Course Curriculum

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at ACU is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences, and responses to crime, preparing graduates for diverse careers within the criminal justice sector. From the first year, students build a strong foundation in criminology, criminal law, public law, juvenile justice, and human rights, alongside research skills that underpin evidence-based practice. Core units such as Introduction to Criminology, Violent Crime and Society, and Human Rights and Indigenous People equip students with critical analytical skills and an awareness of social, legal, and ethical dimensions of crime. In the second year, the program delves deeper into applied areas including forensic psychology, police studies, corrections and rehabilitation, victimology, and forensic science, allowing students to connect theory with practical criminal justice contexts. Elective units enable students to tailor their learning to their career interests, while units like Criminal Law for Criminology & Human Rights Studies provide essential legal literacy. In the third year, students undertake advanced study in human rights and criminal justice, research methods, cybercrime, and customs, border protection, and biosecurity, enhancing their capability to address complex issues in contemporary criminology. A key feature of the program is the third-year community engagement unit, providing hands-on experience and professional exposure that strengthens employability and social responsibility. The curriculum integrates core skills in research, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking across all years, preparing graduates to work effectively in law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, cybersecurity, policy, and rehabilitation services. Completing 120 credit points with a strong academic record also opens the pathway to honours studies for advanced research opportunities. By combining theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience, the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice cultivates graduates who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to safer, fairer, and more just communities.