Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Psychological Science
Campus	Offered at Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Online
Length	4 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$41,600 for 1 yr full-time AUD
CRICOS code	079572M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Deakin course code	D390
VTAC codes	1400310043 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place 1400510043 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

Course sub-headings

Course overview

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. Employability-focused coursework ensures you graduate career-ready and ahead of the pack with transferrable skills.

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 double degree recognises the importance of, and interrelationships among, 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 double degree, 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.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC)

If you are seeking to become a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a graduate from this course you must next apply for a fourth year of study in psychology, such as Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced)

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.

Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.

Learn more about international student fees.

Career opportunities

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.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Criminology	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Psychological Science
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Review and analyse major social science theories and key criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge relating to crime and criminal justice issues, including the causes and consequences of crime, ways of responding to crime, media representations of crime, core debates in policing, security and surveillance, as well as broader issues of policy and politics, inclusion and exclusion, governing and governance, security, social justice, citizenship and human rights.	Integrate theoretical knowledge of the discipline of psychology in relation to: health, social, cognitive, methodology, neuroscience, development, and personality. Demonstrate appropriate communication, counselling, and research methods skills.
Communication	Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge, in a selection of written, digital and oral formats, to a range of audiences.	Communicate psychological knowledge and arguments effectively using the most appropriate means utilising clear, discipline appropriate, coherent and well-developed communication skills. Demonstrate appropriate interpersonal communication and interview skills in situations appropriate to psychological practice. This includes active listening, clarifying and reflecting, effective questioning, summarising and paraphrasing, developing rapport, appropriate cultural responsiveness and empathic responding.
Digital literacy	Employ a range of generic and specialist criminal justice-specific digital communication technologies to apply criminological knowledge and conduct social and criminological research and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field.	Utilise online technologies to interact with others, access research and evaluate empirical evidence; and create and disseminate psychology-relevant content.
Critical thinking	Analyse and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to crime problems and current policies and practices of governments and criminal justice practitioners and professions in the context of broad social change, new crimes, new responses and an increasing responsibility for preventing and controlling individual and complex crimes at local, state, national and international levels.	Identify and critique the factors that contribute to the development of unhealthy mental processes and behaviours, develop arguments, reports, or commentaries based on empirical research and apply the results to affect healthy behaviour change in oneself or others, and; apply the skills required to affect healthy behaviour change in oneself and in others in diverse contexts.
Problem solving	Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with accepted evidence-based criminological methods to generate innovative and pragmatic approaches and solutions to complex problems in the areas of individual crime, complex and organised crime, the criminal justice process, questions of justice and injustice, local, national and international policing, surveillance, privacy and technology, and domestic and international crime and security issues.	Apply knowledge of the scientific method when addressing problems related to behaviour and mental processes; design, plan, and conduct research that addresses these problems; and apply analytic and statistical skills to interpret the results and validity of research.
Self-management	Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development, as a reflective practitioner, while working in the criminological field.	Engage in independent learning as a reflective practitioner to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology; and manage resources, timelines and other constraints to achieve quality and timely outcomes.
Teamwork	Work and learn collaboratively with others in the criminology field and from different disciplines and backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning.	Collaborate and communicate psychological principles and practices effectively in interdisciplinary teams to work and learn in a range of environments including communities of practice, research and professional practice.
Global citizenship	Analyse and address criminological issues in the domestic and global context as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards.	Embody the values and attitudes of the scientist-practitioner; apply ethical and professional responsibilities to local and global communities, apply knowledge and skills in culturally appropriate and inclusive ways.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, you must pass 32 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology
- 6 credit points of criminology core units
- 6 credit points of criminology course elective units
- 4 credit points of course electives from arts courses
- a minimum of 6 credit points of arts coded units at level 3
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Psychological Science
- 16 credit points of core units consisting of:
  - 4 credit points of Foundations of Psychology
  - 8 credit points of Psychology Essentials
  - 4 credit points of Psychology in Practice
A maximum of 12 credit points at level 1
A minimum of 10 credit points at level 3
course requirements for both Bachelor of Criminology (A329) and Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344) must be satisfied

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Course structure

Core Units

Note: Many of the HPS coded units are also offered in Trimester 3, offering students the opportunity to accelerate their studies.

Criminology core units

ACR101

Introducing Crime and Criminology

ACR102

Introducing Crime and Criminal Justice

ACR201

Issues in Criminal Justice

ACR202

Explaining Crime

ACR301

International and Comparative Criminal Justice

ACR302

Criminology Research

Psychological Science core units

HPS104

Foundations of Psychological Science

HPS105

Foundations of Psychological Practice

HBS110

Health Psychology (Behaviour Change)

HPS111

Introduction to Psychology: Human Behaviour

HPS121

Introduction to Psychology: Individual and Social Development

HPS201

Psychology Research Methods (Introductory)

HPS202

Developmental Psychology (Child and Adolescent)

HPS203

Cognitive Psychology

HPS204

Social Psychology

HPS206

Forensic Psychology (this is a core only for the D390 course in the list)

HPS301

Psychology Research Methods (Intermediate)

HPS307

Personality Psychology

HPS308

Psychopathology

HPS310

Biological Psychology (Brain and Behaviour)

HPY210

Applied Counselling Skills (Introductory)

HPY306

Applied Counselling Skills (Intermediate)

Course Electives

Criminology

ACR203

Crime, Victims and Justice

ACR204

Crime, Media and Justice

ACR216

Careers in Criminology and Criminal Justice

ACR211

Crime Prevention and Security

ACR214

Inequality, Power and Justice

ACR304

Digital Criminology: Technologies of Crime and Control

ACR305

Crime, Terrorism and Security

ACR314

Organised Crime

MAE266

Black Market Economics: Exploring the Underworld of Illicit Trade

The remaining Arts course grouped electives can be found within the Bachelor of Arts.

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

Academic requirements

Academic requirements - Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

ATAR

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)

Academic requirements - VET study

If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline

Academic requirements - Work and life experience

If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.

Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.

Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.

Alternative exits

Bachelor of Criminology (A329)
Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344)

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (A400)

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Work experience

Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.

Participation requirements

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Mandatory student checks

Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.