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 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

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. 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.”

Study options

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Degrees	Campus	OP
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Online
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Online
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Mount Gravatt Online	15
Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice (Honours)	Gold Coast Mount Gravatt
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
Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice	Gold Coast Mount Gravatt	14

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

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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Monday 13 July — Saturday 17 October

Trimester 2: Teaching and exams

Includes study and exam period from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 10 October.

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Monday 21 September — Friday 25 September

Virtual Open House: Mature Student Week

No matter whether you’re returning to university after a few years off, starting study for the first time or looking for a postgraduate degree to further your career, we can help you find the right study path.

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Monday 26 October — Friday 30 October

Trimester 3: Orientation

Get the right start and find out everything you need to know about starting at Griffith.

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