Bachelor
As a student of criminology, you'll dive into the world of criminal behaviour, illicit drugs, arms or counterfeit goods and learn how to create industry-standard solutions to local and global crime problems.
You'll get to study selected true crime stories where immersive journalism practices have uncovered new evidence and changed the course of investigations. This will give you an understanding of police practices and help you uncover the motivations which result in young people encountering the criminal justice system. Importantly, you will also analyse these topics from the worldviews, histories and standpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You'll consider how these histories continue to impact Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system today.
You'll learn from experts who have worked in the field of corrective services, counter terrorism and transnational crime, giving you real-world knowledge from highly experienced professionals. This will set you up with a practical skillset and assist with your job readiness upon graduation. You'll also have the freedom to tailor half of your course based on your interests by taking electives you're passionate about.
This course will gear you towards a future where your knowledge will help provide actionable solutions in relation to crime and make a lasting difference to our society. You'll join a cohort of graduates who work in various areas of the criminal justice system, such as victim support, intelligence analysts, and corrections programs.
Non-Year 12 entry
Completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees). Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply.
Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience and appropriate English language skills, or a suitable Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) result, will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Read our Applying and Enrolling FAQs.
The University may determine selection criteria and restrictions in respect of courses to apply in addition to these entry requirements.
Year 12 entry
VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. Minimum ATAR requirements may apply.
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process
Credit arrangements
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for credit.
Applicants who have completed a Diploma in a related discipline may be eligible for credit of up to 8 units; the equivalent of a third of the course. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.
Diploma entry pathways
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and provides advanced standing to the second.
Credit available may vary depending on the major selected within any given degree but in most instances you may receive up to 8 unit credits.
Our Course Consultants will step you through the process of entry and credit using previous study.