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Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice

How to apply
Entry requirements
Duration
  • 2 years (or part-time equivalent)
Location
  • Springfield
  • Toowoomba
  • Online
Start
Fees
  • AUD 16,992
  • (Indicative annual fee)
QTAC codes

Overview

  • Build your knowledge of crime scene investigation, policy development and understand how to work with vulnerable populations with UniSQ’s Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice. This degree is delivered and designed by experts with industry experience across the criminal justice system and criminological research.
  • Explore the nature and causes of crime, the function of the criminal justice system, and develop skills for researching crime and crime-related issues.
  • Obtain industry experience and develop work-ready skills in areas such as research design, critical analysis, communications.
  • Learn about current crime intervention and prevention strategies through the criminal justice system and external agencies, and benefit from opportunities to engage with industry professionals working within the criminal justice sector and associated agencies.

Learning from talented experts

The lecturers are amazing at what they do and are so knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects. Hearing their passion is inspiring and motivates me with my studies.

Victoria

Career outcomes

Be prepared to work in a variety of industries and professions including the criminal justice system, child protection, crime research, strategic planning and development, policy development, security, research, government agencies, non-government organisations, and private enterprises.

As a graduate, potential career paths include:

  • policy development and advisory roles
  • positions within formal criminal justice institutions
  • developing social justice initiatives in the voluntary or charitable sectors
  • contributing to law reform development and implementation
  • conducting criminological research.

Why study Criminology and Criminal Justice at UniSQ?

Feel secure in your future

Rated 5/5 stars for graduate starting salary.
(Good Universities Guide, 2025)

Gain a competitive edge

Develop professional communication, analytical and critical skills to make you stand out in the job market.

Be future ready, today

UniSQ is future-focused, we teach skills that are directly transferrable to today’s workplace and jobs of the future.

What you'll study

To graduate from the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you must successfully complete 16 units of study.

Degree structure

An undergraduate university degree typically consists of a combination of core, major and elective courses designed to provide you with foundational knowledge and opportunities for an in-depth deeper dive into your chosen field.

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.

Other study options

If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this degree you can go on to study the Bachelor of Arts (if you meet all the entry requirements).

Entry requirements

There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.

To be eligible

Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.

You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

ATAR 61.00
This is the lowest adjusted score to which UniSQ made an offer in Trimester 1, 2025. Meeting the lowest adjusted score doesn't guarantee admission.

To study this degree, we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C), or equivalent

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

This information applies if you’ve previously completed or started higher education study at university.

If you’ve done any study at UniSQ or another university, you may be eligible to apply based on your previous studies. We’ll use the best selection rank from your previous studies when assessing your application.

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you can use your Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) awards of: 

  • certificate III 
  • certificate IV 
  • diploma or  
  • advanced diploma  

to apply to study with UniSQ. 

We will review your academic history to determine if you’re eligible for admission. We’ll convert your TAFE or VET qualification, past school results and any relevant work experience into a selection rank. This selection rank will determine which degrees you meet the entry requirements for.

If it’s been over two years since you completed secondary education and you haven’t pursued any vocational education training (VET) or higher education since, you’re still eligible to study at UniSQ. 

You don't need to have an ATAR or come straight from high school to study at uni. Your work experience and other adjustment factors may help you meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Let us help you navigate through our entry options – start a conversation, whenever suits you.

All applicants

You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:

  • IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 6.0 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.

Explore the ATAR/selection rank of students offered a place in this degree in the first 2025 intake, based entirely or partly on their ATAR. To learn more about the backgrounds of students in this degree, access the QTAC website via the How to apply section.

Toowoomba

  • Highest ATAR/selection rank - 78.00
  • Median ATAR/selection rank - 78.00 
  • Lowest ATAR/selection rank - 76.00

Online

  • Highest ATAR/selection rank - 63.00
  • Median ATAR/selection rank - 63.00 
  • Lowest ATAR/selection rank - 63.00

Springfield

  • Highest ATAR/selection rank - 78.05
  • Median ATAR/selection rank - 76.05 
  • Lowest ATAR/selection rank - 74.00

Entry pathways

There is more than one way to get into university, and if you're not sure about your entry options get in touch to discuss.

Fees and scholarships

Commonwealth supported AUD 16,992
The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your degree, and you need to pay a student contribution.
  • This estimated 2025 annual fee is based on the current average rate for your first year of study (8 units per year) and does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee
  • This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
  • We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
  • Further details are available on the Fees website.

Additional costs

You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.

Payment options

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.

UniSQ Scholarships

We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!

Find out more

How to apply

You can apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.

  1. Copy the QTAC code for the study location you've chosen for this degree.
  2. Click on the location you’ve chosen in the below table to take you to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website.
  3. Select 'Apply Now' to create a QTAC account.
Apply
Degree code
ADCJ
Location QTAC Code
Springfield 924211
Online 904215
Toowoomba 904211

Some applicants may be eligible to apply directly to UniSQ if they meet certain criteria. Explore the application process that’s right for you.

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Start date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February 
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May 
Trimester 1, 2026  Monday 16 February Monday 9 February  Monday 16 February 

More information on application key dates is available.

There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.

You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:

  • your background and personal circumstances
  • where you live
  • the subjects you studied at school.

You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.

Preparing to apply

You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:

Each degree has unique entry requirements so it’s essential to know the specifics for your chosen degree.

The documentation you need to provide with your application depends on your qualifications.

If applying through QTAC, you will also need a Unique Student Identifier which is your individual education number for life.

Application dates can vary so be sure to check our key dates to get all the details.

Follow our easy instructions to discover further information on applying to study that’s right for you.

Depending on how you applied to study at UniSQ, the process to accept your offer will vary.

Offer to study at UniSQ from QTAC

Offer to study from UniSQ

  • After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
  • Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.

Find out more

Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.

Live Chat

Available 5 days a week
Chat now

Phone

Freecall
1800 269 500

Email

Email us at study@unisq.edu.au

Appointment

Book an appointment

Frequently asked questions

Choosing UniSQ for your Associate Degree in Criminology and Justice means choosing a university that values industry-relevant curriculum and experienced faculty. Our Criminology and Criminal Justice degrees are designed to meet the evolving needs of the criminal justice sector, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges you will face in your career.

Our Associate Degree in Criminal Justice equips students with a deep understanding of the nature and causes of crime, as well as the functioning of the criminal justice system. The degree emphasises practical skills development, such as crime scene investigation, research design, policy development, and critical analysis. This ensure you are work-ready upon graduation.

At UniSQ, we know there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to university education, therefore we offer you the opportunity to gain entry into a Criminal Justice and Criminology 2-year degree if you don’t meet the entry requirements. Whether you’ve just completed Year 12 studies, haven’t studied in a while, or have a VET, TAFE or other appropriate qualification, we’ll have a pathway to your chosen degree. 

Some of the key skills you will learn include:

  • Critical analysis: learn to critically analyse crime and crime-related issues.
  • Effective communication: develop strong communication skills, essential for various roles in the justice system.
  • Research skills: gain the ability to conduct thorough and effective research in criminology.
  • Policy development: Learn how to develop and implement effective crime intervention and prevention strategies. 

UniSQ understands the need for flexibility in our Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. We provide a range of study options to cater to diverse needs, including on-campus, external, and online learning formats depending on the degree you choose. Whether you prefer to study your degree part-time or full-time, we offer the flexibility to balance your education with other commitments.