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Learning Mode
Undergraduate
Qualification
6 Months full-time
Duration
Mar, Jul, Nov
Start Dates
4
Units
$2,174*
Fees Per Unit
The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology is a pathway qualification for those who want to begin a career in the field of criminology.
This four-unit course introduces you to the major theoretical models of crime and teaches you how the Australian legal system is constructed.
You’ll explore how this system responds to criminal offences, gaining insight into the processes and procedures involved in criminal cases. You’ll also have the opportunity to examine the sociological and psychological theories behind crime and criminal behaviour, building your understanding of what drives offending and the policies put in place to respond.
After completing this qualification, you may be eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, dependent on your grade requirement, with credit received for your completed units.
Who is this course for?
How you’ll study
‘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
As a correctional officer, you can expect an average annual salary of up to $85,000. (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 Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology you must complete four (4) units in total made up of:
You must complete two (2) of the following:
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
This course is not available to international students.
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
How do I get into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology?
If you complete all four units of the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology with a 60% average mark, you’re eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. All four units will be credited to the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. This pathway is open to all students who meet the entry criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:
This course is not available to international students.
Want to discuss your eligibility for the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!
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.
How do I get into the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology?
If you complete all four units of the Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology with a 60% average mark, you’re eligible to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. All four units will be credited to the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. This pathway is open to all students who meet the entry criteria.
*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!
The Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology can lead to work opportunities across a range of justice, legal, corrections, and administrative settings. The roles below are examples of where your studies could lead, along with what you might earn (average annual salaries via SEEK):
Maintain the safety and security of correctional facilities, supervising inmates, and assisting with their rehabilitation. They also play a role in helping offenders address their behaviour and comply with court orders while supervising inmate conduct, conducting searches, and transporting inmates.
Maintain the safety and security of correctional facilities, supervising inmates, and assisting with their rehabilitation. They also play a role in helping offenders address their behaviour and comply with court orders while supervising inmate conduct, conducting searches, and transporting inmates.
Monitor and enforce regulations within government, justice, or corporate settings. Compliance officers review procedures, investigate breaches, and ensure organisations meet legal and ethical standards. This role is relevant in regulatory agencies, courts, and public sector environments.
Monitor and enforce regulations within government, justice, or corporate settings. Compliance officers review procedures, investigate breaches, and ensure organisations meet legal and ethical standards. This role is relevant in regulatory agencies, courts, and public sector environments.
Support the daily operations of courts by managing records, processing legal documents, assisting with scheduling, and providing administrative support to court staff and the public. Court registry officers play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the justice system.
Support the daily operations of courts by managing records, processing legal documents, assisting with scheduling, and providing administrative support to court staff and the public. Court registry officers play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the justice system.
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.
Supervise inmates in correctional facilities, maintain order and security, and assist with rehabilitation programs. Correctional officers enforce rules, conduct searches, and support the safe operation of prisons and detention centres.
Supervise inmates in correctional facilities, maintain order and security, and assist with rehabilitation programs. Correctional officers enforce rules, conduct searches, and support the safe operation of prisons and detention centres.
Be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of Australia's borders. CBP Officers work at air and seaports, mail and cargo centres, and remote locations to inspect travellers, goods, and cargo for illegal items, prohibited substances, and to ensure compliance with customs and immigration laws.
Be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of Australia's borders. CBP Officers work at air and seaports, mail and cargo centres, and remote locations to inspect travellers, goods, and cargo for illegal items, prohibited substances, and to ensure compliance with customs and immigration laws.
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.
