Criminology

Criminology is a rich discipline that examines the complex definitions, dimensions and constructions of crime, explores the criminal justice system, and assesses the effectiveness and implications of crime prevention and crime control measures. Through the study of criminology, you will gain an advanced understanding of crime and its causes, criminalisation, criminal justice institutions and practices, victimisation and marginalisation, social control, juvenile justice, Indigenous justice, crime prevention, prison and alternative justice processes. You will also explore a suite of articulating issues around crime and the media, medico-legal and forensic criminology, and the methods and contributions of criminology research.

The first-year units lay the foundation to the study of crime, harm and the criminal justice system, and you will launch your exploration of key criminology concepts, theories and practices. Second-year units will deepen your understanding of disciplinary ideas and further your knowledge about criminal justice institutions and processes. You will analyse key debates, explore critical histories and current issues, and study new developments around crime and criminal justice in relation to topics such as youth, race, gender and ethnicity. In addition, you will critically examine how society responds to crime through social control and criminal legal institutions and practices.

A key focus will be placed on features of policing, sentencing, punishment, prisons and incarceration, and justice alternatives. In third-year units you will consolidate your critical analytical skills in criminology as you delve into the 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, and significantly, you will consolidate your knowledge by considering the relationship between crime, research and policy, and be able to apply your advanced knowledge to developing a piece of criminological research of your choice.

Requirements for completion

The requirements of the major and minor in Criminology are listed in the Criminology unit of study table.

Advanced coursework

Students enrolled in the final (fourth) year of a Bachelor of Advanced Studies combined degree are required to complete a minimum of 24 credit points of advanced coursework, including a minimum of 12 credit points of project units.

Honours

Honours in Criminology is an additional year of full-time undergraduate study following completion of a bachelor’s degree with a major in the discipline. It provides high-achieving students an opportunity to develop research skills by undertaking advanced-level coursework and conducting a supervised but independent research project. The honours year adds greater depth to an undergraduate degree and provides a pathway to higher degree by research (e.g., PhD) studies. Honours graduates are sought after by employers who value their superior research, analytical, and communication skills.

Students complete:

• two ‘seminar’ units of study relevant to their research project: one core and one selective; and
• a substantial independent research project on a topic of their choice, culminating in the submission of a thesis of approximately 20,000 words. Students work on their thesis throughout the course, under the supervision of an academic staff member with expertise in the chosen area. The research should identify an area for investigation which makes an original contribution to knowledge.

Requirements and units of study for honours are listed in the Criminology honours unit of study table.

Admission criteria

Honours in Criminology may be undertaken in certain appended honours degrees such as the Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Applicants must have completed:

• the requirements of a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, including a major in Criminology with a minimum weighted average mark of 70, or an equivalent qualification; and
• For pre-July 2024 students undertaking a Bachelor of Advanced Studies: a second major.

Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervision.

Students interested in undertaking Honours should contact the Discipline Honours Coordinator during the final semester of their bachelor’s degree. Information on the application process is available on the Honours page.

Contacts and further information

Discipline of Sociology and Criminology 
Email: sociology.undergradcoordinator@sydney.edu.au