Overview
Take your legal career the next step with the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention at Victoria University.
Are you a professional working in, or wishing to work in, the field of crime prevention? If so, this course is for you.
You will gain a deep understanding of key prevention theories and contemporary approaches, as well as the ability to critically evaluate prevention policy and practice through a lens of social justice and inclusion. This will form the groundwork for the development of job-ready skills through exciting evidence-based projects in both social and environmental prevention.
The course consists of four units and runs part-time across the year from February to November. Each unit includes online material that you can study at your own pace, and one evening in-person workshop per week – meaning you can study if you are working full time.
Topics covered in the course include:
- primary prevention of crime and harm
- typologies of prevention
- crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)
- community safety
- the politics of prevention
- social psychology and behavioural economics
- the role of police in prevention
- community development and inclusion
- urban planning and design
- prevention policymaking and strategy
- designing and evaluating prevention.
Scholarships are available for this course.
Contact the course director
For information about this course please contact the course director, Ruth Liston.
Email: [email protected]
Study in convenient eight-week blocks
Following the overwhelming success of the revolutionary VU Block Model with undergraduate students, we have rolled out the Block Model to our postgraduate courses.
This course is delivered in eight-week mode, which means you study two units (subjects) at a time over eight weeks (or one unit at a time over eight weeks for part-time study), rather than juggling several units at once. And with its focused timetables and smaller, collaborative classes, VU’s Block Model gives you more time to connect with your peers, lecturers and industry partners, helping you to build strong professional networks.
The VU Block Model has improved our student results and engagement, and has won multiple international awards for innovation and excellence.
Learning advice
VU's Learning Hubs are welcoming spaces where you can improve your study and employability skills.
We offer maths, writing, careers and English-language advice, and show you effective ways to study and manage your time.
Our programs include:
- workshops
- drop-in sessions
- peer mentoring
- maths and writing resources
- resume and career guidance.
We also have accessibility support services and counselling services available to all students.
Study in the heart of the legal precinct
Our Queen Street law hub on our City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.
Our dedicated law building features:
- specialised law library
- legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
- mooting court
- computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.
You’ll gain real insight into legal practice and start building networks for your future career.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers in crime prevention
There is high demand for people with skills in crime prevention. Professions and organisations that require such skills include:
- state government, for example in the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS)
- local councils, for example as community safety officers
- Victoria Police, for example as crime prevention officers
- urban planning and design.
Course structure
To attain the Graduate Certificate in Crime Prevention students will be required to complete 48 credit points of Core studies.
Course structure and units
-
- Unit code
- LCR6003
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LCR6004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LCR6005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LCR6006
- Credits
- 12
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Critically review the key theoretical underpinnings in crime prevention; | ||
| 2. | Examine empirical evidence to analyse their implications for effective strategies and policy; | ||
| 3. | Evaluate contemporary crime prevention strategic approaches and policy; | ||
| 4. | Evaluate and utilise Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED); | ||
| 5. | Design evidence based crime prevention strategies. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Full-fee
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admission & pathways
Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee you entry into this course. Some courses receive more applications than the number of places available. In this situation we will also assess your education, work and other relevant experience.
If you do not meet the minimum requirements you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. We also encourage you to explore our study pathways to help you reach your goal.
Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Entry requirements
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent)
OR
Applicants with a minimum five years approved work experience in a crime prevention related field.
Pathways from VU courses
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 19 February 2024
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 11 February 2024 for our next intake which starts on 19 February 2024.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
