Contribute to the welfare and safety of your community with a career in community justice or law enforcement.

In our Bachelor of Criminal Justice you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of our justice systems as well as a holistic approach to community justice.

You will study the law and restorative justice models and learn the contributing factors to why people interact with the legal system (including mental health, drug use and childhood trauma).

Be a part of criminal and community justice systems that aim to meet community standards and change rates of offending. You’ll graduate work-ready in areas that keep people safe and support the legal system, including:

• prisons
• police
• corrections
• the courts
• youth justice.

You will learn in a dynamic classroom environment that tests your ideas, builds your practical skills and strengthens your foundational knowledge. In your final year you will undertake a key industry placement to ensure you're confident and work-ready upon graduation.

You’ll gain an excellent understanding of the connected systems that contribute to criminal justice.

To attain the Bachelor of Criminal Justice students will be required to complete 288 credit points in total consisting of:

• 96 credit points First Year Core units;
• 192 credit points Professional Core studies including 24 credit points Capstone studies;

Your qualification will be widely recognised in areas including:

• police work and law enforcement
• community legal settings
• security and intelligence organisations
• corrections
• community courts
• youth justice
• community services

Possible job titles include:

• police officer or correctional officer
• customs or border-force officer
• public service administrator
• court administrator
• corrections worker
• community justice worker

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

1. Exhibit high levels of responsibility, accountability and ethical practice required to work as a professional in the criminal justice system;

2. Initiate professional judgement in diverse and challenging settings within the modern criminal justice system;

3. Exhibit a range of intellectual and social skills in their understanding of the application of legislation and social policy;

4. Develop critical analysis and understanding of relevant areas of criminal justice social science research in specific areas of study;

5. Generate, organise and undertake research into relevant aspects of criminal justice;

6. Exemplify advanced academic skills in analysis, critical thinking and communication; and

7. Advocate, dispute and negotiate with professional competence using a range of well developed communication and interpersonal skills.

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 (Academic module): Overall score of 6.0 (no band less than 6.0)

TOEFL Internet: Overall score of 67 (Listening 12, Speaking 18, Reading 15, Writing 21)

Pearson Test of English (PTE): Overall score of 50 (no section score less than 50)

University of Cambridge - Advanced (CAE): Overall score of 169. No individual band less than 169.

VU English - English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (Level 4): achieved.