Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice/Psychology (Honours)
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 5 years F/T
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended), Research
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 422360
- Program code 3798
- CRICOS code 116902J
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $12,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $64,500*
-
2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $48,500*
-
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $254,000*
Fees
Fees
-
Double degree
-
5 years full-time
-
Internship opportunities
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) is designed for students who want to improve social progress and outcomes for people interacting with the criminal justice system. This is a new criminology and psychology degree which combines interdisciplinary study with UNSW’s leading research. UNSW is the highest-ranking institution for criminology research in NSW (ERA Ratings, 2018). You’ll graduate with two of UNSW’s most highly regarded bachelor’s degrees preparing you for a successful career in a growing sector with projected job growth well into the future.
In this innovative degree, you will gain a real-world perspective into crime, deviance, social control and the legal system, along with an understanding of the brain, cognitive and decision-making processes and mental health. Address contemporary social problems, including victimisation, juvenile justice, drug-related harm, community safety, Indigenous justice, environmental harm and state crime.
In this degree you’ll conduct psychological research to understand the mechanisms which impact complex human behaviours that you can draw on in your degree and future roles. By merging two degrees in complementary areas, you’ll graduate with a more holistic understanding of crime and human behaviour while gaining skills and knowledge to achieve better social outcomes.
Key features
Get hands-on
Benefit from first-hand experience. In this double degree, you’ll interact with people impacted by the criminal justice system. Visit courts and prisons and gain real-life insight that complements what you study in the classroom. You can also take part in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in mental health organisations and spend a year working on a research project in the field. This ensures you understand the cause and effects of a range of contributing factors to crime, social welfare and mental health.
Learn from thought leaders
Our researchers and practitioners are leaders in research and knowledge. We are the highest-ranking institution for criminology research in NSW (ERA Ratings, 2018). The Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice is the highest-ranked Crime & Criminalisation program in Australia. The UNSW School of Psychology is ranked 2nd in Australia for Psychology (Edurank 2024 & QS World University Rankings 2024).
Combine two in-demand fields of study
The intersection of crime and psychology is an expanding field seeking skilled professionals. The Australian Government has committed almost $100 million in additional funding to support the growth of this sector. The demand for graduates with skills in both psychology and criminal justice is high as governments and organisations approach crime and social progress in new and more effective ways.
APAC-accredited psychology program
The Psychology (Honours) program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Upon completion of this program, students may apply for entry to professional Masters programs, which are the next step in becoming a registered psychologist.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Recognised experts
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is the highest-ranked Crime and Criminalisation program in Australia while UNSW is ranked 2nd in Australia for Psychology (Edurank 2024 & QS World University Rankings 2024). Our top-ranking degrees are strengthened by our pioneering research: UNSW is the highest-ranking institution for criminology research in NSW (ERA Ratings, 2018). The School of Psychology is well known for its research, many of our staff are internationally renowned in their respective fields, many are Fellows of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences.
Career services for law and justice
You can experience professional career settings before you even finish your degree. Through visits to courts and prisons, you’ll get a real-world perspective on the criminal justice system. UNSW Law and Justice students also benefit from the faculty’s dedicated in-house careers service that positions graduates competitively to secure a rewarding job when they complete their degree. You can also choose to complete Work Integrated Learning as an elective and a capstone course “Criminology in Practice” to get career-ready.
New degree with contemporary issues in focus
This double degree is being launched for the first time in 2025. The program of study is designed by in the field, leading researchers, existing practitioners, academics and industry bodies to ensure your education is relevant to the current demands of the sector and you’ll be ready for the jobs of today, and tomorrow.
Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?
Entry requirements
Find out more about entry requirements for this program in the Degree Handbook.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
HSC Plus
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred UNSW degree. You may be awarded up to five points.
Elite Athletes, Performers and Leaders (EAPL)
This program recognises achievements in the areas of sport, academia, leadership and music at an elite level. You may be eligible for up to five points.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.
Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.
Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Entry requirements
Find out more about entry requirements for this program in the Degree Handbook.
Admission pathways
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Program structure
Combine two complementary fields of interest and graduate with two highly regarded qualifications in this double degree. The program is designed to be studied full-time over the course of 5 years, through a combination of face-to-face and independent online learning. Part-time study is also available.
The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) covers a range of core subjects in criminology, sociology, crime and psychology. You can also choose from relevant electives in both degrees to tailor the degree to your interests.
Full program structure
This program contains a total of 240 units of credit (UOC) and can be completed in 5 years with full-time study (part-time options available). Students must complete:
Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Criminology & Criminal Justice core courses
- Criminology: An Introduction
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law and Justice 1
- Criminal Law and Justice 2
- Explaining Crime
- Criminology in Practice
- Imagining a More Just Future
Social Science core courses
- Policy and Society
- Social Research and Society
- Qualitative Social Research
- Quantitative Social Research
- Policy Analysis
- Anti-Colonial Research Methods in Crime & Justice
Prescribed electives – Students will choose 3 of the following electives:
- Crime and Punishment in Historical Perspective
- Crime Prevention Policy
- Crime, Politics and the Media
- Criminology Aspects of Cyber Security
- Criminology Work Integrated Learning Placement
- Criminology, Climate Change and the Environment
- Criminological Aspects of Cyber Security
- Cybercrime and Technology-Facilitated Harms
- Disability in the Criminal Justice System
- Explaining Punishment
- Indigenous Perspective in Criminal Justice
- Issues in Drug Policy
- Issues in Policing
- Power and Powerlessness
- Public Health and Corrections
- Restorative Justice
- State Crime and Human Rights
- The Criminal Trial
- Violence and Victimisation
- Young People and Juvenile Justice
Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Core courses
- Psychology 1A
- Psychology 2B
- Introduction to Psychological Applications
- Measuring Mind and Behaviour
- Research Methods 2
- Social and Developmental Psychology
- Perception and Cognition
- Learning and Physiological Psychology
- Assessment, Personality and Psychopathology
- Research Methods 3
- Research and Applications of Psychology
- Psychology Honours Research Project (6 UOC)
- Psychology Honours Research Project (12 UOC)
- Psychology 4A
- Psychology 4B
Prescribed electives
Students must choose at least 2 of the following:
- Physiological Psychology
- Clinical and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Science
- Vision and Brain
- Psychobiology of Memory
- Psychology Research Internship
- Multivariate Data Analysis for Psychology
Students must choose at least 2 of the following:
- Social Psychology
- Psychology and Law
- Health Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Psychology Research Internship
- Multivariate Data Analysis for Psychology
Future careers
When you study psychology and human behaviour as well as criminology and the criminal justice system, you’ll develop a unique interdisciplinary perspective, opening a range of career pathways and opportunities.
This distinctive blend of skills is becoming integral across growth sectors including corrections and rehabilitation, law enforcement, mental health and counselling, policy development and research. This degree has been designed with the changing needs of the sector in mind. You’ll be ready to dive into roles on graduation thanks to Law & Justice’s dedicated in-house careers service.
Potential careers
You’ll have the knowledge and skills to work in sectors including:
- Corrections and rehabilitation
- Law enforcement and policing
- Mental health and counselling
- Policy development and analysis
- Research and academic
Depending on your chosen electives across both degrees, you’ll be equipped to drive progress in roles such as:
- Case manager
- Child protection officer
- Community corrections officer
- Crime analyst
- Criminal investigator
- Mental health counsellor
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Substance abuse
- Victim support worker
How to apply
Students intending to apply to the honours program must first discuss their eligibility and study program with the Honours Convenor in the relevant school prior to submitting an application.
Ready to apply?
Students intending to apply to the honours program must first discuss their eligibility and study program with the Honours Convenor in the relevant school prior to submitting an application.
Ready to apply?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
UNSW Law & Justice has a holistic and practical approach to student learning.
