrections Services (CCS), providing additional industry relevance and recognition for graduates

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Federation University equips graduates with a strong understanding of crime, criminal behaviour, policing, justice systems, and social policy. Through industry-relevant coursework and practical skill development, students graduate prepared to address contemporary justice challenges and contribute to safer communities. Typical career opportunities include Criminologist, Community Corrections Officer, Intelligence Analyst, Youth Justice Worker, Police Officer, and Policy Officer.

This broad skill set opens the door to a wide range of professional opportunities:

Career Preparation & Employability Services: Federation University supports students through its Career and Employability service, which provides career counselling, resume and interview support, job search assistance, networking opportunities, and access to industry engagement activities. Online students also benefit from dedicated academic support services, mentoring programs, and digital learning resources designed to build workplace-ready skills.
Employment Outcomes: Federation University graduates benefit from a strong reputation for graduate employability, with the university consistently recognised for positive graduate outcomes and student support. The degree develops skills that are highly transferable across government, law enforcement, community services, and justice-related sectors.
Median Salary: Graduates entering criminal justice, corrections, intelligence, community services, and government roles typically earn a median starting salary of approximately AUD $70,000–$80,000 per year, with opportunities for higher earnings as they progress into specialist, investigative, and management positions.
University–Industry Partnerships: Federation University maintains strong links with industry, government agencies, and community organisations across Victoria and Australia. These relationships help ensure course content remains relevant to workforce needs and provide students with opportunities to engage with real-world justice issues and professional networks.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in criminological theory, criminal justice practice, policy analysis, research methods, communication, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving. These capabilities prepare graduates for careers across corrections, policing, youth justice, community services, intelligence, and public administration.
Long-Term Qualification Value: The degree provides a recognised qualification that supports entry into a diverse range of criminal justice and public sector careers. Its interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates possess skills that remain valuable across evolving justice, security, and community service environments.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates may continue their studies through honours programs or postgraduate qualifications in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Science, Public Policy, Community Services, Psychology, Social Work, Security Studies, or related fields. Advanced study can lead to specialised professional roles, research careers, leadership positions, and opportunities in academia and policy development.