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Murdoch University

  • 37% international / 63% domestic

Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Communication

  • Bachelor

Advance your creative thinking and communication skills as you learn to investigate social problems and crime from a criminal behaviour perspective.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
4 years full-time
Course Code
B1362, 096886G
Domestic Fees
$132,000 total
International Fees
$132,000 total

About this course

Overview

Combine a Bachelor of Criminology degree with a Bachelor of Communication to gain skills and ways of thinking that will really give you a competitive edge in your career. You could pursue a career in criminology or use your knowledge to become a crime journalist.

You'll investigate criminal behaviour, the science behind crime and legal studies while learning from industry experts as you fine-tune your presentation, language and writing skills.

You can customise your degree to suit your interests - and your career aspirations. With your Bachelor of Criminology, you can choose to major in Legal Studies, Criminal Behaviour, Crime Science or White Collar and Corporate Crime. Your Bachelor of Communication allows you to major in Journalism, Strategic Communication and Global Media and Communication.

3 reasons to study a combined degree in Criminology and Communication at Murdoch

  1. Choose from a range of majors, including two majors available only at Murdoch - Crime Science and White Collar and Corporate Crime.
  2. Learn the latest real-world techniques and policies, with course input and guest lectures by forensic experts from PathWest, ChemCentre, WA Police, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Coroner's Office in your Criminology degree.
  3. Work with organisations on real projects as part of your Communication degree through our Work Integrated Learning program. Some of our students have interned with Lifeline, RAC Arena and The Salvation Army.

What you'll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you'll learn:

  • Crime scene investigation
  • Children and crime
  • Communication strategy and planning
  • Broadcasting and digital newsgathering
  • Communicating global issues

Your future career

This course will give you a combination of skills and specialised knowledge which will expand your career options. Your career options could include:

  • Crime Journalist
  • Crime Prevention Officer
  • Community Correction or Juvenile Justice Officer
  • Court Administrator
  • Paralegal Officer

You could work in a range of industries including the media, in business, roles with local, state and federal government or non-governmental organisations (known as NGOs).

Previous admission information is available at Murdoch Admission Information - Criminology.

Professional accreditation

The Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication) is accredited by Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Professional recognition

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication (Strategic Communication) major are eligible for membership of Public Relations Institute of Australia.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Australia

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
For Criminology:
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful completion of at least one year.

Pre-Law

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

  • MUPC (1 Trimester).

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course

* Introduction to Academic Communication unit

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Successful completion of the course.

For Law :

No direct entry
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement
For Criminology:
Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR
Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR
A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)

For Law :

Successful completion of at least one year.

Pre-Law
Minimum academic requirement

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Minimum English requirement

Successful completion of

Pre-Law course

with a 60% average.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

  • MUPC (1 Trimester).

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course

* Introduction to Academic Communication unit

* Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.

For Law :

Successful completion of one of the following:

* Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the 'Introduction to Academic Communication' unit

Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University.
  • An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university.

For Law :

No direct entry
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of the course.

For Law :

No direct entry
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experience based entry

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the
Experienced based entry
.
Extenuating circumstances

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Case-by-case assessment.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)

For Criminology:

CPS 54 or higher.


For Law :

CPS 70 or higher.

For Criminology:

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

For Law :

65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Law Start

Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

For Criminology:

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

For Law :

Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.

For Law and Criminology:

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)

For Criminology:

70

For Law :

90

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
GCE A Levels

For Criminology:

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Law :

Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Criminology:

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

For Law :

A Levels: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: B in one of the following:

  • English Language

English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

For Criminology:

Total score of 24 or higher.

For Law :

Total score of 33 or higher.

For Criminology:

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

For Law:

Higher level (HL): 5 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 6 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of one of the following:

  • Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12
  • TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12
  • An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university

For Law:

No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR

A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement

We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement
Case-by-case assessment.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

CPS 54 or higher.


For Law :

CPS 70 or higher.
Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

For Law :

65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Law Start
Minimum academic requirement

Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.
Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement
Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.

For Law :

Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.

Minimum English requirement

For Law and Criminology:

Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:

  • English
  • English Extension (Literature)
  • English for ESL Learners.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

70

For Law :

90

Minimum English requirement

Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):

  • English ATAR
  • Literature ATAR
  • English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR

Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
GCE A Levels

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

For Law :

Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

A Levels: D in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

For Law :

A Levels: C in one of the following:

  • English Language
  • English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

AS Level: B in one of the following:

  • English Language

English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Total score of 24 or higher.

For Law :

Total score of 33 or higher.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Higher level (HL): 3 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 4 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

For Law:

Higher level (HL): 5 or better.

Standard Level (SL): 6 or better.

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only)

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Certificate IV AQF level 4

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

For Law :

No direct entry

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


For Law:

No direct entry
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma.

For Law :

No direct entry

Certificate IV AQF level 4

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

Successful completion of a Certificate IV.

For Law :

No direct entry

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR

STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010).


For Law:

No direct entry
Means of admission Minimum academic requirement Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

For Law and Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

For Criminology:

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .

For Law :

No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

For Law:

No direct entry

Experienced based entry

For Criminology and combined Criminology courses

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

Minimum English requirement

For Law and Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology:

MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .

For Law :

No direct entry - consider Pre-Law pathway.

Minimum English requirement

For Criminology:

Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only).

Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.

For Law:

No direct entry

Experienced based entry

Minimum academic requirement

For Criminology and combined Criminology courses

A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
As per normal university admission requirements
English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

Adjustment for Murdoch RISE

Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.

If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.

There's no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you've already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Progress to fees and scholarships

Study locations

Perth

How to apply

How to apply

Please indicate above whether you're a domestic or international student intending to study at a Western Australian campus.

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application. Applications for Veterinary Science must be made via TISC.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • ATAR results (if available)
  • STAT results (if applicable)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Change of name documentation
  2. Marriage certificate
  3. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory Documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. GTE documents (if applicable) - Check the GTE requirements page for further information
    • GTE Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  2. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  3. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  4. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  5. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

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