COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) at the University of Canterbury requires the completion of 360 points, with 255 or 270 points coming from compulsory courses depending on second-year course selection, and at least 90 points from approved elective courses. An additional 15 points can be taken from either BCJ courses or from other UC degrees. The degree requires a minimum of 135 points from courses above the 100-level, with at least 90 points at the 300-level. It typically takes three years of full-time study to complete, although it can be taken part-time over a maximum of ten years. In the first year, students must complete a total of 120 points of compulsory courses, which include foundational topics in criminal justice, legal issues, psychology, and societal issues. An additional 15 points of 100-level compulsory coursework is typically completed in the second year. During the second year, students choose between taking CRJU202 (15 points) or LAWS202 (30 points), which affects how many elective points they will need. The third year includes 45 points of compulsory courses and 60 points of electives at the 200 and 300 levels, with an additional 15-point course that can be from within BCJ or another degree program. Compulsory courses across the degree cover key topics such as criminal justice theory, the Treaty of Waitangi, gender and crime, sentencing, and prison systems. Elective courses allow students to explore diverse topics such as criminal behavior, rehabilitation, ethics, and gang history. The multidisciplinary nature of the degree integrates criminology, sociology, psychology, law, and human services, providing a well-rounded academic and practical foundation for careers in the criminal justice system or related postgraduate study. Students can also opt for a double degree with the Bachelor of Laws.