Bachelor
The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology at ACAP combines psychology and criminology studies, preparing students for careers in the criminal justice system. The course is accredited by APAC and offers insights into criminal behaviour, rehabilitation, and societal impacts on crime.
Intrigued by the workings of the criminal mind and what drives criminal behaviour? Want to help vulnerable members of society work towards a brighter future? ACAP's Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to make a real degree of difference.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology combines two fields of study in one course and is ideal if you're interested in working in the courts, corrections, youth justice, or with offenders, victims, or vulnerable populations. Throughout your studies, you'll explore a mix of fascinating psychology and criminology-based topics including forensic psychology, psychopathology, substance use and crime, victimology and youth justice.
Examine the Australian criminal justice system, contemporary approaches to crime and punishment, and analyse concepts of punishment and rehabilitation in custodial and non-custodial settings. Gain deep insight into why we think and act the way we do, learn how to help change behaviour before it becomes destructive, and assist in rehabilitating those who have committed criminal acts. Explore the profession of psychology and its role in a criminology career.
Whether you choose to study online, on campus or a blend of both, you'll graduate well-equipped with practical skills and strategies to successfully work in the criminal justice system. With an understanding of the role society plays in shaping crime and criminal minds, you'll emerge from your studies as a confident and competent professional. This course has been professionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing a clear pathway to study additional psychology courses and become a registered psychologist. It has also been accredited by ACAP under its self-accrediting authority.
Domestic students must meet one of the following requirements:
Domestic students must also:
International students must meet one of the following requirements:
International students must also:
This course is only available to international students on-campus in Melbourne.
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.
Overseas qualifications must be deemed by ACAP as equivalent to Australian qualifications.
The accrediting body may have additional requirements, including minimum English language, to meet professional accreditation standards. For more information on meeting those requirements visit psychologycouncil.org.au.
Gain a deep understanding of psychological traits, social dynamics and the justice system through diverse topics such as forensic psychology, individual assessment, and the influence of media on crime. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing you to navigate complex societal challenges with cultural sensitivity and critical insight.
Discover how psychological assessments reveal what makes individuals unique. Explore key areas like intelligence, personality, aptitude and values while exploring the history and methods of psychological testing.
Explore psychological processes through the lens of social and community psychology. Learn to critically evaluate research, develop cultural responsiveness and build communication and reflective skills.
Delve into contemporary issues surrounding social and cultural diversity within Australian society and our criminal justice system. Explore constructed norms, processes of socialisation, issues of inequity and the concept of intersectionality. You'll also examine the intersections of class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality and mental health status.
Analyse media representations of crime, criminal justice and society. Examine the influence of media and popular culture on attitudes and behaviours, and how the law intersects with media via attempts to moderate its effect.
Penology is the study of punishment, where you'll examine issues involved in the sentencing, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders. This unit provides insights into the theories and practices of punishment, correctional ideologies and practices and prison privatisation.
Explore the history of forensic psychology, examining in detail the five key subspecialties within the discipline and identifying conflicts that arise between psychology and the law. Discover contemporary theories of offending and the empirical principles that underlie work with forensic clients.
Once you graduate from the Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology, you will open doors to a range of possible career opportunities. Listed below are a few typical roles you could consider.
The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Criminology course is comprised of 24 units, which are level 100, 200 and 300 units. To find out unit delivery information view the relevant Yearly Planner.
The course duration is 3 years full time or part time equivalent. For more information on the recommended course sequence click here.
Level: 100 level coreCredit points: 6
Mode of delivery: On-campus and online
Pre-requisites: None
Unit Description
This is the first of three inquiry-driven, multidisciplinary units in our undergraduate courses, which build upon one another to introduce key academic skills and an understanding of critical concepts relevant to the professions and careers into which our graduates progress. It will introduce you to higher education study, including key knowledge about the nature of higher education and how to navigate it successfully. It will help you develop critical thinking and communication skills, including reading and evaluating sources of information, summarising them effectively, and communicating your understanding to others. We will examine interactions between our own and others' personal cultural identities, how they shape our experience of relationships personally and professionally, and their implications for future study and career. Finally, it will ensure that you understand the concept of cultural safety both as it applies to higher education and the workplace. The unit lays the groundwork for all of your future studies and will help you understand both yourself and others better.
Learning outcomes:
Unit workload:
The workload for this unit is 10 hours per week.
Textbook
The required text book for this unit can be found by viewing the textbook list by selecting the course and trimester at the following link: https://www.acap.edu.au/student-resources/student-central-your-studies/textbooks-and-course-materials/
Academic misconduct
Ethical conduct and academic integrity and honesty are fundamental to the mission of ACAP. Academic misconduct will not be tolerated by the college. Please refer to the Academic Misconduct Policy on Policies & Procedures webpage for full details.
Disclaimer
Unit information may be subject to change prior to the teaching trimester commencing. Once term has commenced please review the Unit Outline in your class space to ensure your trimester study plan is correct.