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
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
60.1 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Bendigo campus
62.95 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
View the ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science [PDF, 174.8 KB].
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection criteria
Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Applicants seeking consideration via Work Recognition must complete all requirements listed on the La Trobe University Work Recognition webpage and submit a Personal Statement, including relevant work experience and reasons for applying for this course.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development, any Humanities, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, Maths: Mathematical Methods, Maths: Specialist Mathematics or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
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.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science | Bachelor of Criminology | Apply for transfer into second year with some advanced standing | 4 years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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 or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
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 or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
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 domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2025):
Indicative based on 2024 fees
$12,648 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The 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.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Book a 1:1 consultation
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Criminology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Criminology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Business
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Media and Communication
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Psychological Science
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | 2100311231 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2024 start dates Semester 1 (March 2025), Semester 2 (July 2025) |
| Duration | 4 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| StudyFlex | |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2024 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $12,648 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Lowest selection rank 60.1
Bendigo campus
Lowest selection rank 62.95
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
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 or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Other courses you may like
COURSE | StudyFlex
Bachelor of Criminology
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent3 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Criminology (Honours)
1 year full-time or part-time equivalent1 year full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
4 years full-time or part-time equivalent4 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Biomedicine
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Business
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent
Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Media and Communication
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Psychological Science
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo
COURSE
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science
5 years full-time or part-time equivalent5 years full-time
Melbourne (Bundoora)