100% Online
100% Online
Learning Mode
Undergraduate
Qualification
3 years full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
24
Units
$2,174*
Fees Per Unit
Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology explores what drives crime and its impact on individuals and communities.
You’ll examine how society responds to crime through policing, the courts, corrections, and victim support services. You’ll also explore crime and justice from both Australian and global perspectives, examining contemporary issues shaping the criminal justice sector and developing an understanding of the policies, practices and systems used to respond to crime.
The course also explores how technology, research and evidence-based approaches are influencing crime prevention, criminal investigations and justice outcomes.
Once you graduate, you’ll be able to pursue opportunities across the criminal justice sector, including law enforcement, corrections, offender rehabilitation, victim support services, and government policy.
Who is this course for?
How you’ll study
You’ll graduate ready to investigate crime, analyse its impact, and shape how the justice system responds.
‘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
With a career in criminology, you'll have a strong future ahead of you with an 18.9 % increase in the field. (SEEK 2026)
Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.
Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.
To be awarded the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology you must complete 24 units in total made up of:
Your learning will focus on technology and innovation within the criminal justice system. Your units will centre on understanding the different nuances of crime and how to adapt to new artificial intelligence technologies. For example, ‘Technological Advances in Dealing with Crime’ will introduce you to issues that emerge with sentencing as a result of artificial intelligence.
Studying criminology with Swinburne Online is a unique opportunity. Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to succeed come graduation. View all units in your bachelor’s degree.
Each year is split into three Teaching Periods (13 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time depending on your preference.
These are foundational units in major law study areas:
Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice
Policing: Systems and Practice
Corrections: Systems and Practice
Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology
Crime and Punishment in the International Context
Technological Advances in Dealing with Crime
Elective units are what turn a degree into your degree. They are units that you choose to tailor your course to suit your strengths, interests and career goals.
Take a look at the availability of the elective units we offer online.
When applying for this bachelor’s, you are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.
This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.
To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!
We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.
When applying for this bachelor’s, you are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
If you have completed recent prior studies you may be eligible to request course credit or subject exemptions to reduce the duration and cost of your program.
Credit for prior learning evaluates your previous studies related to your chosen subjects.
This is assessed on a case-by-case basis, where every applicant is assessed individually.
To learn more and explore your potential credit for prior learning, get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss your options!
We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.
*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.
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships
There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.
How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here
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, speak with our Course Consultant team today!
Let’s take a look at the wide range of roles you can pursue with a Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology (average annual salaries via SEEK):
Support young people in the justice system to make positive changes and reduce reoffending. You'll work with young people, families and community services to develop case plans, provide guidance, and connect them with education, employment, and support programs.
Support young people in the justice system to make positive changes and reduce reoffending. You'll work with young people, families and community services to develop case plans, provide guidance, and connect them with education, employment, and support programs.
Maintain the safety and security of correctional facilities. You'll supervise inmates, support their rehabilitation, conduct searches, and help offenders comply with court orders.
Maintain the safety and security of correctional facilities. You'll supervise inmates, support their rehabilitation, conduct searches, and help offenders comply with court orders.
Advise government, organisations and businesses on developing and evaluating policy. You'll analyse complex issues, research solutions, and recommend options to decision-makers.
Advise government, organisations and businesses on developing and evaluating policy. You'll analyse complex issues, research solutions, and recommend options to decision-makers.
Gather, analyse and interpret information to support decisions. You'll work across defence, intelligence, and law enforcement to identify threats, assess risks and shape strategy.
Gather, analyse and interpret information to support decisions. You'll work across defence, intelligence, and law enforcement to identify threats, assess risks and shape strategy.
Support people in the justice system to achieve positive outcomes and reduce reoffending. You'll develop case plans, coordinate support services, monitor progress, and help individuals access education, employment, and rehabilitation programs.
Support people in the justice system to achieve positive outcomes and reduce reoffending. You'll develop case plans, coordinate support services, monitor progress, and help individuals access education, employment, and rehabilitation programs.
Help manage the security and integrity of Australia's borders. You'll inspect passengers, luggage, cargo and mail, support compliance activities, and help prevent prohibited goods and people from entering the country.
Help manage the security and integrity of Australia's borders. You'll inspect passengers, luggage, cargo and mail, support compliance activities, and help prevent prohibited goods and people from entering the country.
Criminal justice and criminology skills can help you understand complex social issues, assess how justice systems respond to crime, and contribute to practical, evidence-based decisions in the workplace.
Analyse crime and social issues: Examine the causes and impacts of crime to support informed decision-making.
Assess justice responses: Assess the role of policing, youth justice, and correctional systems in addressing crime and improving community safety.
Inform policy and practice: Compare local and global approaches to crime and justice to evaluate strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
Communicate evidence-based findings: Apply research, analysis and communication skills to present recommendations and support outcomes across a range of settings.
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!
You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.
You’ll have access to:
If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People!
Support available includes:
Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.
Download a course guide
The suite of Swinburne Online 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.
