Key facts
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2024 close 18 February 2024
Late VTAC entry closes 3 November 2023 at 5pm. View other VTAC datesCurrent Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Gain a broad understanding of all major areas of the law while exploring the underlying drivers behind criminal behaviour. As a graduate of Deakin's Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws you will earn two in-demand degrees that complement each other and the dual expertise to see crime and law from a unique perspective.
Learn from leading academics who are experts in their field. Explore the latest concepts, ideas and approaches from inside the industry and benefit from networking with and learning from real-world connections.
A distinctive feature of Deakin's accredited Bachelor of Laws is its focus on practical learning. In addition to being guided through the latest theory and topical case studies by criminology and law academics who are true subject matter experts, you will also be challenged to apply your skills in real-world settings at the Deakin Law Clinic. Working on real cases, you will address criminal justice issues alongside industry professionals.
Want a significant career advantage with combined knowledge in law and criminology?
Study criminology and law and gain broad theoretical and applied knowledge and skills relevant to the forms, causes, meaning and prevention of crime. This directly relates to policy development and policing matters.
Through the combination of sound legal training with real-world experience and work-integrated learning, you will develop key skills, such as problem solving and analytical thinking, in studying all major areas of law, including:
- contract law
- tort law
- property law
- constitutional law
- criminal law and procedure
- administrative law.
In the criminology stream, study the relationship between criminal behaviour and sociology, the impact of mental health, education and substance abuse. Find out what drives criminal behaviour, and how to develop systems and programs to prevent it from happening.
Interested in studying through an international lens? Take advantage of our global study itinerary, which includes the prestigious Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot in Hong Kong and Vienna, and options to study one or more elective units at an overseas institution.
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws
- Year
2024 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400415301 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400515301 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400615301 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D335
- CRICOS code?
- 060431B Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Approval status
This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws, students must attain a total of 40 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Faculty of Arts and Education and 24 credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
16
Credit points from the Faculty of Arts and Education
24
Credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law
40
Total credit points
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:
- Academic Integrity Module
Units
The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Criminology (A329) include:
- at least 12 credit points of ACR coded units (including the core units ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302)
- At least 6 credit points at level 3 including ACR301 and ACR302;
- 4 credit points of elective units available from within the Bachelor of Arts major sequences. Please refer to A310 Bachelor of Arts for a list of Faculty of Arts and Education units.
The 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws (M312) include:
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of law elective units^, including 1 credit point of an experiential unit from the WIL/Practical Elective Units list.
^Law electives are offered on a yearly rotational basis. Not every unit is offered every year
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Waterfront (Geelong)
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Please note: Students enrolled in this combined course at Geelong will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong)
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Additional course information
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time. The minimum expected workload for a Law unit will normally be around 150 hours, which includes attendance at class, reading, completion of any assessment, and preparation for the exam.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
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Entry requirements
Current or recent Year 12
Academic requirements
If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
Year 12 prerequisite subjects
- Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL
ATAR
- Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Higher education study
Academic requirements
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of at least four credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent
- achieve at least 60 in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) - Multiple Choice.
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
VET study
Academic requirements
This course does not accept VET study for entry, please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.
To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Work and life experience
Academic requirements
This course does not accept work, volunteer and/or life experience for entry. Please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.
To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice).
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admission criteria
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum course entry requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
Selection adjustments
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Australian Politics, Global Politics, Psychology or Sociology equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Philosophy, Australian Politics, Global Politics, Psychology or Sociology equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Estimated tuition fees - CSP: 2024 fees are currently unavailable due to a delay in the student contribution rates set by the Australian Government.
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year. You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships
Apply now
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. We've helped over 300,000 Deakin graduates across Australia and throughout the world apply with confidence. In Year 12? Follow these how to apply steps. Completed secondary education in or prior to 2021? Follow these how to apply steps.
Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 are open. Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
Entry pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Mon–Thurs, 8am–7pm, Fri 8am–5pm
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.
Career outcomes
As a graduate, you can choose to pursue a career as a lawyer, or take on business and management roles in a range of corporate and private organisations and government agencies. Upon completion of your degree and the additional practical legal training, you will be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in all legal fields.
With criminology expertise, opportunities also exist within state and federal police, ASIO (Australia’s national security service) and various correctional services, community services and private security industries.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession. In Victoria these have been set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic qualifications, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.
A person seeking admission in a jurisdiction outside Australia may be required to satisfy additional requirements. Please check the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.
Matched with criminology, you will have a broader understanding of the criminal justice system than most other graduates, making you a highly desirable candidate when entering the legal sector.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.
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Footnotes
** QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018