To prevent crime, we need to understand crime
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University is the largest community of criminologists in Australia and is recognised as a leading department globally.
At Griffith, criminology is a multidisciplinary field of study, drawing on psychology, law, sociology, politics and human services. Our undergraduate degree is the only one in Queensland backed by 'well above world standard' research. That knowledge feeds into the most up-to-date study content, giving you the best skills for an employment edge.
Ranked #1 for Criminology and Law in Australia
Griffith University is ranked No. 1 in Australia for Criminology and Law in the 2023 Shanghai Global Rankings of Academic Subjects (tied position).
Student story: Ashleigh Walker
After completing a work-integrated learning placement while studying, recent Criminology and Criminal Justice graduate Ashleigh Walker secured a role with the Queensland Police Service Research and Evaluation Unit before she graduated.
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Opportunities
Remarkable student opportunities
We offer exciting opportunities to broaden your studies. Discover our Criminology Student Society, networking events, internships and workplace tours or enrich and diversify your degree with a global exchange.
Industry-engaged learning
Experience criminology beyond the classroom
The school’s strong industry connections give students unique learning opportunities to connect with industry from their first year to final year. Students develop industry-relevant skills and experience while working on real projects tackling problems and issues currently faced by local communities.
Research
World-class criminology research
Criminology research at Griffith is continually rated "well above world standard" by the Australian Research Council, the peak research body in Australia. This is the highest possible rating and reflects the strength and depth of the many world-class criminology scholars within the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
What can I study?
Discover our many criminology and criminal justice programs and courses
Griffith Criminology Institute
GCI is one of the largest, most vibrant, and high-performing criminology communities in the world. Home to over 80 academic members and 65 PhD scholars, our researchers focus on developing innovative solutions to global challenges to safety, justice and equity. Our work is academically rigorous, receiving the highest possible ranking in successive Australian Research Council Excellence in Research for Australia rankings, and internationally collaborative, with a strong focus on translation into real-world policy and practice outcomes.
Featured Alumni
Commissioner Katarina Carroll
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll APM wanted to be a community police officer when she started her policing career, but instead she rose through the ranks becoming a trailblazer for women in the police and fire services. Commissioner Carroll is the first woman to lead the state’s police service in its 155-year history and in 2018 was named Griffith University’s Outstanding Alumnus Award winner.
Her distinguished policing career saw Commissioner Carroll lead Queensland’s security efforts at the 2014 Brisbane G20 summit and serve her community as the Commissioner for Queensland Fire and Emergency Services for 4 years.
Commissioner Peter Martin
Commissioner Peter Martin APM joined Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) in 2017 after serving for 38 years in the Queensland Police Service. Prior to his commencement as Commissioner, QCS, he was Deputy Commissioner, Regional Operations, at the QPS, with responsibility for the strategic direction, leadership, overview and review of the delivery of policing services across all five regions in Queensland.
He is the recipient of the Emergency Services Medal, National Police Service Medal, National Medal and the Queensland Police Service Medal. He was also awarded the Australian Police Medal on Australia Day 2008 for his contribution to policing and the community. In 2010, Peter was inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame at the George Mason University, Virginia, US.
Partnerships and collaborations
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has a number of successful partnerships with government bodies, public and private organisations, as well as other universities across Australia and abroad. We are committed to strengthening and expanding our partnerships to improve social outcomes in the community.
Our partners include Queensland Police Service, Queensland Health, Queensland Parliamentary Service, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Department of Transport and Main Roads, Suncorp, Energex, Brisbane City Council, Domestic Violence Prevention Centre, Brisbane and Southport Courts, Queensland Corrective Services, IBM Security and more.
CRIMINOLOGY & IT
Be a specialist in the growing field of cyber crime prevention and intelligence with our double degree.
Tony Fitzgerald lecture series
Celebrating the legacy of Queensland anti-corruption pioneer, The Honourable Tony Fitzgerald, and his vital contribution in maintaining the separation of powers.
Learn from world class academics
News and insights
Excelling in Education
27 Feb 2024
Griffith University has again had its commitment to teaching excellence acknowledged, collecting...
Safety and Security for Women in Public Spaces
23 Oct 2023
In an effort to boost feelings of safety and inclusion for women in public spaces, Griffith...
Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee is open!
05 Oct 2023
Griffith University is kicking off the Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee to assist high school...
Griffith welcomes CBA staff – First to embark on financial...
30 May 2023
Five hundred Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA)employees are the first to embark on a Griffith...