100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Undergraduate
Qualification
3 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
24
Units
$2,124*
Fees Per Unit
As a student of criminology, you’ll dive into the world of criminal behaviour, illicit drugs, arms or counterfeit goods and learn how to create industry-standard solutions to local and global crime problems.
You’ll get to study selected true crime stories where immersive journalism practices have uncovered new evidence and changed the course of investigations. This will give you an understanding of police practices and help you uncover the motivations which result in young people encountering the criminal justice system. Importantly, you will also analyse these topics from the worldviews, histories and standpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You’ll consider how these histories continue to impact Indigenous youth in the criminal justice system today.
You’ll learn from experts who have worked in the field of corrective services, counter terrorism and transnational crime, giving you real-world knowledge from highly experienced professionals. This will set you up with a practical skillset and assist with your job readiness upon graduation. You’ll also have the freedom to tailor half of your course based on your interests by taking electives you’re passionate about.
This course will gear you towards a future where your knowledge will help provide actionable solutions in relation to crime and make a lasting difference to our society. You’ll join a cohort of graduates who work in various areas of the criminal justice system, such as victim support, intelligence analysts, and corrections programs.
‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’
Kate, Swinburne Online graduate
Dream of being a Criminologist? Jobs are set to increase by 18.9% over the next five years.
Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
Our Social Sciences courses have ranked in the Top 250 by the QS Top Universities Rankings for 2025.
To be awarded the Bachelor of Social Science – Behavioural Studies you must complete 24 units in total made up of:
Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (14 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.
Learning and Communicating Online
Introduction to Research Methods
Tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests and careers goals. Here’s what our Swinburne Online academic staff recommend for the Criminology major:
If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.
Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.
If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).
To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.
If you’re applying to Swinburne but haven’t completed Year 12, don’t worry! You can still apply if you have:
Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit of up to 16 units.
If you have completed Year 12 (the Victorian Certificate of Education – VCE, or an equivalent qualification from interstate or internationally), you can apply based on that.
Some students start their journey with a Diploma, which can help them progress to a degree.
If you’ve already studied you may be able to get advanced standing (credit transfer).
To learn more, reach out to a Course Consultant to discuss applying for credit.
*Note: Unit fees may change each year.
There are several ways to help manage your course fees:
Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for financial support.
There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.
Scholarships are available for both new and current students.
Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.
Credit for prior study:
Services & amenities fee:
For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!
Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Social Science – Criminology (average annual salaries via SEEK):
Analyse crime data, understand its causes, and develop strategies to address it, often working in research, policy development, or with law enforcement and community organizations.
Analyse crime data, understand its causes, and develop strategies to address it, often working in research, policy development, or with law enforcement and community organizations.
Help individuals meet their court or parole conditions and keep them connected to community services and programs to assist with their rehabilitation. Also be responsible for delivering high quality case management to a caseload of the highest priority individuals who have committed violent and sex offences under correctional supervision.
Help individuals meet their court or parole conditions and keep them connected to community services and programs to assist with their rehabilitation. Also be responsible for delivering high quality case management to a caseload of the highest priority individuals who have committed violent and sex offences under correctional supervision.
Work with communities to identify needs, develop and implement programs, and foster engagement. Collaborate with various stakeholders, including local residents, organisations, and government agencies, to enhance the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the community
Work with communities to identify needs, develop and implement programs, and foster engagement. Collaborate with various stakeholders, including local residents, organisations, and government agencies, to enhance the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the community
Ensure the security of inmates and staff inside prisons, help to supervise activities and play a key role in maintaining safety.
Ensure the security of inmates and staff inside prisons, help to supervise activities and play a key role in maintaining safety.
This bachelor’s degree combines flexibility, industry-led teaching, practical skills, and strong career support designed to help you build a meaningful, future-proof career in criminology and related fields.
Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.
Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!
We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.
Download a course guide
The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.
