Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Psychological Science

Combining the study of criminology with an accredited 3 year psychological science degree will allow students to apply knowledge of human behaviour to a wide range of fields within the criminal justice area, but will also enable students to continue their professional training in psychology. This program will prepare students for a career as a psychologist or specialise in such areas as forensic psychology, clinical psychology and other accredited psychology postgraduate pathways. Foundational professional skills such as counselling and applied neuropsychology are also part of the accredited psychological science degree and combined with the research training within both criminology and psychology, graduates of the combined program are well placed for many careers.

Please note that registration as a psychologist requires completion of an accredited 4th year such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) plus postgraduate training in psychology.

This program is conditionally accredited with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

On successful completion of the program students will have:

• A broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
• Cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
• Cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
• Cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
• Communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
• Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
• Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills to adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
• Demonstrated the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
• Professionalism: You will have developed a sound and critical understanding of the function and role of the criminal justice system
• Demonstrated self-directed pursuit of scholarly inquiry in Psychology.
• Professionalism: Worked independently and/or collaboratively, in a professional and ethical manner, in exploring ways to improve access to justice for those that come into contact with the criminal justice system
• Professionalism: You will have engaged and/or collaborated with students from allied disciplines to explore the multidisciplinary nature of the criminal justice system
• Scholarship: You will possess a scholarly and critical appreciation of the importance of the clarity of communication in the field of criminal justice; including written and oral submissions
• Comprehended and applied a broad and coherent body of knowledge of Psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts in the discipline, using a scientific approach, including the following topics: the history and philosophy underpinning the science of psychology and the social, cultural, historical and professional influences on the practice of psychology, individual differences in capacity, behaviour and personality, psychological health and well-being, psychological disorders and evidence-based interventions, learning and memory, cognition, language and perception, motivation and emotion, neuroscience and the biological bases of behaviour, lifespan developmental psychology, social psychology, culturally appropriate psychological assessment and measurement, and research methods and statistics.
• Applied knowledge and skills of Psychology in a manner that is reflexive, culturally appropriate and sensitive to the diversity of individuals.
• Analysed and critique theory and research in the discipline of psychology and communicate these in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated an understanding of appropriate values and ethics in Psychology.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and teamwork.