Criminology and criminal justice

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Be a part of the solution to crime

Criminology involves examination of the causes and consequences of complex crime and criminal justice issues. Who commits crimes and why. How crime is measured. How society responds. Students pursuing a degree in this engrossing field learn how crime affects the community at every level. With a degree in criminology and criminal justice from Griffith, you'll learn to understand the motivations of crime and how to implement strategies to combat it. You'll learn to use research to identify social issues that lead to crime. You'll understand what makes criminals tick as well as how to circumvent negative impacts on society.

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Study criminology and criminal justice at Griffith

Explore the causes of crime and society's response

Hear from Professor Anna Stewart, School of Criminology and Criminal Justice; Danielle Reynald, Senior Lecturer; and Doug Cheal, Intelligence Officer at Queensland Police Service.

Griffith has one of the world's largest and most respected criminology schools. By studying with the leading criminology school in Queensland you’ll benefit from our international research reputation, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in each of the diverse fields of criminology.

Our degrees teach the specialised knowledge and skills necessary for a very rewarding career in the criminal justice system.

Industry placements

Our industry partnerships and collaborations provide unique learning experiences that give you an insight into the criminal justice profession by working in an agency matched to your career aspirations. You’ll connect with government and industry agencies so, you can build your professional skills and critical networks before you graduate.

Study your way

Create your study plan to fit with your existing commitments such as work and family. With the flexibility of studying in person at one of our campuses, online through our Digital campus, part-time or full-time, over two or three trimesters each year, you have choices

Learn from the experts

Criminology research at Griffith is rated as ‘well above world standard’ according to the Excellence in Research Australia report (2018). Griffith has one of the world's largest and most respected criminology schools, giving you the advantage of our international research reputation, and the opportunity to learn from leaders in each of the diverse fields of criminology.

Expand your qualifications

Your criminology and criminal justice capabilities can be boosted by doing a double degree with courses such as Law, Information Technology, Forensic or Psychological Science, Human Services and Government and International Relations.

Tom Richardson

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Since graduating from Griffith University, Tom has worked in several areas of the criminal justice system where he uses the skills gained during his criminology degree to help the community. ‘The subjects in this degree help you understand social problems within the community and apply an understanding to real world issues.’ Tom says that several of his courses directly assisted him in dealing with his daily activities. ‘I’ve worked in Probation and Parole which was the stepping stone for gaining insight into understanding criminal behaviour and how these behaviours affect the general community. I later transferred to the immigration sector working in security, after a short stint as a general officer I was promoted to Manager of Security of the facility.’ Moving on from security he was afforded the opportunity to work as a Child Safety Officer. Tom says working with children is rewarding. ‘You are working to rebuild and reunite children with families or to safety. Sometimes it can be a struggle, but the end reward is worth it.’

Study options

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Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Mount Gravatt Online	15
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Online	15
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours)	Gold Coast
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours)	Mount Gravatt
Graduate Certificate in Crime Scene Investigation	Other
Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Graduate Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health	Online
Graduate Certificate in Forensic Mental Health	Online
Graduate Diploma of Criminological Research Studies	Mount Gravatt Online
Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Master of Forensic Mental Health	Online
Master of Forensic Mental Health	Online

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Expand your qualifications and your career options with our range of double degrees. As a double degree graduate, you’ll have a special skill set that will help you stand out with future employers.

Double Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/Bachelor of Information Technology	Gold Coast Nathan Mount Gravatt	15
Bachelor of Forensic Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Nathan	15
Bachelor of Government and International Relations/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Nathan Mount Gravatt	15
Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Logan Mount Gravatt Other	14
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Mount Gravatt	8
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast	14
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Mount Gravatt	14

It is important to check the degree requirements including placement requirements, before you apply.

Scholarships

Over 600 Scholarships available.

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Career outcomes

Make a difference in the lives of people impacted by crime

The skills you acquire throughout your course of study will open the door to a multitude of career options. Our graduates pursue career paths in state and federal jurisdictions, working in:

Policing and security
Intelligence
Probation and parole
Child protection
Crime analysis
Courts and justice services
Crime prevention
Regulatory agencies

With crime also becoming an international concern due to the growth of organised networks, global digital technology and the threat of terrorism, there are many more avenues for career advancement.

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