From theory to impact: opportunities beyond enforcement
A criminology honours degree opens pathways into analytical, policy, advocacy and operational roles within crime, justice and social systems. Graduates often work with governments, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, NGOs, community services and research institutions. Flinders graduates frequently contribute to public sector reform, crime prevention, rehabilitation, victim support and intelligence.
Criminal Intelligence Analyst
Gather and evaluate data on crime trends, threats and perpetrators to inform law enforcement strategies. You may work in police agencies, national security bodies or specialised intelligence units.
Analysts translate raw information into actionable insights, support investigations and help anticipate emerging crime patterns.
Policy & Research Officer
Develop evidence-based strategies, evaluate programs, draft policy proposals, and contribute to legislative reforms in justice, corrections and crime prevention.
In governments, NGOs or think tanks, you could shape how society responds to crime and supports communities.
Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia, 2025 | Seek Australia, 2025
What will you study to prepare for a career in Criminology?
Across four years, you’ll build a deep understanding of crime, justice and society, while developing advanced research and analytical skills.
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
- Year 4 (Honours)
Your honours year focuses on independent research and advanced study.
- Core Topics
- Research Areas
Choose a specialisation and work with experienced researchers at the forefront of criminology.
Investigate the role of police, security services, and surveillance in society. This research area examines effectiveness, accountability, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties.
Study criminal networks that operate across borders, from drug trafficking and financial crime to human exploitation. Research in this area considers how organised groups evolve, adapt and are disrupted by law enforcement.
Examine crimes committed in digital spaces, including hacking, online fraud and identity theft. This area also explores how technology reshapes criminal behaviour and the legal, ethical and security challenges it creates.
Explore the causes, dynamics, and impacts of domestic abuse within diverse social and cultural contexts. Research at Flinders examines patterns of abuse, gendered violence, trauma recovery, and systemic responses. This includes work on prevention strategies, survivor support, legal frameworks, and the intersection of domestic violence with housing, health, and justice systems.
Focus on how justice systems respond to criminalised people and victims of crime. Research topics include prisons, rehabilitation and desistance, community corrections and youth justice systems.
Accreditation or Professional Recognition
You will be eligible to apply for membership with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology.
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity and Cybercrime
Strategy and Analysis
Social Justice
Criminal Justice
Cybersecurity and Cybercrime
Social Justice
Strategy Analysis
Years 2–3
After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing a major, a major and two minors or a minor and option topics. This will help you work towards the career of your dreams.
OR
OR
Year 4 (Honours)
Your honours year focuses on independent research and advanced study.
Connect with industry.
In this honours program, you’ll benefit from strong partnerships with government agencies and organisations across the criminal justice sector. These connections will enrich your research and learning with real-world insight, helping you develop the advanced analytical, practical, and professional skills to graduate confident, capable, and ready to make an impact.
Frequently asked questions.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
The honours program includes an additional year focused on coursework relating to advanced theory and applied research methods as well as an independent thesis project under academic supervision.
You can apply directly into the Honours program if you meet the entry requirements. Students enrolled in the standard Criminology degree can also transfer into the Honours stream if eligible.
You can also enrol in the one-year Honours degree in Criminology with an undergraduate degree in other areas such as psychological science, social work, and forensic science.
Yes. Honours students can undertake field research through Flinders’ work placement program, gaining real-world insights and connections.
Each student is supervised by an experienced academic educator, who provides one-on-one guidance throughout the thesis process.
Yes. Flinders offers double degrees, allowing you to combine criminology with areas such as law, psychology, forensic science, international relations, or business.
Definitely. Employers value the advanced research, project management and critical thinking skills developed through honours, which can set you apart in competitive fields like intelligence, policy and justice reform.
- Applications are completed via SATAC
- Visit: satac.edu.au
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2025. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Notes:
<5 – less than 5 ATAR based offers made
N/A – This course uses additional selection criteria and therefore Selection Rank is not published
| ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
|---|---|---|
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 95.20 | 99.95 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 76.17 | 80.42 |
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 61.00 |
| Applicant background (Semester 1, 2025) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 44 | 37% |
| Vocational education and training (VET) study | 5 | 4% |
| Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 28 | 24% |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | <5 |
| Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 14% |
| International Students | 18 | 15% |
| All students | 118 | 100% |
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