Criminology is a rich discipline that draws on sociology, psychology, science, law, philosophy, culture studies and history to draw attention to the social dimensions of crime and deviancy and assess the effectiveness and implications of crime control measures. You will gain an advanced understanding of crime, criminal justice practices, deviance, causes of crime, victimisation, social control, juvenile justice, indigenous justice, crime prevention, prison and other alternatives to punishment, as well as medico-legal forensic practices.

The first-year units lay the foundation to the study of crime, social harm and the criminal justice system. Second year units will deepen your understanding of criminology theories and concepts, as well as the criminal justice institutions and practices. You will analyse key debates around crime in relation to topics such as youth, race, gender, ethnicity and Indigeneity. In addition, you will critically examine how society responds to crime through social control and the criminal justice institutions and practices.

A key focus will be placed on features of policing, sentencing, punishment, prisons and alternatives to punishment, such as restorative justice. In third-year units you will consolidate your critical analytical skills in criminology as you delve into complex relationship between crime, law, medicine and science. In addition, you will critically analyse the development and nature of criminal justice in relation to the complex interface of “law and order politics’, the media, culture, crime and society. Finally, you will be able to apply your advanced knowledge to a piece of criminological research of your choice. 

For more information on the program structure and content including unit of study information, please refer to the Arts and Social Sciences Handbook.

This major is offered by the Department of Sociology and Social Policy.