Course overview
If you're interested in the causes, prevention, and psychology of crime, and how individuals and societies are regulated, studying both criminology and psychological science is for you. Combining the study of criminology with an accredited three-year psychology degree will allow students to apply knowledge of human behaviour to a wide range of fields within the criminal justice area. This program will prepare students for a career in the specialisations of forensic psychology, clinical psychology, and other accredited psychology postgraduate pathways. Students can also continue their professional training in psychology for a career as a psychologist.
Note: Registration as a psychologist requires completion of further study, such as the Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) plus postgraduate training in psychology.
Course record
Advanced Standing
If you have completed prior studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be eligible to receive credit towards your undergraduate degree. Please note that you must apply for admission before applying for credit.
Other Information
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Science is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia.
Practical experience
You will complete a minimum 140-hour placement within the second or third year of your study. This placement will take place in an organisation that requires criminological input into their policy, evaluation, and professional practices including those that perform criminal justice research, education, or community service. This will expose you to complex factors influencing criminology research and policy, and the cultural diversity of offenders and victims in the criminal justice system.
For Psychological Science, the degree includes a pre-professional strand of courses each year, which will help you prepare for professional practice. These courses involve guest lectures from practicing psychologists, problem-based workshops, and video material to provide an accurate picture of the range of areas within psychology.
Honours
Honours in Criminology or Psychological Science are available as an additional year (or part time equivalent) to meritorious students.
Fees and charges
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities
State and federal police, community corrections and probations, welfare, juvenile justice and youth support with family and victims' advocacy groups, NGOs, policy, and research.
Majors
Areas of study
Counselling, criminal justice, criminology, forensic psychology, power relationships psychology, legal studies, sociology, victimology.
Entry requirements
Review the captured standard entry requirements, English requirements and additional notes for this course.
Standard entry
- Applicants with recent secondary education Recommended studies: English Advanced. We strongly encourage you to enrol in bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging provides free academic preparation and support short courses, available on campus or online, to complete before beginning your degree. Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses Applicants with higher education study If you have completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted into a selection rank for admission into our undergraduate programs. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission. Completion of studies at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher Guarantees Entry into many of our undergraduate programs. Review the Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme . Applicants with work and life experience If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your preferred degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you. Explore University of Newcastle entry options.
If the student's current English result is below the direct-entry requirement, consider the university's recognised English language pathway or ELICOS package. When the student successfully completes the approved pathway at the required level, the university may accept that pathway for English entry without requiring a new IELTS, TOEFL or PTE result. Always confirm exclusions for professional registration courses and the offer conditions.
View English requirementStudent profile
Campuses & intake dates
- Newcastle City PrecinctNSW