Prepare for a fascinating career in the justice system or community welfare, with VU's Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Psychological Studies.

You'll gain a strong understanding of the factors that contribute to criminal behaviour. You'll also learn about the legal, political and community responses to social dislocation and disorder.

Our expert lecturers deliver a clear overview of:

• criminal justice systems
• ethics
• crime investigation
• law and governance.

Your psychology studies will give you insight into the factors that underpin human behaviour and development.

You'll graduate equipped with analytical and problem-solving skills needed for roles in criminal justice, police and welfare systems.

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

264 credit points of Core studies units
24 credit points of Psychology Elective studies as required by APAC accreditation.

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

1. Articulate and apply the principles of responsible, accountable and ethical practice required to work in a range of criminal justice and psychological professions;

2. Demonstrate a critical analysis and application of key theoretical areas in psychology and criminal justice;

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

4. Apply skills in independent research, theoretical analysis and critical evaluation in criminal justice and psychology;

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

6. Communicate clearly and effectively and in a socially and culturally responsible manner.

Graduate ready for a career these rewarding areas:

justice sector (for example, victim support officer, investigator)
health and community services (for example, child protection worker)
policy development and related services.

Further study

After graduation, you may choose one of these paths towards a psychology career, or a senior role in justice or welfare:

apply for Honours in Psychology, then pursue postgraduate studies in such fields as Forensic and Clinical Psychology
undertake postgraduate studies in Criminal Justice/Criminology
pursue further professional training in the justice or welfare sectors.

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.