BA Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Victoria University

Program Overview

This program offers a unique blend of criminal justice and psychology, ideal for students who want to understand why crime happens and how systems respond to it while making a meaningful impact in society. You will study human behaviour, justice systems, mental health, and social factors like trauma and inequality—preparing you for careers across justice, welfare, and community sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
You begin by building a strong foundation in both psychology and justice systems, exploring how crime is shaped by society and human behaviour. Through units like Psychology 1A, Psychology 1B, and Criminal Justice Systems, alongside Crime and Inequality and Applied Human Rights, you develop a clear understanding of social justice, research basics, and behavioural science.

Year 2:
In the second year, your learning becomes more applied and analytical, focusing on real-world justice environments and human development. Subjects such as Professional Practice in Justice Settings, Alternative Approaches to Justice, and Developmental Psychology help you understand ethical decision-making, rehabilitation, and working with vulnerable populations, including young people with complex needs.

Year 3:
Your final year focuses on advanced psychological theory and justice reform, combined with practical experience. You will study Clinical Aspects of Psychology, Criminal Justice Reform, and Sociology of Law, and complete either an industry placement or fieldwork, allowing you to apply your knowledge in real professional settings and build career-ready skills.

Focus areas: Criminal behaviour analysis, criminal justice systems, mental health and wellbeing, social inequality and trauma, counselling and rehabilitation, law and policy

Learning outcomes: Ethical and professional practice; critical analysis of psychology and justice theories; research and evaluation skills; strong communication and advocacy abilities; culturally sensitive collaboration

Professional alignment (accreditation): Includes psychology electives aligned with Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) requirements

Reputation (employability): Graduates are prepared for roles in justice, welfare, and policy sectors, with strong analytical and problem-solving skills valued across industries

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This program is designed to go beyond theory, giving you real-world exposure to justice and psychological practice. You will develop practical skills through applied research, case-based learning, and industry engagement, supported by experienced lecturers who are active in the field. The highlight is the final-year industry placement, where you work directly within criminal justice or psychological settings, gaining hands-on experience before graduating:

Industry placement in criminal justice or psychological settings (final year)
Fieldwork or community-based project options
Exposure to real-world case studies in justice, ethics, and human behaviour
Research training through Foundations of Psychological Research and Research Methods in Psychology
Practical preparation through Professional Practice in Justice Settings
Opportunity to engage with VU’s Psychology Clinic for postgraduate pathways and supervised experience
Access to university learning resources, including research facilities and academic support systems
Graduates from this program are well-prepared for impactful careers that combine psychology and justice, with opportunities to work in areas such as victim support officer, child protection worker, corrections officer, or policy analyst. The degree equips you with transferable skills in analysis, communication, and ethical decision-making, making you valuable across justice, welfare, and community sectors:
Dedicated career services and employability support from Victoria University
Industry-relevant placement experience enhancing job readiness
Strong pathways into justice, welfare, and mental health sectors
Opportunities to work in government, NGOs, and community organisations
Development of skills aligned with real-world policy and reform challenges
Graduate outcomes include roles in advocacy, rehabilitation, and social reform
Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Victoria University. This pathway enables progression toward becoming a registered psychologist or advancing into specialised research and professional practice roles.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for impactful careers that combine psychology and justice, with opportunities to work in areas such as victim support officer, child protection worker, corrections officer, or policy analyst. The degree equips you with transferable skills in analysis, communication, and ethical decision-making, making you valuable across justice, welfare, and community sectors:

Dedicated career services and employability support from Victoria University
Industry-relevant placement experience enhancing job readiness
Strong pathways into justice, welfare, and mental health sectors
Opportunities to work in government, NGOs, and community organisations
Development of skills aligned with real-world policy and reform challenges
Graduate outcomes include roles in advocacy, rehabilitation, and social reform

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can pursue postgraduate study such as a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) or a Master of Applied Psychology (Clinical Psychology) at Victoria University. This pathway enables progression toward becoming a registered psychologist or advancing into specialised research and professional practice roles.