Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Learn all about human behaviour and criminality, and step closer to becoming a professional psychologist or academic researcher.
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences / Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology provides a broad overview of psychology, and specifically, insight into the determinants of criminal behaviour.
You’ll complete a variety of research projects and develop skills in project management, research design and report writing.
The double degree will prepare you to work in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, offender rehabilitation and policy development. It also forms part of an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accredited pathway to becoming a registered psychologist. Graduates who demonstrate a high level of performance are eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences (Honours) program.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
Duration
4 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400211641 (CSP)
- 3400211643 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Health, Arts and Design
CRICOS code
0100753
Fees
A$34,560 (annual for 2020)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course details
- Course structure and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology requires students to complete units of study to the value of 400 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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Other studies
4 units (50 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 50 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Psychological Sciences, graduates will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in psychology
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in psychology
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of psychology
- define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their disciplinary areas of expertise
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international context.
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, graduates will be able to:
- describe the nature of criminal activity and analyse and evaluate the main causes of crime
- systematically review and undertake research to evaluate the consequences of crime on victims and the broader community
- apply knowledge and skills to compare and analyse Australia’s response to crime with that of other nations
- effectively and persuasively communicate with legal and non-legal audiences
- analyse information from a variety of sources to investigate and evaluate proposed solutions to crime
- evaluate technological and other scientific approaches to reducing crime and dealing with the consequences of crime
- function as an effective member or leader of a team and critically reflect on individual performance.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Psychological Sciences is an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Completion of the course will allow students entry into an accredited fourth year of Psychology, which is required for provisional registration as a Psychologist.

Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements and English language requirements.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.