Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science

Develop a new understanding of crime in Deakin's Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, as you explore the social justice and rehabilitation themes that intertwine with why crime occurs.

Not only will you be able to study two of your interests, you will graduate with two sought-after degrees and a wealth of study and career options.

The psychological science stream of the course is professionally accredited, meaning you can graduate and enter the workforce with excellent job opportunities, or continue your studies with further training to gain general registration as a psychologist.

Everything you learn, from forensic psychology techniques to a deep understanding of criminal justice, is enhanced by practical learning. You will even get the chance to undertake a psychology placement in your final year. Apply your skills in a real-world setting and get a taste for your future role under the guidance of industry professionals.

Do you want to understand the true reasons why crime occurs - and how to address it with empathy?

If you are interested in the many areas where psychology and criminology overlap, this is the degree for you. Whether it is crime prevention or the subsequent justice and rehabilitation of offenders, you will develop knowledge and an understanding of the 'why' behind psychological science. This will put you in high demand when starting your career.

By studying the two disciplines simultaneously, you will gain broad, theoretical, applied knowledge and skills concerning:

• the meaning of crime
• the forms, causes and consequences of crime
• the different institutions and processes involved in preventing and controlling crime
• policy development
• policing and security.

The psychological science component of this combined course recognises the importance of, and interrelationships between, a range of human factors you will encounter in your future career. You will explore diverse areas of psychology, including behavioural neuroscience, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology and psychopathology, and be able to use this knowledge when analysing the causes and consequences of crime.

In this combined course, you will have the opportunity to complete two careers-focused units, which bring your new profession to the classroom (including online) with practitioner-driven seminars, activities bridging theory and practice, and the development of an e-portfolio that can be used for employment or career development.

Additionally, you will get the chance to build real-world experience by electing to undertake the Psychology at Work (Internship) unit in your final year of study, giving you 140-hours of practical psychology industry placement, strengthening your employment prospects.

Promising career opportunities await in the areas of criminology and psychology. You may find employment in areas such as:

• government agencies
• state and federal police
• security and intelligence agencies
• research and policy development
• correctional services
• community services
• private security and consultative industries.

Students wanting to take the next step towards becoming a psychologist must apply for an honours year (e.g. Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology). Once completed, you will be able to gain provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

If you are ready to take your psychology career further, the option to gain general registration as a psychologist is available by undertaking a masters or doctorate qualification in psychology.

For more information go to DeakinTALENT

To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science students must complete 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Psychological Science, which must include the following:

• Course requirements for both Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor of Psychological Science must be satisfied.
  • No more than 10 credit points at level 1
• Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Bachelor of Psychological Science studies

Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Psychological Science, including:

• 4 credit points of Foundations of Psychology (HPS104, HPS105, HPS111, HPS121)
• 8 credit points of Psychology Essentials (HPS201, HPS202, HPS203, HPS204, HPS301, HPS307, HPS308, HPS310)
• 4 credit points of Psychology in Practice (HBS110, HPS206, HPY210, HPY306)

Bachelor of Criminology studies

Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology, including:

• 6 credit points of Criminology core units (ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302)
• At least 6 credit points of Criminology elective units taken at level 2 or above
• Up to 4 credit points of electives chosen from Arts course grouped units.
• At least 6 credit points of arts units at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302
• Academic Integrity Module DAI001
Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory unit)

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.