Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 111753B
- IELTS
- Overall score: 7.0. Individual score of: 7.0 in all tests
- Fees (first year)*
- $29720
- Start dates
- February 2026, February 2027
Overview
Our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice explores the causes of antisocial behaviour and develops the knowledge and expertise you’ll need to make a valuable contribution in the criminal justice sector. By studying this degree, you’ll understand the complex causes and impact of crime, and the legal and social policies that keep us safe. The course includes studies in forensic psychology, forensic science, cybercrime, border protection and biosecurity, understanding violence and trauma.
ACU’s undergraduate psychology programs help students to acquire knowledge, assimilate theories and concepts and develop applicable skills that are valuable to the enhancement of human functioning in a broad range of professional settings. Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science will complete a sequence in psychology that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Students will acquire an advanced understanding of human behaviour and mental processes, and develop employable skills that are highly regarded by industry leaders. This course prepares students for employment upon graduation and/or for further studies in psychology which may lead to registration as a psychologist.
By combining these degrees graduates will gain wider insights than can be developed in a three-year single degree. The knowledge of both the legal system and criminology would provide ACU graduates of this course with a competitive edge. Psychological studies will assist those who seek a career in the justice sector. Similarly those with aspirations of becoming a Forensic Psychologist knowledge will be assisted with the knowledge gained from the criminology studies.
Professional experience
You will undertake a 40-100 hour work experience in either the criminal justice sector or in a position related to psychology.
Work placement
During your time at ACU you’ll take part in volunteering work that has a psychological or criminal justice focus. With an emphasis on work-integrated learning, there are opportunities tin this course to undergo 40-100 hours of community engagement to develop knowledge and skills related to this course.
Visit the faculty’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) webpage to view opportunities in psychology.
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) (APAC Level 1)
Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia. When completing this double degree a minimum of seven-years is required to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist.
Careers
- Policy advisor
- Reintegration worker
- Police (state, territory or federal)
- Immigration and border protection official
- Community corrections officer
- child welfare and protection,
- community work,
- marketing and market research,
- health,
- education,
- human resources
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, a student must complete 320 credit points (cp).
Course map
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Overseas study available
There are several international experiences for psychology students at ACU, however, these are subject to international border restrictions. You may also like to view other short-term international study experiences (STISE) that the faculty has on offer.
Entry requirements
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | Assumed Knowledge: English (Standard) (Band 2) or EAL (Band 3) |
| Victoria | Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English |
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
International applicants
Applicants whose first language is not English must have either:
Successfully completed at least two full–time years of study in secondary or higher education where the medium of study was English; or
Demonstrated their English proficiency, as set out below:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Overall Score 7.0, Individual Score of 6.5 in all tests.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL): from an Internet–based total of 94, achieve a minimum of 24 in writing, 20 in speaking and listening, 19 in reading.
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3715
- Average first year fee: $29720
- Estimate total cost: $118880
The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowInformation on the application procedure
International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Dr Shannon Dodd
Senior Lecturer (Criminology and Criminal Justice) - Thomas More Law School
Shannon Dodd's research background includes examining issues in Australia’s correctional system, including the use of body-worn cameras by custodial officers, people with disability in prisons, public support for the release of offenders on parole, and the increasingly punitive trajectory being taken in Australia with respect to offenders on bail and parole. Her research has also focused on the affective dimensions of public views, exploring how different emotions and mechanisms of emotion management may impact public views of criminal justice issues.
Shannon’s recent research has focused on the impact of enhanced compassion in judicial sentencing remarks on public punitiveness and criminal justice spending preferences, and the imprisonment of people with disability. In 2022, Shannon was also awarded funding from the Queensland Government to design and deliver an intervention aimed at young people in Townsville who steal cars to joyride.
Shannon’s research has been published both in Australia and internationally, in journals including Criminology and Criminal Justice, British Journal of Criminology, and International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology.
Before her academic career, Shannon was a solicitor in private practice.
Dr Joel Anderson
Lecturer (Psychology) – School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Dr Joel Anderson completed his undergraduate and postgraduate studies at ACU, and after a brief stint of working abroad has returned to ACU where he is a senior lecturer in psychology. He teaches units that focus on personality, cross-cultural and social psychology. He also coordinates a unit that gives students the opportunity to undertake a 100-hour placement in the community. In this unit, students can undertake a local placement, or work on a partnership-project based in Nepal. His research interests in social psychology focus on prejudices towards sexual and gender minority groups and individuals with refugee or asylum-seeking backgrounds. He is a Member of the Australian Psychological Society.