Criminology and Criminal Justice

Why choose Criminology

Criminology explores issues of crime and criminal justice. As a criminologist, you will understand how the justice system works, why people commit crimes, and have the skills and knowledge to contribute towards preventing and controlling crime and social problems that face contemporary society. The theoretical and methodological skills needed to collect, interpret and evaluate information about crime and criminal justice are a major focus of study. 

The Criminology program at The University of Queensland is distinctive in Australia due to its strong international and industry research strengths in understanding the causes and consequences of crime and the operation of the criminal justice system. Staff teach and conduct research that is cross-disciplinary in focus. Staff are engage in cutting edge research in the following broad areas: crime prevention, governance and social control; police studies; crime and community; urban criminology; experimental criminology; life pathways and longitudinal studies; evidence-based policy, practice and evaluation. 

In a rapidly growing employment market, you will be well positioned for careers in state, federal and international justice agencies (e.g. Justice, Courts, Public Prosecutions, Corrections, Policy, Public and Community Safety, Housing, Health Regulation, Crime Commissions, Public Integrity, Local Government, National Security and other regulatory functions of government both in Australia and in international justice agencies), non-government organisations (e.g. Social Service Agencies, International Aid Organisations) and the private sector (e.g. Corporate Security, Corporate Regulation, Transnational Compliance, Urban Development, Risk Assessment, Insurance and Actuarial Agencies). 

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice program strongly focuses on professional practice and criminal law. The program provides students with high level, industry relevant skills to compete favourably in the growing international justice and criminology employment markets.

There are five study concentrations:

• Criminology
• Criminal law
• Criminal justice
• Research & evaluation methods
• Professional practice - the professional practice courses run through the entire degree and are taught by academics and industry professionals working in the top levels of criminology and criminal justice.

Graduates of criminology and criminal justice are sought after in the public and private sectors, advising on evidence based crime control policies, developing corporate risk management strategies, and working in global companies to better manage growing transnational crime problems.

Find out what it's really like to study Criminology at UQ