Bachelor of Criminology

Entry Requirements

Flinders University recognises international secondary schooling for direct entry to undergraduate programs.

English language requirements

• IELTS (Academic): 6.0 Overall with 6.0 Speaking, 6.0 Writing;
• TOEFL iBT: 72 Overall with 18 Speaking, 21 Writing;
• Pearson PTE Academic: 50 Overall with 50 Speaking, 50 Writing;
• Cambridge C1 Advanced: 169 Overall with 169 Writing, 169 Speaking;
• Occupational English Test (OET): 300 Speaking, 300 Writing; Duolingo (Up to and including Semester 2, 2024): Overall 95-100

Course Details

Gain a broad understanding of criminological theory and its applications in criminal justice contexts. You will have the opportunity to learn from world-class researchers in such areas as transnational crime, policing and security, organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, corrections and corruption. Learn to apply your knowledge and skills in professional settings and to succeed within this growing field.

What you will study

First year

A typical first year may include:

• foundational topics in criminology introducing areas such as crime and criminology, the criminal justice system, and law in Australian society
• a choice of topics in psychology, political science, and sociology.

Second year

A typical second year may include:

• enhanced topics building on first year that explore theory, research and contemporary criminological issues pertaining to criminal law, policing and society, punishment, and research methods
• the choice from a wide range of option topics that reflect your interests in this diverse field, including forensic science, violent crime, crimes against populations, and terrorism
• a choice in psychology, gender and Australian studies.

Third year

A typical third year may include:

• exposure to advanced topics where you will apply your knowledge of criminology theory and advanced research methods and analysis
• a choice of innovative and topical option topics providing enhanced understanding of areas such as criminal networks, corporate crime, international criminal justice, the Italian mafia, borders, migration and security, and miscarriages of justice, among others.

Honours year

A typical honours year may include:

• honours-level topics in advanced theory and research application, and applied research
• methods
• an honours thesis comprising an independent research project supervised by one of our academic researchers
• field research.

Your career

Flinders Criminology graduates have enjoyed wide choice of careers and diverse employment trajectories in Australia and overseas. Many, for example, move into employment within the wide range of operational services associated with criminal justice system.

Others work across various support and welfare services that are crucial to positive justice outcomes for offenders, victims and other vested interests. Elsewhere, Flinders Criminology graduates have applied their knowledge and skills across a range of research, policy-making, teaching and training outlets - obtaining employment through governments, universities and in other educational contexts.

Potential occupations include:

• assistant advocacy officer
• youth justice case manager
• community corrections officer
• investigation support officer.

Potential career pathways include:

• research and/or teaching
• public policy development (local, state, federal)
• the criminal justice system - eg police, regulatory or intelligence services (state or federal), corrections, and court administration
• rehabilitation, counselling-related or welfare services, child safety and social work
• private security.