Explore your study options
Deakin's criminology degrees blend theory and practical learning to prepare you for a successful career in criminal justice. Study criminology and set yourself apart when you develop specialist knowledge of emerging criminal issues including environmental crime, corporate crime, cyber security and domestic violence.
Undergraduate
Undergraduate (your first degree)
A Deakin undergraduate course is the foundation of your future career, usually completed in two to four years. Duration varies based on degree type, enrolment pattern and any credit received from recognition of prior learning.
Postgraduate
Postgraduate (further study)
A postgraduate qualification can be undertaken by students who have already completed an undergraduate degree or possess significant, demonstrable work experience. Postgraduate courses include graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, masters and PhDs, as well as specialist programs for industry professionals.
Research
Higher Degrees by Research (supervised research)
Research degrees are research based master’s or PhD programs that focus on a single area of expertise. They provide students the opportunity to carry out highly specialised research under expert supervision.
Choose a criminology degree that will get you work ready
Go beyond the theory and gain real-world experience in our criminology courses. Graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates your empathy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills to future employers.
Graduate with real-world experience
Our work-integrated learning opportunities enable you to apply your skills in real-world settings and bridge the gap between theory and practice. Build a portfolio that showcases your critical thinking, empathy and confidence.
Develop an in-demand skillset
Graduate with valuable critical thinking skills that are transferable to almost any industry. As a criminology student, you will develop in-demand analytical, research and communication skills.
Take the next step to a brighter future
Explore our criminology courses and find out more about life at Deakin. Get more inspiration for your future career in a major growth sector.
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Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
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Top professional roles in criminology
Employment in public administration and safety is projected to grow by 92,300 (or 9.8%).* Diverse and challenging roles include criminologist, policy advisor, crime trend analyst, crime researcher and more. Strong analytical, research and communication skills mean criminology graduates have a distinct advantage in private organisations.
- 6,300 new jobs for police
- 9,900 new jobs for intelligence and policy analysts
- 3,500 new jobs for social professionals (such as criminologists).
What's it like to study criminology?
Follow our Bachelor of Criminology students as they share the critical importance of their studies. Discover the insights they offer into emerging criminal issues and their profound impact on society.
Guaranteed pathway
Is the Bachelor of Criminology your dream course but you don't quite meet the entry requirements? Deakin's Associate Degree of Arts offers a guaranteed study pathway to help make your career goals a reality.
Deakin Accelerate Program
Are you currently in Year 12 and planning to complete an extra subject? You can boost your ATAR when you join the Deakin Accelerate Program. You’ll get a head start by completing two first-year university units in criminology while you’re still in Year 12.
Graduate with an employment advantage
Deakin delivers one of the most established and forward-looking criminology courses in Australia. Graduate with the skills and experience to make a difference with a degree from Victoria’s #1 university for course satisfaction.^
Deakin is the best choice you can make if you are looking to challenge the status quo and understand the world in a more critical way.
Taylor McCaw
Bachelor of Criminology | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) | Doctorate of Philosophy (Criminology)
World-class teaching experiences
Deakin’s industry-shaped courses and practical, real-world approach to learning will prepare you to be adaptable across the jobs of the future.
Leading the way
Deakin offers the most established criminology course in Australia, combining a strong foundation with a forward-looking perspective to deliver high-quality outcomes for students.
Strong industry connections
Our criminology courses are designed in conjunction with professional bodies including Victoria Police and the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission. You can be confident that your degree will be relevant to your future career.
Research with us
Take your studies to the next level with a postgraduate degree or a higher degree by research in criminology. You could examine the effects of organised crime in the sporting world or change legal responses to violence against women.
Learn in world-class facilities
Studying a combined criminology degree means you’ll learn in state-of-the-art cyber security labs at Victoria’s #1 university for facilities and resources.#
Want to explore more?
If you're dreaming of an exciting and rewarding career in criminology, learn more about why a degree from Deakin is the right choice for you.
Three students share their extraordinary criminology work experiences
We spoke to three students who undertook a criminology work placement and heard how the experience has set them on the path for their future career.
What’s studying criminology really like?
Interested in understanding what drives deviant behaviour, or what motivates people to commit crimes? Then a career in criminology might be for you.
Rankings and footnotes
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
*Jobs and Skills Australia, National Employment Projections 2024 to 2034.
Contact us
Got a question about our criminology courses? Our course advisers are available to speak to you about your study options and how we can help you further your career.
Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online
International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online