Capstone portfolio showcase built into the degree
Industry placement and cyber security internships
Degree accredited by Australian Computer Society
Why choose criminology and cyber security at Deakin
The Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security equips you with the skills to understand criminal behaviour and tackle one of society's most critical threats – cybercrime. Build practical cyber security expertise across risk management and business solutions in a course co-designed with leading justice organisations. Discover how justice and criminality are defined and by whom, how courts and correctional processes operate and the intended outcomes of justice processes.
Gain skills in securing data and data communications, as well as investigating and providing solutions to cybercrime and terrorism. Take advantage of specialised cyber security labs with state-of-the-art tools. With up to 160 hours of work experience built-in, you will graduate from the #1 Victorian university for computing and information systems graduate employment with hands-on experience and a strong grounding in criminology and cyber security.
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A leader in Australia
The Bachelor of Criminology at Deakin is one of Australia's most established and forward-thinking criminology courses.
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Industry-ready skills
Our criminology courses are designed with professional bodies.
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Recognised credentials
This double degree is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is recognised internationally for entry into professional practice.
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Work experience built in
Expand your industry skills with up to 160 hours of work experience built in, with internships, mentoring, volunteering and study tours also available.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Build skills across crime, justice and digital security, preparing you to solve complex challenges and make a positive impact on society.
Security analyst
Help protect organisations from cyber threats by monitoring networks and systems, identifying vulnerabilities, investigating security breaches and recommending measures to strengthen security.
- $103k
Typical salary in Australia
- 14.8%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Penetration tester
Test computer systems, networks and applications for security weaknesses, helping organisations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their defences against cyber attacks.
- $120k
Typical salary in Australia
- 14.2%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Graduates may find careers in areas like:
- Community services
- Cyber security specialist
- Intelligence agencies
- Policy development
- Private security
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
FAQs
Yes – every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning (WIL) in their degree. Each year, more than 30,000+ students complete a placement or internship with partners including Microsoft, KPMG, EY and the National Australia Bank. You can access WIL through placements, industry projects, field-based experiences, simulations and global programs, helping you apply your skills and graduate with the experience and confidence employers value.
DeakinTALENT is Deakin's award-winning career service, and you can access it for life – not just while you're studying. From personalised career coaching sessions and AI-enhanced resume support to a jobs and internships board with employment opportunities, it’s designed to give you the career management skills and connections you need to stand out. Every Deakin degree is built with input from employers, so your course is designed around real workplace needs, now and into the future.
Entry requirements and the minimum ATAR vary by degree and are detailed on the degree page, but if your ATAR is below the cut-off, you still have options. Use the pathway finder tool to find the opportunities available to you, including associate degrees and Deakin Guaranteed ATAR, which offers eligible students a guaranteed entry score that's on average 10 points below the lowest selection rank. If you don't have an ATAR, Deakin Uni Ready is a free, supported program designed to build your skills and confidence and open doors to degrees in arts, health, science and business. Access programs and equity schemes are also available.
At Deakin, employability isn't an add-on – it's built in. Our degrees are designed with industry input, so your skills are aligned to what employers actually need. Every Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities such as placements, internships and industry projects, helping you build your professional network and practical experience before you even graduate. It's an approach that works: nine out of 10 Deakin graduates get a job within four to six months of finishing their degree.
Yes. Most eligible undergraduate students are offered a Commonwealth Supported Place meaning the government subsidises part of your tuition fees. If eligible, you can pay your student contribution using a HECS-HELP loan that you only start repaying once your income is above the repayment threshold. Deakin has scholarships that cater to our diverse student community, ranging from $5,000 per year for high ATAR achievers to $10,000 per year for students facing financial or personal hardship. The University also offers support services including financial counselling, budgeting help and access to short-term, interest-free loans to help you stay on track.
Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for student support and that starts the moment you accept your offer. Orientation is designed to help you feel welcome and get to know your community of classmates and teachers from day one. Across all campuses, there's a vibrant student community with clubs, events and opportunities to build real friendships. Deakin offers a range of services to help students stay healthy and safe, including sport and fitness facilities, free counselling, on-campus medical services and around-the-clock security.
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can transfer to Deakin in a few steps and apply for credit through recognition of prior learning (RPL), so you won't necessarily repeat subjects you've already completed. If you're coming from a TAFE partner, you may get guaranteed entry into second year with guaranteed RPL. Deakin's three-trimester system also means you may be able to start mid-year rather than waiting until March.
Most Deakin courses run across three trimesters per year instead of the traditional two semesters. Trimester 1 begins around March, Trimester 2 around July and Trimester 3 around November, each with roughly 12 weeks of teaching followed by an exam period. This means you can usually start your degree at three different points in the year and have more flexibility to manage your study load. Check the intakes by location section on the course page for details.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security?
Build expertise across crime, justice and digital security while learning how social, legal and technical systems intersect. Graduate able to analyse risk, prevent harm and respond to complex threats.
Build your foundations across both fields
Explore crime and justice systems
Examine how crime is defined, measured and responded to while considering social, cultural and legal influences that shape justice outcomes.
Build cyber security foundations
Learn how digital environments operate, including basic security concepts, data risks and how technology both enables and prevents cybercrime.
Develop core study and analysis skills
Strengthen research, critical thinking and communication abilities so you can interpret evidence and apply structured problem-solving approaches.
Develop methods and technical capability
Apply criminological perspectives
Explore why crime happens and how prevention strategies work, using theory and evidence to interpret patterns of offending.
Strengthen cyber security practice
Develop technical awareness of system protection, threat detection and risk management so you can understand how attacks occur and how defences are built.
Connect law, ethics and technology
Examine regulatory frameworks and ethical responsibilities that guide responses to crime in both physical and digital environments.
Specialise and apply your learning
Shape your study through focused choice
Pursue advanced topics aligned with your goals, allowing you to deepen expertise.
Analyse complex crime environments
Investigate issues such as organised crime, cyber threats and systemic risk, learning to evaluate responses across legal, social and technical contexts.
Translate theory into practice
Undertake applied tasks that mirror real-life investigative, analytical or security work to build confidence and industry-ready skills.
Integrate, practise and graduate
Complete advanced discipline studies
Finalise high-level learning in both criminology and cyber security, strengthening your ability to assess threats and design responses.
Practical learning
Engage in projects, placements or industry-linked tasks that demonstrate how criminological insight and technical security work together.
Be career ready
Graduate with analytical, technical and ethical skills suited to roles addressing crime, digital risk and community safety.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security, you must pass 32 credit points.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
Plus at least six credit points from the list below:
Compulsory 0-credit point units
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
Units
Cyber Security capstone
Plus, two (2) credit points from the following capstone options:
OR
# Corequisite of STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit point compulsory unit)
It is important to ensure your course plan meets the course rules detailed above. Students should contact Student Central for assistance with course planning, choosing the right units and understanding course rules.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is recognised for specialist cybersecurity accreditation. This course is also recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.
What to expect while studying
The learning experiences and assessment activities within this course require students to have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.
For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the 'Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines' via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
Any unit which contains work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, Working with Children Check or other check.
This course includes a compulsory work placement with an approved host organisation to take your learning beyond the classroom and prepare you to be work and career ready. Work Integrated Learning units offered in this course provide you with the opportunity to develop your professional networks and work practices while completing your degree.
Elective units may also provide additional opportunities for Work Integrated Learning experiences.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Criminology (A329) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) |
|---|---|
| Review and analyse major social science theories and key criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge relating to crime and criminal justice issues, including the causes and consequences of crime, ways of responding to crime, media representations of crime, core debates in policing, security and surveillance, as well as broader issues of policy and politics, inclusion and exclusion, governing and governance, security, social justice, citizenship and human rights. | Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline including its dynamic environment, with detailed knowledge of project management principles and in depth knowledge in IT Security. Design, develop and implement IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT. Acquire in-depth knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage security solutions for systems, networks, and data according to industry-accepted standards and best practice. |
| Effectively communicate the findings and analyses of criminological concepts, theories and technical knowledge, in a selection of written, digital and oral formats, to a range of audiences. | Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences. |
| Employ a range of generic and specialist criminal justice-specific digital communication technologies to apply criminological knowledge and conduct social and criminological research and deliver reports and presentations to a diverse range of audiences within and outside the field. | Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions. |
| Analyse and critically evaluate theoretical approaches to crime problems and current policies and practices of governments and criminal justice practitioners and professions in the context of broad social change, new crimes, new responses and an increasing responsibility for preventing and controlling individual and complex crimes at local, state, national and international levels. | Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of cyber security. |
| Employ initiative and creativity in conjunction with accepted evidence-based criminological methods to generate innovative and pragmatic approaches and solutions to complex problems in the areas of individual crime, complex and organised crime, the criminal justice process, questions of justice and injustice, local, national and international policing, surveillance, privacy and technology, and domestic and international crime and security issues. | .Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems. |
| Demonstrate autonomy, responsibility, accountability and a continued commitment to learning and skill development, as a reflective practitioner, while working in the criminological field. | Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner. |
| Work and learn collaboratively with others in the criminology field and from different disciplines and backgrounds while still maintaining responsibility for their own learning. | Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions. |
| Analyse and address criminological issues in the domestic and global context as a reflective scholar and practitioner, taking into consideration cultural and socio-economic diversity, social and environmental responsibility and the application of the highest ethical standards. | Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures. |
- Award granted
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security
- Year
2027 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400310031 - Waurn Ponds (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400510031 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
1400610031 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) - Deakin code
- D380
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$14,350
for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
The estimated tuition (student contribution) fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your student contribution is determined by the units you enrol in and will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning. You may also be eligible for a HECS-HELP loan to defer payment of all or part of your student contribution.
Check your eligibility or learn more about CSP or HECS-HELP.
Scholarships
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you'll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Trimester 1 2027 applications close 7 February 2027
VTAC
Apply now
Apply direct
Simply create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal and educational details, upload your supporting documents and submit your application.
Apply through VTAC
Applications are open. Apply through VTAC if you're:
- currently in Year 12 and applying for Trimester 1 or Semester 1
- applying for multiple undergraduate courses
Need help? Follow our step-by-step undergraduate guide to prepare and submit your application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Not sure if you'll meet entry requirements?
Deakin offers a range of pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security to suit your background and goals. Explore the pathways finder to see how previous study, diplomas or alternative qualifications can lead you into the course.