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Develop a new understanding of crime in Deakin’s Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Psychological Science, as you explore the social justice and rehabilitation themes that intertwine with why crime occurs.

Not only will you be able to study two of your interests, you will graduate with two sought-after degrees and a wealth of study and career options.

The psychological science stream of the course is professionally accredited, meaning you can graduate and enter the workforce with excellent job opportunities, or continue your studies with further training to gain general registration as a psychologist.

Everything you learn, from forensic psychology techniques to a deep understanding of criminal justice, is enhanced by practical learning. You will even get the chance to undertake a psychology placement in your final year. Apply your skills in a real-world setting and get a taste for your future role under the guidance of industry professionals.

Do you want to understand the true reasons why crime occurs – and how to address it with empathy?

If you are interested in the many areas where psychology and criminology overlap, this is the degree for you. Whether it is crime prevention or the subsequent justice and rehabilitation of offenders, you will develop knowledge and an understanding of the ‘why’ behind psychological science. This will put you in high demand when starting your career.

By studying the two disciplines simultaneously, you will gain broad, theoretical, applied knowledge and skills concerning:

the meaning of crime

the forms, causes and consequences of crime

the different institutions and processes involved in preventing and controlling crime

policy development

policing and security.

The psychological science component of this combined course recognises the importance of, and interrelationships between, a range of human factors you will encounter in your future career. You will explore diverse areas of psychology, including behavioural neuroscience, cognitive psychology, forensic psychology and psychopathology, and be able to use this knowledge when analysing the causes and consequences of crime.

In this combined course, you will have the opportunity to complete two careers-focused units, which bring your new profession to the classroom (including online) 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.

Additionally, you will get the chance to build real-world experience by electing to undertake the Psychology at Work (Internship) unit in your final year of study, giving you 140-hours of practical psychology industry placement, strengthening your employment prospects.

Career outcomes

Promising career opportunities await in the areas of criminology and psychology. You may find employment in areas such as:

government agencies

state and federal police

security and intelligence agencies

research and policy development

correctional services

community services

private security and consultative industries.

Students wanting to take the next step towards becoming a psychologist must apply for an honours year (e.g. Deakin’s Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) or Graduate Diploma of Psychology). Once completed, you will be able to gain provisional registration as a psychologist with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA).

If you are ready to take your psychology career further, the option to gain general registration as a psychologist is available by undertaking a masters or doctorate qualification in psychology.