Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Name: Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Price: <p>Tuition: per semester AU$14,900</p> AUD

VU course code: ABCJ | CRICOS: 088599C | Level of study: Undergraduate

Duration

3 years

Delivery mode

Hybrid, In person

Fees

Tuition: per semester AU$14,900

Location

Footscray Park

Next start date

16 February 2026

View all start dates

Overview

Ready to create real change in your community? A career in criminal justice starts here.

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice equips you with the knowledge, skills and hands-on experience to make a meaningful impact on community safety and social justice.

You'll examine how crime, law and inequality intersect, including the role of mental health, trauma, substance use, poverty and systemic disadvantage.

Through the study of criminal justice theories, human rights and ethical frameworks, you’ll explore how systems like policing, courts and prisons operate and how policy, practice and reform can shape fairer and more effective outcomes.

Designed for those who want to support individuals involved in the justice system, influence policy or address the root causes of crime, this course develops your critical thinking, communication and professional capability.

In your final year, you’ll complete an industry placement that prepares you for a range of impactful careers, including:

police and law enforcement
prisons and corrections
courts and legal services
youth justice
community support and advocacy.

Join a future-focused degree that puts justice, people and purpose at the heart of your learning and your career.

: On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Exhibit high levels of responsibility, accountability and ethical practice required to work as a professional in the criminal justice system;

Initiate professional judgement in diverse and challenging settings within the modern criminal justice system;

Exhibit a range of intellectual and social skills in their understanding of the application of legislation and social policy;

Develop critical analysis and understanding of relevant areas of criminal justice social science research in specific areas of study;

Generate, organise and undertake research into relevant aspects of criminal justice;

Exemplify advanced academic skills in analysis, critical thinking and communication; and

Advocate, dispute and negotiate with professional competence using a range of well developed communication and interpersonal skills.
: This course is one of the preferred providers for the Department of Justice.
Key parts of the industry and profession, including Victoria Police, recognise the need for a more educated workforce. This course helps you fulfil that need, and makes you highly employable.
Graduates have a valuable overview of the complex criminal justice system. You will understand the interconnectedness of social welfare, law, correctional institutions, community, and policing. For example, how early-intervention programs for at-risk young people are a cost-effective way to reduce crime (Smart Justice).
: VU has strong ties to the legal community, including partnerships with the Magistrates’ Courts.
We encourage all our students to gain the practical experience needed to graduate work-ready. One of the ways you can do this is through volunteering.
The Department of Justice has several volunteer opportunities in Victoria’s court, legal and prison systems.
: Achieve your full potential with The Learning Hub, which help you develop your confidence, academic ability, and study skills.
Benefit from in-person mentoring and study sessions, along with a range of digital learning modules that you can access anytime.
Get help from our online, 24/7 support service to polish your assignments before you submit, and receive guidance on writing, referencing, maths and more.
Read more about The Learning Hub

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course will need to meet the entry criteria outlined below. If you don’t meet the entry criteria, you may be able to gain entry by first completing a related course or unit(s). We call this a ‘pathway’.

If you've completed a qualification where English was the primary language of instruction, you may be eligible for an exemption of English-language requirements.

In some cases, there may be additional entry requirements.

Learn more about entry requirements for international students.

Entry criteria

Credit & Entry pathways into this course

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency. Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Criminal Justice students will be required to complete 288 credit points in total consisting of:

96 credit points First Year Core units;
192 credit points Professional Core studies including 24 credit points Capstone studies;

Units

Fees & scholarships

As an international student at Victoria University, you will be required to pay your tuition fees up front each semester.

There may be additional materials fees throughout your studies, depending on your chosen course, as well as an administrative fee as part of your course.

Victoria University is proud to support our international scholarship recipients and sponsored students.

Save up to 30% off your fees!

The VU Block Model® International Scholarship offers eligible international students up to 30% off tuition fees for their entire first year of study. Study well and you’ll have the chance to increase or extend the scholarship for the whole duration of your course.

Find out more