Criminology and criminal justice

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Join Australia's largest criminology school

Griffith is ranked No.1 for Law and Criminology in Australia, and we have one of the largest criminology academic communities in the world.

Criminology involves examination of the causes and consequences of complex crime and criminal justice issues. Who commits crimes and why? How is crime measured? How does society respond to crime?

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

Make industry connections while you study

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. Our double degrees in Law, Information Technology, Human Services and Sciences, broaden your options to follow many stimulating career paths.

Industry placements

Our industry connections provide unique learning experiences, giving you insight into the criminal justice profession by working with an agency matched to your career aspirations. You’ll connect with government and industry agencies giving you the chance to build your professional skills and critical networks before you graduate.

Study your way

We are leaders in online criminology education and have been teaching digitally for over a decade. 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.

Meg Giles

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/ Bachelor of Information Technology

Taking a combination of on-campus and online classes has given Meg Giles the flexibility to continue working full-time while still pursuing her passions. After completing a Diploma of Justice at TAFE Meg Gilles enrolled in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Information Technology at Griffith. She hopes to work in counter-intelligence or cyber-crime. Meg says, “Studying online has been amazing and given me flexibility - It meant I could still work fulltime without the need to extend my degree”. Online and trimesters also allowed Meg to visit her family in South Australia over the summer - “I was still able to complete my studies even though I was on the move and in a different state.”

Scholarships

We offer a range of scholarships for new and continuing students.

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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 government, corporate and not-for profit organisations, working in fields such as:

Policing and security
Intelligence
Probation and parole
Child protection
Crime analysis
Courts and justice services
Crime prevention
Regulatory agencies
Research and policy
Community welfare and victim support

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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Life at Griffith

You can gain more than just a degree at Griffith. With plenty of opportunities to balance life and study, you can make memories and mates to last a lifetime.

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