The Diploma of Letters (Criminology) requires the equivalent of one year of full-time study. It is only offered as an exit award for students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Letters (Criminology).

The stream undertaken by the student will be identified on the student’s transcript of academic record and on the parchment presented to the student on completion of the course.

Course aims

The course aims to provide students with:

  • a broad understanding of criminological theory and its application in criminal justice contexts
  • the skill of applying criminological knowledge in educational and professional settings
  • the ability to communicate effectively in a range of justice-related contexts
  • the skills to work independently and collaboratively in an array of projects of criminological significance
  • an appreciation of the ways that ethical behaviour improves justice outcomes.

Learning outcomes

On the completion of the Diploma of Letters (Criminology), students are expected to be able to demonstrate:

  • a comprehensive knowledge of both classic and contemporary criminological theories
  • a nuanced approach to interpreting the ways in which criminal justice systems function to deliver justice both in Australia and abroad
  • the aptitude to apply criminological knowledge in educational and professional settings;
  • the ability to communicate effectively in justice-related contexts;
  • the skill to work independently and collaboratively in an array of projects of criminological significance;
  • knowledge of the ways that ethical behaviour improves justice outcomes;
  • the ability to connect across boundaries having been exposed to international perspectives, case studies and examples in the curriculum.

Program of study

To qualify for the Diploma of Letters (Criminology), a student must complete 36 units according to the following program of study, with a grade of P or NGP or better in each topic.

Stream - Criminology

Core Topics

27 units comprising:

 CRIM1101  Crime and Criminology  (4.5 units)
 CRIM1102  Criminal Justice System  (4.5 units)
 CRIM3401  Criminology in Practice  (4.5 units)
 CRIM3402  Advanced Research Methods and Analysis  (4.5 units)
 LEGL1201  Law in Australian Society  (4.5 units)
 SOCI2025  Sociological Research: Design, Methods and Ethics  (4.5 units)

Option Topics

Choose 4.5 units from:

 CRIM2201  Punishment and Society (4.5 units)
 CRIM2202  Policing and Society (4.5 units)
 CRIM2301  Criminal Law in Context  (4.5 units)

Plus choose 4.5 units from:

  CRIM3011  Current Issues in Criminal Justice  (4.5 units)
  CRIM3304  Criminal Networks  (4.5 units)