Study the motivations that underpin criminal acts, and gain the knowledge needed to make a difference in the community, with the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University.

This four-year double degree combines the core units of the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Psychology.

Drawing on key themes in criminology and psychology, you'll gain the expertise needed to understand and solve real problems in the community.

You'll study important subject areas, such as:

• policing and offending
• criminal justice system
• human rights
• corporate crime
• history of criminal law and trials
• victims, justice and the law
• history, theories and practice of psychology
• clinical aspects of psychology.

Through completion of the psychology major, you'll gain a strong understanding of human behaviour and emotions to complement your knowledge of criminal behaviour and motivations.

As part of this course, you'll get practical experience in a fieldwork placement unit, where you will consolidate and apply the knowledge and skills gained in your studies.

To attain a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Studies students will be required to complete 384 credit points in total, consisting of:

• 384 credit points Core studies including 24 credit points of psychology electives

On graduation, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to undertake a variety of roles in a range of employment settings.

You could pursue a career in one of the following areas, using multi-disciplinary approaches to client services:

• health and community services (for example, child protection)
• the criminal justice system and security roles (eg legal aid centres) 
• the police force (State and Federal)
• correctional services
• border security services
• policy development
• social, health and market research
• human resources and related service.

Once you have successfully completed this course, you may be eligible to apply for further study; for example, honours in psychology. After completing an accredited fourth year psychology degree, you may pursue postgraduate studies in psychology which is part of the requirement to become a registered psychologist.

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).

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.