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Bachelor of Criminal Justice
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2023
Start Date
January, April, June, September
Duration
3 year(s) full-time
Mode
Online
Time Commitment
10 - 15 hours per week per course
Program Code
XBCJ
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Fees
AUD$ 24,200 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2023
AUD$ 25,500 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024
Admissions
Student Profile
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
International Admission by Country
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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 (for domestic students only)- 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
NoneEnglish language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:English language testPlease access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements: English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
- IELTS speaking [6.0]
- IELTS listening [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
India (best 4) 60 Kenya KCSE (average) B Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 32 Norway GPA 2.8 Pakistan HSSC 75 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 6 Sweden GPA 12.5 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 6 Vietnam 7 Australia 65 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1050 HKDSE 15 Nepal NEB 2.41 Bangladesh HSC 3.5 Canada High School (OSSD) 60 Eynesbury FSP 310 German Abitur 3.8
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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Enhance your career prospects if you are currently working in social work, counselling or welfare support, and law enforcement.
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Watch episodes of a feature film specifically produced by UniSA Online to give students an insight into what it takes to investigate and assemble the physical evidence required to get a conviction.
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.
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.
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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. 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. 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.
3. This course is recommended for students who are new to university studies or require development in academic and research skills.
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.
Your career
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. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
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 >
Scholarships and grants
We'll support you throughout your online studies. Apply for a range of scholarships and grants when you enrol into a UniSA Online degree. Conditions apply.
Industry facts
Your study experience and support
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.
- Designed specifically for your online learning
Designed by a team of academic and online experts, our course materials are delivered in an interactive way using innovative digital technology and state-of-the-art teaching and learning resources. - Study when it suits you
Our online degrees support students who lead busy lifestyles. With four start dates a year in January, March, July and September there is no need to interrupt your life. - Take control of your study schedule
With all content available from day one of your course, you have the power to plan your study schedule in advance. - Finish each course in 10 weeks
Our courses are delivered within 10-week terms to keep you motivated throughout your degree. Study two courses a term or just one. - 100% online study
You won’t need to come onto campus for coursework, assessments or exams. Complete all study for your degree where it suits you. - Get the help you need
Whether you need help with course content or assessments, we offer the academic support and services you need to be successful in your studies. - Adjust your study to your life
There’s no need to interrupt work and family life or spend money on travel and student accommodation. Organise study around your life. - Learn from world-renowned academics
Get a degree that’s designed and taught by leading academics and industry professionals. - 100% online interactive learning environment
Our interactive online learning environment supports all your study needs. Log in anytime, on any device, wherever it suits you. - Access a library of over 700,000 digital resources
Access a library of more than 700,000 digital resources including e-books, videos and journal articles. Our Ask the Library virtual service can help you locate, access, evaluate, use and reference a range of information resources.
Why UniSA Online?
Our graduates get jobs
UniSA is ranked in the top two in Australia for graduate employability.1 Join a university known for its employment outcomes. Your UniSA Online degree is more than just a piece of paper – it will prepare you to start your career or take it to the next level.
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.
1 Ranked #2, 2021 QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey – Graduate Employability Skills Indicator. Public universities.
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 academic support seven days a week
You’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing as well as answer any other course-specific queries. You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment.You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
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 supports 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.
What others are saying
As a Case Management Coordinator, I am tasked with informing prisoners of their rehabilitation program requirements as a part of their individualised plan. I field questions from prisoners on a daily basis regarding SA Police, prosecutions, court, sentencing, programs, home detention and parole among other things. A holistic understanding of the criminal justice system is very important in order to give prisoners accurate information as they inevitably interact with each agency within the system.
Kelly Fox
Bachelor of Criminal Justice
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 (Microsoft Edge, Firefox 24, Safari 5, or Chrome 32 or later versions)
- run Java
- 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 LinkedIn Learning - 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 Microsoft Teams, 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.
The application process is easy – just follow these simple steps:
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Submit an online enquiry
If you're ready to apply, the first step is to fill out and submit our online enquiry form. Here you'll be asked a series of questions to see if you're eligible. Following your online enquiry, one of our Degree Advisers will contact you at your preferred time to discuss the application process.
Enquire now > -
Speak to a Degree Adviser and start your application
If you're eligible, you'll receive an email outlining the entry requirements and the relevant documentation you need in order to be considered.
In order to verify your academic qualifications, you'll need to upload relevant documents like your official parchment, certificates or transcripts. If you have work experience, you will need to upload your CV as well as any other documents like work references, professional recognition or accreditation or your training certification.
Your email will contain information on the specific documents you need to provide as well as a link to begin your application. You'll be asked to create an account and set your own password.
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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.
Enquire now >
Alternative Pathways
- complete the UniSA College Foundation Studies
- complete the UniSA College Diploma in Business
- complete the UniSA College Diploma in Arts
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.
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When should I apply?
UniSA Online degrees start four times a year in January, April, June and September. There are key application dates for each term. If you're looking to apply for credit, there are different closing dates you need to be aware of, so it's always best to double check. Key dates can be found at unisaonline.edu.au/key-dates.
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Do I have to be online at set times?
All of our courses are asynchronous, meaning you choose when to study, whenever it suits you. However, if your degree has online exams, you will need to sit these at a designated date and time. Some courses may also require you to speak to your academics via phone or online communication channels at a mutually agreed time as part of your assessment.
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What academic support is available?
Our academics are available seven days a week, including weeknights. Throughout your degree, you’ll be supported by our highly experienced academic team of Online Course Facilitators and Online Tutors. Our academics will guide you through your learning and ensure you have an outstanding, high-quality education.
They can help you with your course materials and assessments, provide feedback on your work, assist you with referencing, and can answer any other course-specific queries.
You’ll be able to contact your academics via email, online discussion forums and live messages in the online learning environment. You can also communicate in real-time and chat face-to-face with your academics online.
If you need after-hours learning support, Studiosity is a great resource that can help you with your writing, academic language, grammar and referencing. You’ll also be able to chat online with a Studiosity online adviser.
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How is my degree structured?
Full-time students study two courses each term. It makes earning a degree completely achievable, especially if you’re working. Your degree is delivered over four terms each year. Each term runs for ten weeks with two-week breaks in between each term.
You’ll also have the option to go part-time, or switch between the two. If you need to take a break in your study, that’s an option too. We recommend speaking to your Student Adviser who can help you update your study plan and check when your courses are offered.
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What career prospects do I have with my university 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. UniSA's online students have graduate employment rates well above the national average.*
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.
*UniSA External UG full-time employment rate 83% Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018
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What are the main differences between online, on-campus and distance education?
The knowledge you gain from each mode of study is the same – it's how you get there that's different. When you study online, everything from your course material to weekly activities and assessments are fully online. You'll communicate with academic staff and students via live messages, online discussion forums and email.
Studying on campus requires students to physically come on to campus at specific times to attend lectures, tutorials and practicals. On-campus students have face-to-face contact with academics and fellow students and also communicate via email and online discussion boards.
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.