Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Develop a new understanding of crime in Deakin’s Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, as you explore the social justice and rehabilitation themes that intertwine with why crime occurs.
Not only will you be able to study two of your interests, you will graduate with two sought-after degrees and a wealth of study and career options.
The psychological science stream of the course is professionally accredited, meaning you can graduate and enter the workforce with excellent job opportunities, or continue your studies with further training to gain general registration as a psychologist.
Everything you learn, from forensic psychology techniques to a deep understanding of criminal justice, is enhanced by practical learning. You will even get the chance to undertake a psychology placement in your final year. Apply your skills in a real-world setting and get a taste for your future role under the guidance of industry professionals.
Do you want to understand the true reasons why crime occurs – and how to address it with empathy?
If you are interested in the many areas where psychology and criminology overlap, this is the degree for you. Whether it is crime prevention or the subsequent justice and rehabilitation of offenders, you will develop knowledge and an understanding of the ‘why’ behind psychological science. This will put you in high demand when starting your career.
By studying the two disciplines simultaneously, you will gain broad, theoretical, applied knowledge and skills concerning:
- the meaning of crime
- the forms, causes and consequences of crime
- the different institutions and processes involved in preventing and controlling crime
- policy development
- policing and security.
The psychological science component of this combined course recognises the importance of, and interrelationships among, a range of human factors you will encounter in your future career. You will explore diverse areas of psychology, including behavioural neuroscience, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology and psychopathology, and be able to use this knowledge when analysing the causes and consequences of crime.
In this combined course, you will have the opportunity to complete two careers-focused units, which bring your new profession to the classroom (including online) with practitioner-driven seminars, activities bridging theory and practice, and the development of an e-portfolio that can be used for employment or career development.
Additionally, you will get the chance to build real-world experience by electing to undertake the Psychology at Work (Internship) unit in your final year of study, giving you 140-hours of practical psychology industry placement, strengthening your employment prospects.
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Year
2025 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310043 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), International full-fee paying place
1400510043 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place - Deakin code
- D390
- CRICOS code?
- 079572M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Course structure
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science students must complete 32 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology and 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Psychological Science, which must include the following:
- Course requirements for both Bachelor of Criminology and Bachelor of Psychological Science must be satisfied.
- No more than 10 credit points at level 1
- Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Bachelor of Psychological Science studies
Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Psychological Science, including:
- 4 credit points of Foundations of Psychology (HPS104, HPS105, HPS111, HPS121)
- 8 credit points of Psychology Essentials (HPS201, HPS202, HPS203, HPS204, HPS301, HPS307, HPS308, HPS310)
- 4 credit points of Psychology in Practice (HBS110, HPS206, HPY210, HPY306)
Bachelor of Criminology studies
Students must complete 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology, including:
- 6 credit points of Criminology core units (ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302)
- At least 6 credit points of Criminology elective units taken at level 2 or above
- Up to 4 credit points of electives chosen from Arts course grouped units.
- At least 6 credit points of arts units at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302
- Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
16
Bachelor of criminology credit points
16
Bachelor of psychological science credit points
32
Total credit points
Core units
Note: Many of the HPS coded units are also offered in Trimester 3, offering students the opportunity to accelerate their studies.
Criminology core units
Psychological Science core units
Course Electives
Criminology
The remaining Arts course grouped electives can be found within the Bachelor of Arts.
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Mandatory student checks
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
Participation requirements
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.
Work experience
Elective units may provide the opportunity for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
Current or recent secondary education
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
Higher education
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least two bachelor level or above units (AQF Level 7 or equivalent)
Vocational education
If you have undertaken any Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, you will need to meet at least one of following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- completion of a certificate IV or higher in a related discipline
- completion of a diploma or higher in any discipline
- at least 50% completion of a diploma or higher in a related discipline
Work and life experience
If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago, or did not finish Year 12, and haven’t undertaken any further study, you may be considered for admission to this degree based on your work, volunteer and/or life experience.
Submit a personal statement outlining your motivation to study, previous education and employment history, and how this course can assist your career aspirations or progression. Think of it as a job application cover letter – it should be relevant and demonstrate your commitment and interest in this course or study area.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2024 students (PDF, 793KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for credit transfer. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your credit transfer.
Your credit transfer is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook.
Learn more about international student fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
If you are an international student completing an Australian Year 12 in Australia or overseas, you should submit an application through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC), in addition to applying directly to Deakin through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's international student application service.
For information on the application process, including required documents and important dates, visit the How to apply webpage.
If you need assistance, please contact us.
Pathways
Alternative exits
Articulated courses
Careers
Career outcomes
Promising career opportunities await in the areas of criminology and psychology. You may find employment in areas such as:
- government agencies
- state and federal police
- security and intelligence agencies
- research and policy development
- correctional services
- community services
- private security and consultative industries.
Students wanting to take the next step towards becoming a psychologist must apply for an honours year (e.g. Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology). Once completed, you will be able to gain provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).
If you are ready to take your psychology career further, the option to gain general registration as a psychologist is available by undertaking a masters or doctorate qualification in psychology.
For more information go to DeakinTALENT.
Professional recognition
All of the psychology courses offered at Deakin meet the requirements of the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) translating into excellent job and career opportunities for our graduates. Upon graduation from this degree, you will have gained a three-year undergraduate psychology sequence that is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and recognised for registration purposes by the PsyBA, enabling you to undertake additional study in pursuit of provisional registration.
If you are seeking to become a registered psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a graduate from this course you must next apply for a fourth year of study in psychology, such as Deakin's Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology (Advanced) to gain provisional registration, then go to a postgraduate study in psychology if you would like to pursue general registration as a psychologist.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
See course entry for Bachelor of Criminology (A329) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344)