Australian Catholic University
Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Level
Bachelor
Duration
3F or 6-P
Campus
Brisbane (QLD)
Intl. Tuition
Fee not confirmed
Home Tuition
A$18,025 (maximum student contribution 2027 (indicative))
Intake
March 2027
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Course Overview
Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice at Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
Student life (indicative)
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts. Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.
The University at a Glance
Student Population
35,037
Staff Ratio
18.0:1
International
17.0%
Career Prospects
Employment Rate
81.0%
of graduates employed
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
First-year earnings
Costs & Living
City & Location
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
Subjects
- For additional information about the admissions criteria for ACU and for this course, refer to ACU's website. | Students undertake a 40-hour placement associated with the criminal justice sector.
- They will receive intensive training before starting their placement, followed by a debriefing with a clinical education specialist.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
35,037
Total students
Staff Ratio
18:1
Students per staff
International Students
17%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
City Size
Major metropolitan (>1m inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
8.0/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts. Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.
- Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital and a world leader in café culture, food diversity, live music and the arts.
- Students consistently rate it as one of the best cities in the world to live and study.
What Students Love
- Rich arts & cultural scene
- Great café culture
- Diverse international food scene
- Active music scene
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Graduate Employment
81%
Employed after graduation
Avg Starting Salary
£33,970
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✗ Not offered
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business. Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
- Social science graduates develop analytical and research skills valued across the civil service, consultancy, research organisations, NGOs and business.
- Many proceed to postgraduate specialisation or professional training.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Education
- Healthcare
- Social Work
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
Like most major Australian cities, Melbourne carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $2,255/month (housing $1,370, food $475, transport $140). Melbourne's cultural scene, café culture and liveability rankings justify the cost for most students.
- Like most major Australian cities, Melbourne carries a moderate-to-high cost of living — expect around $2,255/month (housing $1,370, food $475, transport $140).
- Melbourne's cultural scene, café culture and liveability rankings justify the cost for most students.