Build a safer community by gaining real-world experience with industry placements
Combine your interest in justice and drive to understand human behaviour with La Trobe’s accredited Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science double degree.
- Study topics across law and order, victimology, crime prevention and the Australian legal system.
- Understand how the human mind influences our behaviour, how to apply your knowledge in criminal justice settings and how to develop innovative responses.
- Explore work placement and graduate opportunities in fields such as clinical, educational, developmental and forensic psychology, as well as roles in criminal justice, policing, corrections and developing policy.
- Graduate ready to apply for membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Admission requirements
International entry requirements
International entry requirements* for this course at Campus Name**
Please select your type of qualification in the dropdown above.
* The entry requirements provided above are only provided as a guide and based on the course’s current standard minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the primary measure for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs in Australia.
** Entry requirements may vary by location. To view entry requirements for this course at another location, please select the location in the drop down at the top of this page.
Note: there may also be other entry requirements for this course. If you are unsure, make an enquiry.
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
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What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, students must complete a total of 480 credit points across 4 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 90 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 4 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Capstone
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
This is a StudyFlex course
Whether your course is considered on campus, online or a mix of both, a StudyFlex course provides:
- at least one third of its subjects on campus or online; and/or
- at least two StudyFlex majors - that is two eight-subject sequences that offer at least half of their subjects on campus or online.
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Capstone subjects are required subjects in your course or major that help you integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you gain to solve real world problems. Capstone subjects are often taken towards the end of your course.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIMINAL LAW, ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY | LCR3ETA | 4 | 15 |
| PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT | PSY3PAS | 4 | 15 |
Work-Based Learning
Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information. Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 1
After completing 1 year of full-time study
You can exit with a Diploma of Arts
Year 4
After completing 4 years of full-time study
You can exit with a Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
Course intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the factors that contribute to offending behaviours
- Learn and work with autonomy, accountability and professionalism, demonstrating interpersonal skills and teamwork, and adopt a reflective and resilient approach to a student's own capabilities and performance
- Acquire, assess, and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychology, with depth of understanding of underlying principles, theories and concepts
- Collect, analyse, and evaluate information and ideas and solve problems using a scientific approach driven by an understanding of psychology and Identify, research and formulate evidence-based responses to issues relevant to crime and criminal justice
- Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse theory and research, and to reflect on the legal, social, cultural and political contexts in which criminalisation occurs and in which responses to offending behaviour are formulated
- Demonstrate an awareness of cultural differences and show sensitivity to the diversity across people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, when applying knowledge and skills
- Discuss and reflect upon the professional roles, values and ethical responsibilities of the various actors in the criminal justice system and distinguish appropriate values and ethics in psychology
- Interpret, utilize, develop and evaluate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and evidence based professional decisions
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of criminology as a discipline and in the context of professional practice settings, and the varying explanations and strategies it offers for explaining and responding to crime
- Analyse and critique theory and research in the disciplines of psychology and criminology and communicate effectively in written and oral formats
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science career opportunities
This degree equips students for careers in clinical, educational, organisational, developmental and forensic psychology in organisations that form part of, or operate in association with, the criminal justice sector. This could include police, corrections, and government (justice policy and human services).
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited with conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Professional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will require an APAC-accredited fourth year and additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree as well as an application to the professional body. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science may apply for membership with the Australian Psychological Society (APS). Membership may be subject to additional or ongoing requirements beyond completion of the degree. Please contact the relevant professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
A$37 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.
Find out more about Destination Australia scholarships.
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program. See our Alumni Advantage page for further details.
International students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course to study at La Trobe University can be rewarded a bonus grant for completing their admission process early. Recipients will automatically be eligible to receive an Early Bird Acceptance Grant of 5% of the first-year tuition fees.
If you’re a high-achieving international student from either Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines and are considering full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, you can apply to receive a 50 - 100 per cent tuition fees scholarship for the duration of your studies from 2024.
Do you have an excellent academic record? La Trobe High Achiever Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students and provide up to a 25 per cent reduction in course fees for selected courses.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
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Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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How to apply
CRICOS code: 096350F
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 096350F |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 4 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2023 fees A$37 600 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
This course recognises the close connections between crime and the human mind and its effects on behaviour. It will position you to work in the criminal justice sector, in fields such as policing, corrections, juvenile justice, crime prevention and advocacy, intelligence, forensics and customs.
You'll study all of the core content areas of the psychological science, from biological foundations to social influences on affect, behaviour and cognition, in addition to strong training in research methods, and the opportunity for study in greater depth in specific areas where staff have research expertise.
In addition you'll study the complex causes of crime and how to contribute to the development of innovative responses to it. You'll examine key issues in criminal justice, and topics such as policing, sentencing and corrections, forensics, and victimisation, will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of key areas of practice and employment. You'll also have the opportunity to hone your skills and build confidence by undertaking a work placement.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7 - Bachelor Degree.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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