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Bachelor of
Criminology

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How to apply

Entry requirements

Key information

VIEWING DOMESTIC

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

70.00

No ATAR?

Speak to us about alternate entry options

STAT  

150

GPA  

4.5

TAFE/VET  

Certificate IV or above

Pathway options

Diploma in Criminology

Prerequisites 

None

Duration  

3 years full-time (or part-time equivalent)

Start dates

March
July

Annual fees

Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available.

About these fees.

Assumed
knowledge

None

Practical
experience  

Available

Study abroad

Available

Delivery mode*

In person (Bedford Park, City), online

SATAC

234661 (Bedford Park)
284241 (City)

Overview
 
Overview Careers Program of study Student support Get inspired FAQs
 

How to apply

True Crime. Real Impact.

Imagine turning your passion for true crime into a meaningful career. With a criminology degree, developed in collaboration with industry and delivered by the largest and most experienced criminology team in SA you can explore the depths of criminal behaviour, understand the societal impacts of crime, and work towards solutions that promote justice and safety. Be part of the change you want to see in your community and the world.

Our Bachelor of Criminology equips you with the skills to make a real difference, whether it's through crime prevention, rehabilitation, or working within the criminal justice system. Be part of the change you want to see in the world.

Criminology jobs are projected to grow by 25% to 2026.

Becoming a Criminologist offers a range of different career options. You may specialise in crime prevention, responding to cybercrime, terrorism, youth justice and law enforcement, or you may work in victim support services or offender rehabilitation and reintegration.  

Salary

$135K

typical salary in Australia

Job opportunities

1,568

in Australia, 2025

Intelligence Manager

Lead the development and implementation of intelligence strategies, manage teams of analysts, and provide expert guidance on intelligence gathering and analysis. This role is critical for supporting decision-making, identifying threats and risks, and ensuring organisational security.

Cyber Security Analyst

Implement security measures to protect organisations and their information systems from breaches. This could include installing software that protects data, testing systems for vulnerabilities and educating staff on the best ways to prevent cyber threats.

Jobs growth

58.9%

5-year projection

Salary

$110K

typical salary in Australia

Sources: Jobs and Skills Australia 2025, Employment Projections & Seek Australia, 2025

Community Corrections Officer

Work with people under community supervision, providing case management, support, and advice to help them reintegrate into society and comply with court orders.

Study: Major in Criminal Justice

Policy Analyst

Focus on analysing, developing, and implementing policies to achieve specific goals within an organization or government. Research, analyse data, and provide recommendations to inform policy decisions.

Study: Major in Strategy and Analysis

Case Manager

Provide information, advice, and support to victims of crime, including domestic violence services in a victim support agency, government or not-for-profit role.

Study: Major in Social Justice

Correctional Services Clinician

Work within the correctional system to support people in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Undertake risk assessments, provide therapeutic interventions, assess risks and needs, and have an impact.

Study: Major in Criminal Justice or Social Justice

What will you study to start your career in criminology? 

In your first year, you’ll study why crime occurs and its impacts on the community, as well as explore how the criminal justice system works, the operation of criminal law in practice, and build key research and communications skills. After your first year, you can choose to ‘major’ (specialise) in an area that aligns with your interests and career goals.

GENERAL

In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of three option topics. After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by selecting from a range of majors and minors, with the flexibility to combine them in a way that works best for you.

Year 1 - Core topics

Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Crime and Criminology
  • Criminal Justice System
  • Criminal Law in Practice
  • (Mis)Interpreting Crime Data
  • Race and Representation: Indigenous Identities
  • 3 option topics  

GENERAL

In the second year, you can choose to begin a major or minors, such as Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, Social Justice and Strategy and Analysis. 

Year 2 - Core topics

Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Protecting the Safety of the Community: Sentencing and Corrections 
  • Policing for the Future
  • Understanding Victims and Trauma 

GENERAL

In your third year, you'll deepen your expertise in your chosen area of interest, gaining advanced knowledge and skills through hands-on projects, work experience, and industry collaborations. 

Year 3 - Core topics

Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.

  • Analysing Cybercrime and Digital Risk
  • Children, Young People and the Justice System
  • Trauma-informed Practice in Criminal Justice
  • Building Criminology Careers: Industry Project
  • Criminology Industry Placement

Customise your degree.

After your first year, you can focus on an area that interests you by choosing majors and minors, with the flexibility to combine them in a way that works best for you. This will help you work toward the career of your dreams. 

MAJOR

Criminal Justice

This major equips you with the diverse knowledge and practical skills needed for a successful career in the criminal justice system and related fields.  You will gain an understanding of the complex forces shaping crime, criminalisation and society’s response, and gain skills in understanding cybercrime, victims and trauma and the social impacts of punishment.

Year 2 - Core topics

Criminological Research Methods 
Victims and Trauma 
Social Impacts of Punishment 
Policing for the Future: Innovations and Social Impacts 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Cybercrime and Digital Risk
Children, Young People and the Justice System 
Trauma-informed Practice
Industry Project

*Topics may be subject to change.

SATAC: 245711 (Bedford Park) 285261 (City)

MAJOR

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

SATAC:  245421 (Bedford Park) 285271 (City)

Through an in-depth exploration of cyber threats, defence mechanisms, and illegal activities, this major prepares you to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to the protection of computer systems and to protect those networks and data from attacks.

Year 2 - Core topics

Social Impacts of Punishment 
Policing for the Future: Networking
Fundamentals 
Digital Forensics 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Information Security 
Analysing Cybercrime and Digital Risk
Industry Project
One option topic 

*Topics may be subject to change.

MAJOR

Strategy and Analysis

SATAC: 245431 (Bedford Park) 285101 (City)

This major prepares you to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to the promotion of social justice through an in-depth exploration of social inequalities, human rights, and advocacy strategies for impactful careers as researchers, intelligence analysts, policy officers and related roles.

Year 2 - Core topics

Social Impact of Punishment
Policing for the Future: Australian Public Policy
Criminology Research Methods and Data 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Cybercrime and Digital Risk
Resilience and Professional Skills 
Strategic Communication and Public Relations
One option topic

*Topics may be subject to change.

MAJOR

Social Justice

SATAC: 245721 (Bedford Park) 285281 (City)

This major prepares you to tackle real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to the promotion of social justice through an in-depth exploration of social inequalities, human rights, and advocacy strategies. Learn to identify and address systemic barriers and biases within the criminal legal and social welfare systems and apply trauma-informed principles of practice to ensure everyone can thrive.

Year 2 - Core topics

Social Impacts of Punishment 
Policing for the Future: Groups and Communities  
Social Work

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Cybercrime and Digital Risk
Children, Young People and the Justice
System 
Building Community Capacity
One option topic

*Topics may be subject to change.

MINOR

Criminal Justice

This minor offers a foundational understanding of criminology, providing you with essential knowledge and practical skills for a career in the criminal justice system. You will explore the dynamics of crime, criminal behaviour, and societal responses. 

Year 2 - Core topics

Criminological Research Methods
Victims and Trauma

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Criminology Careers: Industry Project
One option topic 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Option topics

Your choice of any one topic (4.5 units) university-wide, given entry requirements are met or a bachelor of criminology minor

MINOR

Cybersecurity and Cybercrime

Explore the intricacies of cyber threats and security measures with this minor. You will learn about the technological frameworks that protect against cybercrime and learn the foundations of cybersecurity to protect computer networks and data from attacks.

Year 2 - Core topics

Networking Fundamentals 
Digital Forensics 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Information Security
One option topic

*Topics may be subject to change.

Option topics

Your choice of any one topic (4.5 units) university-wide, given entry requirements are met or a bachelor of criminology minor

MINOR

Social Justice

This minor focuses on the principles of social justice, examining social inequalities, human rights, and advocacy strategies. You will learn how to address and promote equity and justice in various social contexts using trauma informed practice.

Year 2 - Core topics

Groups and Communities
Social Work

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Community Capacity
Victims and Trauma

*Topics may be subject to change.

MINOR

Strategy Analysis

This minor focuses on the critical analysis of social justice challenges. Developed in partnerships with industry, you will study advocacy techniques and strategic approaches to address and mitigate social inequalities, empowering you to contribute to societal transformation.

Year 2 - Core topics

Australian Public Policy
Resilience and Professional Skills

*Topics may be subject to change.

Year 3 - Core topics

Strategic Communication and Public Relations
One option topic 

*Topics may be subject to change.

Option topics

Your choice of any one topic (4.5 units) university-wide, given entry requirements are met or a bachelor of criminology minor

Year 1

In your first year, all students study five core topics and can select three option topics to explore areas of interest.

Common first year   

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. 

Major (36 units) 

Option topics (36 units) 

OR

Major (36 units) 

Minor 1 (18 units) 

Option topics (18 units) 

OR

Major (36 units) 

Minor 1 (18 units) 

Minor 2 (18 units)

Accreditation or Professional Recognition

You will be eligible to apply for membership with the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology.

Boost your knowledge with an Honours in Criminology.

SATAC: 234941 (Bedford Park) 284251 (City)

Gain a competitive edge with a Criminology Honours degree at Flinders. Explore a topic you're passionate about, complete a research thesis, and dive into criminological theory and practice.

Choose the four-year Honours track or add it as a one-year option at the end of your degree. You'll develop advanced research, project management, and critical thinking skills, enhance your professional and interpersonal competencies, while connecting with industry experts through placements and co-designed research on real-world 'wicked' problems.

Learn more

No.1 in SA
for learner engagement, skills development, student support and starting salary.

The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)

Ranked in the top 2%
of the universities in the world

The World University Rankings 2023 as a percentage of the total number of universities in the world according to the International Association of Universities

Five stars
for learner engagement, learning resources and skills development

The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)

Gain two qualifications in 1 year of extra study with a combined degree.

Flinders University combined degree options can help you pursue multiple passions and graduate with two degrees to broaden your career opportunities.

Add on Psychological Science

  Combined SATAC code: 284801

  Duration: 4 years

  Delivery Mode: In person

By combining studies in psychology and criminology, you will develop the professional skills to work in justice and human services fields. This degree can be used as a first step to becoming a psychologist. To become a psychologist, you also need to complete further study at honours and masters levels.

Psychological Science

Apply now

Add on Law

  Combined SATAC code: 244951 (Bedford Park) 284571 (City)

  Duration: 5 years

  Delivery Mode: In person

By combining studies in laws and legal practice with criminology, you will develop the professional legal skills to prepare you for a job in the legal profession and gain an understanding of how justice and society influence each other.

Law

Apply now

Add on Information Technology (Network and Cybersecurity Systems)

  Combined SATAC code: 234661 (Bedford Park/Tonsley)

  Duration: 4 years

  Delivery Mode: In person

By combining studies in IT and criminology, you will develop the professional skills to work in cybersecurity, network systems, cybercrime and much more. Want to become a Chief Security Officer? This degree is for you.

Information Technology

Apply now

Get inspired.

Discover more about Flinders' Bachelor of Criminology

careers_criminology_resize.jpg

Ever wondered about a career in criminology? Let's unveil the mystery.

Criminology. What is it? And where can it take you? Chayse provides insights into the field, dispelling myths and shedding light on the myriad opportunities that arise with a Criminology degree.

Read more

Learn about Criminology with graduate James Dean

"I would recommend a criminology degree because as long as there's socio economic disadvantage, there's always going to be crime." Hear graduate James Dean discuss his studies in criminology and psychological science, and his experience on the graduate program with the Department for Correctional Services.

Watch video

Learn about criminology with graduate Sabrina Uhlmann

"Flinders' Criminology has an outstanding team of educators who truly go above and beyond. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I was offered incredible opportunities, experiences that, had I turned down, I know I wouldn’t be where I am in my career today." Hear graduate Sabrina Uhlmann discuss her experience at Flinders University.

Watch video

A Career in Criminology

Study our Bachelor of Criminology, developed in collaboration with industry and delivered by the largest and most experienced criminology team in South Australia. This degree equips you with the skills to examine criminal behaviour, understand what drives it, and learn to make a real impact on society.

Watch video

“Flinders opened my eyes to under-researched issues like modern slavery, inspiring me to pursue a career in criminology research.”

Eva Coussens

Bachelor of Criminology

“The opportunities are endless with a criminology degree!”

Dulcie Bird

Bachelor of Criminology

“Flinders gave me the confidence to take the first steps in my career in criminology.”

James Dean

Bachelor of Criminology

Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Need support?

From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.

Get support

Find a scholarship

Student clubs

Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.

Learn more about clubs

Campus facilities

Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.

Explore our campuses

Learn from the experts.

Our incredible teaching and research staff are experts in their fields and are well-connected to industry and their communities.

Dr Katherine McLachlan

Katherine previously worked with South Australia Police, Child Protection and Youth Justice, in the Attorney-General's Department and for Victim Support Service and the Australian Institute of Criminology. She draws on this extensive criminal justice experience to enrich student learning with real-world insight. An award-winning educator and author, she specialises in trauma-informed practice, victimology, and violence prevention—supporting students to critically engage with justice systems and build meaningful, informed careers.

Dr Andrew Groves

Andrew brings expertise in alcohol and drug use, youth justice, and rural criminology to his teaching. With real-world experience and a passion for social justice, he empowers students to explore critical issues and build skills for meaningful impact in criminal justice. Andrew also has experience working in the criminal justice system, and has completed research evaluations for various organisations, including The Salvation Army, Victim Support Service (SA), and the National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction.

Rachel Lever

Rachel is a passionate and dedicated professional with a diverse background in human services, law, and education. Rachel has 18 years’ experience as a police officer, with 8 years as a first responder, before specialising as an in-court prosecutor in the Family and Domestic Violence Sector. Rachel’s most recent practice-based experience has been as a Senior Social Worker with the Department for Child Protection, investigating early intervention and preventative strategies.
 

Connect with industry.

In this course you'll benefit from strong partnerships with government agencies, public and private organisations across the criminal justice sector. These industry connections ensure your learning is grounded in real-world practice—helping you graduate confident, capable, and career-ready.

Gain real world experience.

In third year, you'll have the chance to step into the real world of criminology through industry placements, letting you apply what you've learned in class, gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, and develop skills employers are looking for.

"Favourite part of criminology would have to be the placement, I improved my communications skills, built networks and met a diverse range of people." Tamiah Hogan, Bachelor of Criminology graduate

Let’s get started on your Flinders’ experience.

We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.

244351 (Bedford Park)

284371 (City)

Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.

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.

Ask Flinders

A career in criminology is rewarding and fulfilling, with broad-ranging opportunities to specialise in an area of your interest or you could combine your passion with psychology, law, international relations, IT (Network and Cybersecurity Systems) or forensic science.

Criminology jobs and careers are wide ranging. Criminologists can work in the criminal justice sector or in intelligence, with clients while others can work in the legal field, ensuring law keeps up with changes in society, or in government policy, or in a private institution such as a bank or insurance company.  According to Jobs and Skills Australia, intelligence analysts will see strong growth (25% growth over the next 10 years) and the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report indicates that Information Security Analysts are in the top in-demand jobs.

Criminology Flinders offers a range of criminology courses and you can study a one-year diploma in criminology, a standalone degree in criminology or combine it with psychology, law, international relations or forensic science.

The academic staff members have an internationally-renowned reputation for research, specialising in areas like policing, corrections, criminal justice, youth sentencing and more. You can find out about different areas of research in criminology by searching the Flinders University website or with an Australian Government agency like the Australian Institute of Criminology.

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, 2024. 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 99.40 99.95
Median rank to receive an offer 73.35 77.78
Lowest rank to receive an offer 57.75 65.50

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.

Notes:
<5 – the number of students is less than 5
N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) Number of students Percentage of all students
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) 46 34%
Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 <5%
Work and life experience 11 8%
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) 37 28%
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) <5 2%
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) 17 13%
International Students 18 13%
All students 134 100%

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisors about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.

1300 354 633

Book a chat

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Last Updated: 23 Jul 2025

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