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Associate Degree of Criminal Justice

  • Associate Degree

Gain deep insights into criminal behaviour and the justice system with the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice, covering topics like criminal psychology, crime prevention, and law enforcement.

Key details

Degree Type
Associate Degree
Duration
6 trimesters full-time, 8 trimesters part-time
Course Code
081563E
Study Mode
In person, Online
Intake Months
Feb, May, Sep
Domestic Fees
$22,664 per year
International Fees
$29,176 per year

About this course

Overview

You're intrigued by criminal behaviour and want to know more about our justice system. Our Associate Degree of Criminal Justice gives you deep insight into why we think and act the way we do, and the impact our justice system has on people. Learn about criminal psychology, crime prevention, law enforcement, and corrections services. This course has been accredited by ACAP under its self-accrediting authority.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Domestic entry requirements

Domestic students must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Be 21 years or above at the date of commencement; or
  • Completed a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent); or
  • Completed a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or
  • Successfully gained admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian University (or equivalent)

Domestic students must also:

  • Participate in a screening interview (typically by phone)

International entry requirements

International students must meet one of the following requirements:

  • Completed a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (or equivalent); or
  • Completed a Certificate IV or above (or equivalent); or
  • Successfully gained admission to an undergraduate degree at an Australian University (or equivalent)

International students must also:

  • Be 18 years or above on arrival to Australia to commence studies; and
  • Participate in a screening interview (typically by phone).

Minimum English Language Requirements International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Academic IELTS minimum overall band of 6.0 with no individual band below 5.5 (completed in the past two years); or Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic PTE score of 52 (completed in the past two years).

If an alternative to IELTS or PTE is being supplied as part of the application, please read more information on English Language Test Equivalency.

Study locations

ACAP University College - Melbourne Campus

Online

What you will learn

What you'll learn

Expertise in human behaviour forms is the foundation of the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice.

EXPLORE WITH AN APPLIED FOCUS:

  • An understanding of criminal behavior, crime prevention and social control
  • Criminal justice systems (and their relationship to the wider community)

Career pathways

Potential Careers

Once you graduate from the Associate Degree of Criminal Justice, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.

  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Court Registrar
  • Youth Justice Worker
  • Case Manager
  • Corrections Officer

Course structure

Course structure

The Associate Degree of Criminal Justice course is made up of 16 core units, which are either level 100 or 200 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.

The course duration is 2 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.

Level: 100 level core

Credit points: 6

Prerequisites: None

Unit Description:

This unit introduces students to the study of criminology and criminal justice. In doing so, it aims to develop students' ability to perform successfully at tertiary level by addressing the skills applied to the context of social science, specifically to criminology and criminal justice. This unit also introduces students to the origins of the Australian Criminal Justice System and the formal functions of law enforcement, courts and correctional services.

This unit commences with an examination of core concepts central to the study of criminology and criminal justice. This includes introducing students to varying classifications and perspectives of justice, crime and criminality. Students will also explore the workings of the major institutions of the Australian criminal justice system. Throughout the unit, students will be introduced to the core skills and requirements when undertaking tertiary study, namely time management, utilising library resources effectively, academic writing style and referencing.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of concepts central to the study of criminal justice
  • Understand and apply the conventions for academic writing, including those relating to integrating research and citing sources
  • Develop research skills and be able to read and identify academic sources
  • Examine the origins and formal functions of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections.

Learning and Teaching Process:

This unit is taught over 13 weeks and totals 3 student contact hours per week.

Students will participate in teaching and learning activities including:

  • Lectures and critical discussion
  • Tutorials and skill development activities
  • Pre-learning activities
  • Post-learning activities

This unit's content is delivered to students via a weekly 2-hour lecture and 1-hour tutorial (via Zoom).

In addition to timetabled contact hours, students are expected to do at least 6 hours of personal study each week to review lectures and read prescribed and recommended materials for this unit. The weekly individual workload of this unit will be around 72 hours (including teamwork, individual self-study and reading).