Australian residents
International students
Intakes: 

2023: February, July

Duration: 
3 years
Location: 
City Campus
Fees: 

2023: A$14,300*
* fee per semester

Application due dates:
We are currently accepting applications for this course.
Apply

Overview

Develop the legal and social understanding to solve real problems in the community with VU's Bachelor of Criminology.

You'll learn to understand the motivations behind criminal acts and gain the knowledge and skills needed to help police, legal, and social-welfare organisations address the causes and results of criminal behaviour.

You'll study areas including:

  • policing and offending
  • law
  • crime
  • forensic investigations.

Your strong foundation in law subjects will help you work effectively within the legal system.

A research project will teach you to apply your learning to cases and scenarios, preparing you for your career.

VU has strong ties to the legal community, including partnerships with the Magistrates’ Courts.

We encourage all our students to gain the practical experience needed to graduate work-ready. One of the ways you can do this is through volunteering.

The Department of Justice has several volunteer opportunities in Victoria’s court, legal and prison systems.

Key parts of the industry and profession, including Victoria Police, recognise the need for a more educated workforce. Our criminology bachelor degree helps you fulfil that need, and makes you highly employable.

Graduates have a valuable overview of the complex criminal justice system. You will understand the interconnectedness of social welfare, law, correctional institutions, community, and policing.

VU’s Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.

Our students can attend Learning Hubs at one of five VU campuses.

We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice and can show you effective ways to study and manage your time.

Our programs include:

  • workshops
  • drop-in sessions
  • peer mentoring
  • maths and writing resources
  • resume and career guidance.

We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Course e-Brochure

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Careers in criminology

Your qualification will be widely recognised in areas including:

  • forensic work
  • police work
  • community legal settings
  • legal aid
  • security and intelligence organisations
  • paralegal work
  • youth justice
  • correctional services
  • community services.

Salaries

Use Labour Market Insights to find average salaries in Australia for various professions: 

Motives & meanings: solving & preventing crime

Motives & meanings: solving & preventing crime

Intrigued by the psychological and social implications of crime, and eager to be part of the solution, Dean Uelese chose VU's Bachelor of Criminology.

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Early intervention

Strong evidence shows that targeted early intervention programs for at-risk young people are a cost-effective way to reduce crime (Smart Justice).

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Criminology students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core Studies
  • 96 credit points of Professional Core Studies
  • 96 credit points of Minor Studies

First Year

Year 2

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 1

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 2

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 1

Year 3

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 3

12 credit points Minor 1 Unit 4

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 2

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 3

12 credit points Minor 2 Unit 4

Minors

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate conceptual understanding of criminology research, theory and practice with advanced specialist bodies of knowledge such as law and criminology;  
  2. Exhibit expertise and professional judgement in the application of criminological concepts to issues of law, security and justice in contemporary society;  
  3. Adapt theoretical knowledge applicable to the discipline by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems and promote justice in authentic/contemporary professional, community settings; (including those that require cross-disciplinary knowledge and skills)  
  4. Communicate effectively to present clear and coherent independent expositions of knowledge and ideas to a variety of audiences;  
  5. Demonstrate personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within successfully in a team;  
  6. Exemplify professional ethics and accountabilities in their practice and a commit to ongoing professional development;  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Entry requirements

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Find out if you meet the entry requirements, including English language and academic requirements.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Foundations at VU JYAC

You will be guaranteed entry only.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

We are currently accepting international applications, and we welcome you to apply for this course.

Click 'apply' to begin, and we will guide you through the application process.

Apply

If you have questions, please get in touch:

Information and fees listed above are for non-resident students. Fees are accurate at the time of viewing and will be subject to annual increases. Some courses require students to purchase equipment or clothing that they will need in the course. These equipment or clothing costs are not included in the course fees listed above – check your Letter of Offer for an estimate on non-tuition-fee-related expenses.

VU takes care to ensure the accuracy of this course information, but reserves the right to change or withdraw courses offered at any time. Please check that course information is current with the Student Contact Centre.