Criminology and criminal justice

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Drive change and serve or protect your community by joining one of the world’s largest networks of criminologists

Criminology examines the complex causes and consequences of crime and criminal justice issues. Who commits crimes and why? How is crime measured? How does society respond? At Griffith, Australia's No. 1 university for criminology*, you can launch your career and prepare to drive meaningful change in society. With our strong emphasis on both theoretical foundations and practical experience, you’ll be career-ready through hands-on study linked directly to real industry projects.

Through a Griffith degree in criminology and criminal justice, you will gain the knowledge and skills to support those impacted by crime. You’ll explore how crime impacts communities, understand the motivations behind criminal behavior and develop effective strategies to combat crime. By using research to identify social issues that lead to crime, you'll be well equipped to make a difference and help shape a safer society.

Join one of the largest communities of criminologists in the world, gaining access to the best minds in the field. You’ll receive invaluable insights from practising professionals across major areas such as victim support, crime analysis and counterterrorism, all in one place.

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Study criminology and criminal justice at Griffith

Make industry connections while you study

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.

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 many choices.

Learn from the experts

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 Gilles

Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice/ Bachelor of Information Technology

Taking a combination of on-campus and online classes has given Meg Gilles 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.”

Apply now for scholarships

We offer hundreds of scholarships to our students, and you can apply for all of them with just one online form.

Scholarships are free to apply and offer support for academic achievement, relocation, First Peoples, sports achievement and others. One application form, all scholarships considered.

Find out more about Scholarships

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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Explore what Griffith has to offer

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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.

Learn more about life at Griffith University

Key dates

View all key dates

Monday 14 July — Saturday 25 October

Trimester 2 - 2025

Our second teaching trimester starts on 14 July.

Find out more.

Monday 3 November — Saturday 21 February

Trimester 3 - 2025

Our third teaching trimester starts on 3 November.

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Criminology and criminal justice