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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 30,320
  • (Indicative annual fee)
Cricos
  • 0100448

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

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

Use our International qualification converter to check country-specific grades (that are equivalent to Australian Year 12) you will need to apply for this degree.

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.

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.

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

International full fee paying AUD 30,320
You are responsible for the full cost of your degree and are charged a tuition fee.
  • 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.

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

The University accepts applications all year. Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.

Apply
Degree code
ADCJ
CRICOS code
0100448

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

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

Preparing to apply

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

You can contact one of our approved agents to guide you through the application process. Our agents provide:

  • advice on your study plans
  • advice on applying to UniSQ
  • document certification
  • assistance with any pre-departure arrangements
  • assistance with your visa requirements.

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

To support your application, you will need to submit certified copies of:

  • identity documents (passport)
  • evidence of your English language proficiency
  • senior high school (A levels/Year 12) certificate and academic transcripts
  • all post-secondary study certificates and academic transcripts (if any)
  • evidence of work experience (if required).

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

It is important to apply early to allow enough time for your application to be assessed and processed to meet study commencement dates and participation in Orientation activities. You should also factor in visa processing requirements and timeframes, where applicable.

You can submit your application through a UniSQ-approved agent, or apply online directly to UniSQ for your chosen degree.

After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. Please allow up to 14 days for assessment. If further assessment is required for course credits or exemptions, this process may take longer.

Once you have received your letter of offer from UniSQ, you will need to return your signed acceptance of offer form. The UniSQ team will contact you at this time with more information regarding next steps.

Find out more

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

Live Chat

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Phone

+61 7 4631 5543

Appointment

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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.