Crime and criminal behaviour are topics that fascinate many of us.

Why people commit crime, how society should respond to crime and how can we prevent and minimise the harms associated with criminal behaviour are some of the issues you’ll consider when you study criminology and justice at ECU. Your studies will encompass the whole system – from how laws are made, through to how police, courts and corrections deal with people who break these laws. You’ll also examine the concept of justice, and what it means to different groups of people in the criminal justice system, and to society more broadly. Importantly, we start to prepare you for employment as soon as you start. This preparation culminates in amazing opportunities such as workplace practicums, involvement in industry-based projects and work integrated learning via our own Criminal Justice Review Project’. Our goal is to ensure that you’re exposed to cutting-edge content and opportunities to help you decide how and where you want to contribute to the world of criminal justice.

Course Structure

Students are required to complete 11 Core units. This will be supported by a supplementary program comprising: an 8-unit major plus 3 elective units and either a capstone unit or 2 practicum units. Alternatively, students may complete any 12 unit major in the School of Arts and Humanities from discipline areas such as Social Science, Youth Work, Psychology, Arts, Addiction Studies, Management or Security studies or any other combination of majors, minors, or elective units from the School of Arts and Humanities or other schools where available. Note: Students are required to complete no less than 6 units at Level 3000.

Course Learning Outcomes

Apply broad discipline knowledge to a range of theoretical and practical criminology and justice issues.

Think critically to identify, conceptualise and analyse complex criminology issues.

Think creatively to anticipate challenges and generate solutions in criminological situations.

Use digital technologies to access, evaluate and synthesise criminological information.

Communicate knowledge of criminology and justice ideas clearly, coherently and with independence.

Demonstrate a global outlook with respect for diversity, including Indigenous cultural competence.

Work collaboratively and demonstrate initiative to implement social, sustainable, and ethical values in criminology and justice.

Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility and accountability for own learning in scholarship and professional practice.

Career Opportunities

Students gain a significant background in the contemporary theory and research that informs criminology and justice professions. They also develop professional skills required for employment in criminology and justice, including Indigenous cultural responsiveness.

Possible future job titles

Police Officer, Community Corrections Officer, Parole Officer, Youth Justice Officer, Prison Officer, Research & Policy Officer, Family/Juvenile Counsellor, Family Law Case Worker, Customs Officer, Security Officer

• Addiction Studies
• Corrections
• Family and Child Support
Policing
Professional Youth Work
Security Management