Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Learn all about human behaviour and criminality, and step closer to becoming a professional psychologist or academic researcher.
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a broad overview of psychology, and specifically, insight into the determinants of criminal behaviour.
It will prepare you to work in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, offender rehabilitation and policy development. It also forms part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited pathway to becoming a registered psychologist.
Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. In this double degree, in Psychology Project (PSY30003), you’ll undertake an industry-linked research project, and in Crime, Society and Culture (LAW30025), you’ll team up with other students to work on a problems-based project briefed to you by an industry partner.
Graduates who demonstrate a high level of performance are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) program.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 26 February 2024
- Semester 2 - 29 July 2024
VTAC codes
- 3400211641 (CSP)
- 3400211643 (IFP)
Course details
- Course structure and professional recognition.
As a Swinburne law student you can choose to take part in a dual award program with Leo Cussen Centre for Law. This makes it possible to study your LLB at Swinburne while also completing Practical Legal Training (the Swinburne program) at Leo Cussen. Please note that this dual award is not available to those on international student visas.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
4 units (50 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B – Law | LAW20022 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Psychology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Psychology | PSY20014 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Psychology | PSY20015 | 25 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Psychology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Psychology | PSY20014 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in psychology
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of psychology
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, graduates will be able to:
- describe the nature of criminal activity and analyse and evaluate the main causes of crime
- systematically review and undertake research to evaluate the consequences of crime on victims and the broader community
- apply knowledge and skills to compare and analyse Australia’s response to crime with that of other nations
- effectively and persuasively communicate with legal and non-legal audiences
- analyse information from a variety of sources to investigate and evaluate proposed solutions to crime
- evaluate technological and other scientific approaches to reducing crime and dealing with the consequences of crime
- function as an effective member or leader of a team and critically reflect on individual performance.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Completion of the course will allow students entry into an accredited fourth year of Psychology, which is required for provisional registration as a Psychologist.
Fees
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.