Course overview
Deakin’s Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science brings together two independent degrees and combines them in an attractive four-year combined course. This course provides an accredited undergraduate sequence in psychology and includes complementary studies in individual and group counselling, health, and behavioural change.
Combining psychology with criminology provides students with broad theoretical and applied knowledge and skills concerning the meaning of crime; the forms, causes and consequences of crime; and the different institutions and processes involved in preventing and controlling crime. You will be provided with broad theoretical and applied knowledge and skills in relation to policy development, policing and security, and related fields. Topic areas include crime, justice, security and surveillance.
You should consider this degree if you are interested in pursuing a career in psychology or criminology, and particularly the many areas where psychology and criminology overlap.
You will have the opportunity to complete the Criminology Practicum in your final year of study, a unit that brings the professions to the classroom (including online via the ‘cloud’) with practitioner-driven seminars, activities bridging theory and practice, and the development of an e-portfolio that can be used for employment or career development.
In line with Deakin’s commitment to providing flexible study options, you can choose to study the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science full time or part time, at Waurn Ponds (Geelong) campus or via Cloud (online) mode. All subjects provide considerable online activities.
You will also have the opportunity to significantly fast-track your studies using Deakin’s trimester system.
Read MoreKey dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2025 close 22 June 2025
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 3 2025 close 26 October 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
- Award granted
Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Year
- 2017 course information
- Deakin code
- D390
- CRICOS code?
- 079572M Burwood (Melbourne), Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
- 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
Students must complete:
32 credit points of study including 16 cp of Arts course grouped units and 16 cp of Health course grouped units;
No more than 10 credit points at level 1
Psychological Science
3 core foundation Health units (HBS107, HPS104, HBS110);
11 credit points of Psychology core units (HPS111, HPS121, HPS201, HPS202, HPS203, HPS204, HPS206, HPS301, HPS307, HPS308, HPS310);
2 credit points of level 3 HPS electives or 1 level 3 HPS and 1 level 3 HXX units.
Criminology
6 credit points of Criminology core units (ACR101, ACR102, ACR201, ACR202, ACR301 and ACR302);
At least 6 credit points of Criminology electives (ACR coded units) taken at level 2 or above;
Up to 4 credit points of electives chosen from Arts course grouped units.
Core units
Note: Many of the HPS coded units are also offered in Trimester 3, offering students the opportunity to accelerate their studies.
Criminology core units
Psychological Science core units
*ACR210, ACR211 are offered in Trimesters 1 and 3 in alternating years; Trimester 1 2018, 2020, Trimester 3 2017, 2019
** ACR212, ACR213 are offered in Trimesters 1 and 3 in alternating years; Trimester 3 2018, 2020, Trimester 1 2017, 2019
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.
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
Entry requirements
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, 2026 open in July. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
You can apply for this course through the Indigenous Access Scheme, which recognises the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and considers the skills, experience and community work that prepares you for study. We look beyond your ATAR and academic results so we can reward your hard work with a place at university.
Pathways
View pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science with our pathways finder.
Alternative exits
Contact information
Arts and Education Student Services and Enrolment Enquiries
Waurn Ponds (Geelong)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Burwood (Melbourne)
Tel 03 9246 8100
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Cloud (online)
Tel 03 5227 1359
artsed@deakin.edu.au
Health - Student and Academic Services
Tel 03 9251 7777
health-enquire@deakin.edu.au
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.
Professional recognition
This course is recognised for registration purposes by the Psychology Board of Australia, accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and enables you to undertake additional study in pursuit of professional registration.
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.
See course entry for Bachelor of Criminology (A329) or Bachelor of Psychological Science (H344)
Events Explore more events
Footnotes
++Some courses have limited places, apply early to avoid missing out.