This degree is only available to Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders)
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2019
Start Date
January, April, July, September
Duration
3 year(s) full-time
Mode
Online
Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course
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Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result:
Higher education study
- Successfully completed equivalent to a minimum of half a year of full-time study of a higher education program at a recognised higher education provider
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)- Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience- Passed a UniSA Online literacy and numeracy test and have relevant work experience, or
- Completed a UniSA Foundations Studies program or equivalent, or
- Qualify for Special Entry
OR
Recent secondary education- Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
Degree overview
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Explore the inner workings of the criminal justice system and discover how it responds to crime and promotes justice for individuals and the community.
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Investigate current trends and contemporary issues such as cybercrime, counter-terrorism, police investigations and intelligence, and applied criminology.
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Learn about cutting-edge developments and research in criminology from academics with extensive industry experience.
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Study a degree that will enhance your career prospects if you are currently working in social work, counselling or welfare support, as well as law enforcement.
Snapshot
Study On Demand – a 100% online criminal justice degree designed specifically for online learning. Take full control over your study - access support seven days a week, engage with content from day one of your course, view learning resources 24/7, and log into the interactive online environment anywhere, any time and on any device.
From law enforcement to the courts and corrections, the criminal justice system plays a crucial role in maintaining, enforcing and administering the law to help promote justice for individuals and the community, as well as reduce and prevent crime.
Informed by the latest thinking and the most up-to-date developments in criminology, you’ll learn current trends in innovative fields like cybercrime, victimology, offender rehabilitation and desistance theory. You'll graduate with a holistic understanding of the criminal justice industry and will study courses from a range of disciplines including law, policing, applied criminology, psychology, and sociology.
By gaining insights into the roles and functions across the full spectrum of the criminal justice sector, you’ll develop a powerful skill set, and a broad knowledge base to tackle issues from different perspectives. The knowledge and skills you gain through this degree will open up diverse careers in security and the criminal justice sector at a time when the industry is experiencing steady job growth.
What you'll learn
This degree introduces you to a range of contemporary perspectives, approaches and issues in the criminology and criminal justice field. As a Criminal Justice student, you will:
- develop a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and study a mix of courses from different disciplines including social sciences and law;
- explore topics covering policing, offender rehabilitation and desistance, youth justice, social research methods and crime, cybercrime, victimology, as well as gender and sexuality;
- critically analyse crime prevention theories, techniques and crime reduction programs; and
- learn to apply research methods to real industry problems.
You can tailor your degree to your interests and broaden your career prospects with the choice of electives. You can select four electives from any of the UniSA Online degrees.
Study hours
Studying 100% online means you can engage with course materials at your own pace, whenever it suits you – there is no need to be online at a particular time. It’s flexible around your life so you can control your study schedule week by week. As a general rule, we recommend 10 to 15 hours of study a week for each course.
We have some great tools that will help you organise your study schedule. Your personalised learning planner allows you to keep on top of assessments and study workload while managing work and personal commitments.
Assessment
All assessments, including exams (if required) are 100% online, meaning you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or find an exam venue.
Some of your assessments may include:
- an industry-relevant project
- an online presentation
- essays and reports
Please note, courses may not be displayed in order of study.
, Note(s): 1,2
, Note(s): 1,2
, Note(s): 1,2,3
, Note(s): 1,2,3
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Electives
Course name Area and cat no. Units Suggested Electives UO Integrated Communication Planning COMM 3077 4.5 UO Social Analysis WELF 3026 4.5 UO Sociology of Gender and Intimacy HUMS 3053 4.5 UO Young People in Transition WELF 3027 4.5 UO Managing Decision Making BUSS 3095 4.5 UO International Management Ethics and Values BUSS 3094 4.5 UO Strategic Management BUSS 3097 4.5 UO Organisational Leadership BUSS 3096 4.5 -
Rules & notes
Rules
Go here to the see the complete UniSA Online electives list.
1. This course is common to all UniSA Online programs and will be offered multiple times each year to enable students to commence their program of study at any time. Students who are studying part-time must take this course first before they study any other courses in their chosen program. Students who are studying full time may take this course and one other course in the same study period. This course must be successfully completed before students can progress in the degree.
2. Assessment requirements for this degree include at least one online exam. The online exam software has system compatibility requirements, specifically that tablets, hybrid devices and mobile devices are not supported. Please refer to the online exam requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer and software is compatible to undertake the exam.
Notes
1. The Online Elective list consists of any courses in any UniSA Online program (subject to any prerequisites).
2. Recognition for prior learning (RPL) may be granted for this course to students who have completed relevant work experience as per the UniSA Online RPL framework. Further credit will be assessed in line with the UniSA RPL policy.
3. One elective in the final year is required to be at an advanced level and must be chosen from the suggested electives list. Other electives may be chosen from the suggested electives list or from any other courses offered by UniSA Online. Elective course pre-requisites must be satisfied.
Study Criminal Justice On Demand
Bec Medhurst, Online Course Facilitator: UniSA Online gives an insight into what the Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree is about, and how the degree has been designed to suit busy adults on the go.
Why Bachelor of Criminal Justice
With increasing attention on national and international security and crime, this degree is your opportunity to learn how to make a difference to the safety and wellbeing of your community, and society at large.
Employers look for graduates who can apply their knowledge and skills to real industry challenges. With a strong focus on applied learning, you’ll learn the same principles, approaches and assessment techniques used across the criminal justice system – so you’ll be ready to hit the ground running, no matter what area you choose to work in.
You’ll learn to apply various approaches and techniques used by intelligence analysts and investigators in the field, evaluate crime prevention strategies, and understand the complex factors that have led to the over-representation of minority groups in the criminal justice system.
Our academics have decades of industry experience. They’ve brought their wealth of knowledge and connections to develop engaging, interactive and relevant course content using real and current case studies from the field.
With the industry experiencing steady job growth, there are many diverse career opportunities available for criminal justice professionals. While many roles are found in government agencies, including law enforcement and intelligence as well as social welfare and correctional services, there are also opportunities to work in the private sector and with not-for-profit organisations.
If you have experience in social work, counselling, welfare support or law enforcement, this degree will complement your work experience, giving you a competitive edge to take the next step in your career.
A UniSA Online Criminal Justice degree can help you pursue the following careers:
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Policy adviser: develop and analyse policies guiding the design, implementation and modification of government or commercial operations and programs; conduct environmental scans to identify and develop options to address topical and emerging issues, trends, risks and opportunities in the criminal justice system; and research, analyse and prepare papers, briefings and reports on a range of criminal justice issues.
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Strategic policy and planning manager: lead policy development and planning activities to help inform the ways in which criminal justice activities occur; provide authoritative policy advice on complex and potentially sensitive strategic matters; possess an understanding of the criminal justice system, key stakeholders and contemporary challenges, as well as government functions and processes; and inform the community about changes to legislation and reform.
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Intelligence and policy analyst: gather, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources; determine the significance and reliability of incoming information; establish and maintain intelligence records and files; develop and analyse policies to guide the design, implementation and modification of government and commercial operations and programs.
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Correctional services officer: undertake a frontline role in the prison system, and be responsible for a wide range of duties relating to the safety, security and welfare of prisoners; manage day-to-day issues, and contribute to ongoing rehabilitation of offenders; develop and delivering rehabilitative and training programs for offenders; write clear and concise reports, statements and records; and assess and counsel offenders with matters affecting their welfare, security, behaviours and routines.
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Child protection officer: respond to the concerns regarding the safety and well-being of children and help families strengthen their capacity to provide care and safety for children and other family members.
Learn more about your career in Criminal Justice >
Study On Demand
Our online career-focused degrees give you full control and ultimate flexibility over your study. It’s Study On Demand, on your schedule, on your terms.
- 100% online - no need to come onto campus
- Four start dates in January, April, July and September
- Learn in 10-week blocks
- 24/7 access to learning resources
- Online student support services seven days a week
- All content available from the start of your course
- Flexible around your life
- Plan your study schedule ahead of time
- Online credit check
Why UniSA Online?
Our graduates get jobs
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. In fact, UniSA undergraduates studying online have graduate employment rates well above the national average1.
Specifically designed for online learning
Our team of academic and online experts have created interactive and media-rich course material using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. Every degree has been specifically designed for online learning to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for your future career.
Backed by industry
Every UniSA Online degree is overseen by an experienced industry advisory board. We've also consulted with industry experts with a wealth of experience to design course content that reflects the most cutting-edge developments in your field. Our industry connections will enrich your online study experience - you'll be presented with industry problems that real organisations face. You'll also gain the skills and knowledge that industry are telling us they need in graduates.
Expand your professional network from wherever you are
Online study doesn’t mean studying on your own. You’ll connect with a community of other like-minded students – you’ll be able to share, debate and collaborate ideas through virtual classrooms, online chat, video conferencing, and online communication tools.
1Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017
Student support
Studying can be challenging, especially when you’re also juggling work and other life commitments. You’re not studying 9-5, Monday to Friday, which is why we provide personalised, extended hour support services – including on weekends – so you can get help when you need it.
Dedicated Student Adviser support
Our Student Advisers will be an important part of your student journey – they’ll help you enrol, discuss your study goals, communication preferences, and will be your first point of call for all your general study questions. They’ll link you to an extensive range of support services and resources across the University and will help schedule appointments with specialised services if required.
Online tutor support seven days a week
Our tutors provide highly personalised support tailored to your needs. Along with guidance on assignments, they’ll provide advice on writing and referencing. If you have a question related to your course, you can expect to receive a response within 24 hours. Tutors are available seven days a week, including weeknights.
24/7 tech support
Our IT Help Desk is available 24/7 to provide assistance with your computer set up, student email, software requirements and other UniSA apps and student applications. You’ll be able to get support no matter what time it is.
24/7 digital environment
Our interactive online environment is a one-stop-shop for all your study needs. You’ll be able to track your progress through the student dashboard, plan your study schedule, receive reminders on due dates for tasks and assessments, as well as collaborate and network with a community of other like-minded students.
Using innovative technology in online education, your study experience will be highly personalised based on your learning activities throughout your degree. Just like your own personal study coach, you’ll get tailored feedback to enhance your learning outcomes and ensure you’re successful in your studies.
Industry facts
IT Requirements
As a general rule of thumb, any desktop or laptop computer purchased in the past three years should be capable of meeting your online learning needs. While mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones will be able to access most of your online course content, there are likely to be elements of most courses where we recommend you use a desktop or laptop computer. Your computer should be able to:
- run a modern browser (Internet Explorer 10, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
- run Java, and in some cases Flash (devices running on Apple's iOS operating system, such as iPads, iPhones, do not run Flash)
- run programs to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations
- use a web camera and headset (or ear pods with microphone)
- Some UniSA Online degrees require an online exam. The online exam software – Remote Proctor Now – has specific capability requirements. Please refer to the system requirements prior to conducting your exam to ensure your computer is compatible.
Access free IT software and resources
As a UniSA Online student, you'll:
- Get free access to the full Office 365 ProPlus suite, which includes full versions of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access and Lync software. Install the full suite on up to five different devices (PC and Mac compatible).
- Get 1Tb of personal storage that syncs with your PC or mobile device through OneDrive - it's like an extra hard drive that allows you to open any of your files from any of your devices, whenever you need them.
- Get free access to Lynda.com - Access more than 5000 video courses on a broad range of topics such as: the Microsoft Office suite, time management and study skills, health and wellbeing, communication and presentation skills, photography, film making and designing your own games or mobile apps.
- Be able to connect with others using Skype for Business, Yammer and the Outlook Web App.
There are some degrees that have specialised software requirements. We've made this software available to students to access for free - you'll be able to download and install any of the required programs on your own device anywhere and anytime. See if your degree requires specialised software.
Check your device
Our computer system test will determine if your device has the base system resources and software required to study online. It'll also check the speed of your internet connection.
See if your computer, laptop or device is all set up and ready to go – it takes just a few seconds.
Online Course Facilitator
I have 20 years of experience working as a police officer in the South Australian Police (SAPOL) service and have spent the past 12 years working in criminal justice and police education. I’ve developed and delivered educational programs for local communities as well as corporate, judicial and policing environments. In addition to my industry background, I hold qualifications in adult education, management, government and justice administration.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
- Check your eligibility
Take our eligibility checker and answer a few short questions to see if you’re eligible. You’ll be given an option to continue your application, save it for later or request a call back from a Degree Adviser if you have any questions. - Receive your conditional offer
Once you complete the eligibility checker, you’ll receive an email with your conditional offer to start studying with UniSA Online. It will have all the information you need to complete your application. - Complete your application and send through your documents
In order to proceed with your conditional offer, you’ll need to complete your application and provide required evidence of your previous study or work experience.
Alternative Pathways
- complete the UniSA College Foundation Studies
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September and admissions are open all year round. You can apply immediately or at least a few weeks before the Study Period you wish to start in.
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Are there set times where I'll have to be online?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses will also have a requirements to speak to your tutor via phone/skype at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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Does studying online mean studying on my own?
A common myth about studying online is that you are on your own. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Our 24/7 interactive learning environment will connect you with a community of other like-minded students and provide forums for you to share, debate and collaborate ideas with your peers and tutors.
You’ll have access to a number of online communication tools that facilitate student-to-student interactions and online ‘study groups’:
- Chat to Online Course Facilitators through interactive forums
- Interact in real time with other students in your degree
- Hold virtual study groups with students who live interstate
- Access chat facilities within the online learning platform
Just because you are studying online, doesn’t mean you miss out on face-to-face interaction – our staff use video calls and online communication tools to communicate with students. Our team of Student Advisers offer live online webinars for enrolment, orientation and tips for online study.
You’ll also be connected to our team of student advisers, tutors and support staff who will help you stay on course, providing personalised one-to-one assistance all the way from enrolment to graduation. Help is just a call or click away.
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How flexible is my degree?
You’ll be able to dial up and down your studies to fit study into your life. You can choose to study 1 or 2 courses each term, or take a term off if you’re busy with work and personal commitments. If there are times when you can’t meet assessment due dates because of other commitments, we’ll work with you individually, on a case by case basis to assess your requirements and make alternative arrangements.
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What sort of career prospects do I have with an online qualification?
Our degrees are designed in conjunction with industry experts, employers and professional associations, and informed by the latest developments in your field. You will graduate with in demand skills and up-to-date knowledge required by industry.
You will be studying with a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career, or take it to the next level. In fact, we’re ranked in the top ten in Australia for external student full time employment.
UniSA Online qualifications follow the same Government Higher Education Standards Framework as our on-campus degrees. The parchment you receive at the end of your degree will be the same as any other University of South Australia student.
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you will gain from each type of education method will be the same, it's just how you get there that's different. Online means that your course material will be delivered via the internet and you will communicate with tutors and fellow students via this method as well as over the phone/skype. You can also study in your own time at your own pace.
On Campus teaching requires you to come on campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. You will also have additional reading to do from home. You will have face to face contact with your tutor and fellow students but might also use email and online discussion boards for communication.
Distance Education involves physical course material packages being sent to students, usually print based but occasionally audio or video. Communication is usually via telephone, mail and email. In today’s digital era, distance Education has been superseded by online education.