Discover how justice systems interact with law enforcement, explore human rights and global crime, and work on real cases as part of your study.
Throughout the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you’ll learn about how crime is defined and measured, how law and human rights intersect, and how factors such as Indigeneity, race, gender, class and disability shape experiences of crime and justice. Learning is practical and connected to the real world: you’ll analyse contemporary cases and build skills in research, policy analysis, critical thinking and communication. Across classes, simulations and group work, you’ll learn to question assumptions, interpret evidence and navigate complex ethical questions.
With options to major in criminology, justice systems or legal studies, you’ll graduate with a strong understanding of how crime and justice systems operate, and the skills to work across policing, courts, corrections, policy, advocacy, community services, research or further study in law and related fields.
Work on real cases of wrongful conviction and study together with incarcerated students.
Take the chance to undertake part of your studies overseas, or complete your field placement there.
Take part in a 50-day placement within a criminal justice or related organisation.
Build insight into how crime takes shape in communities, and how factors like inequality, identity and place influence who is most affected.
Situate your learning within the day to day practice of policing, courts and corrections, and examine what it takes to create fair and effective systems.
Develop a strong understanding of laws, legal processes and institutions, and how they can be used to protect rights and improve justice outcomes.
You’ll learn from academic staff and industry professionals who work in the justice system including lawyers, criminologists and former police officers. You’ll also have the opportunity to study alongside incarcerated students with a lived experience of the justice system.
The degree is designed to support different learning styles while building the skills and confidence you’ll need throughout your career. You’ll work through problem-based and scenario-based activities, take part in virtual simulations and, through initiatives like the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative, work on real wrongful conviction case and learn how to review evidence, think critically and collaborate in teams.
You’ll complete an internship of up to 50 days in a criminal justice or justice-related organisation in your third year. This gives you the chance to test your skills in real workplaces, make industry connections and understand how justice is delivered in practice.
Assessment is designed to complement your learning experience with a mix of essays, reports, projects, presentations, group work, case studies, online activities, problem-solving tasks and industry-based assessment, with regular feedback to help you build confidence and capability over time.
With more than 30 years of experience in justice training and education, RMIT has strong connections with federal and state governments, courts, police, corrections and community agencies to ensure this degree reflects current practice and emerging issues.
These partnerships shape what and how you learn, and create opportunities for guest lectures, site visits, projects and professional internships. RMIT also partners with the Bridge of Hope Foundation, and past students have completed placements with organisations such as:
The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.
Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.
The world is constantly changing, and there are universal skills that can help you adapt to the evolving nature of work and global engagement.
As part of your study experience at RMIT, we provide 6 future-focused RMIT Capabilities:
RMIT Capabilities are built into your course as well as some of our extracurricular experiences. They inform the design and delivery of your learning activities and assessments, so by the time you graduate, you’ll be ready to apply these capabilities in your life and work.
You can complete part of your studies abroad in places like the UK, Canada and the United States, where you'll spend the semester or even a full year studying criminal justice. You can also complete your field placement overseas. Study tours are also offered for selected students to broaden their global experience.
RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through overseas work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Full- or part-time study is determined by how many credit points you are enrolled in during the semester. An undergraduate study load is considered part-time if you are enrolled in 24 credit points or fewer (approximately two subjects).
Once you are enrolled into this degree you can choose to switch to a part-time study load. This may impact your program duration and tuition fees. Please discuss your study options with your program manager prior to enrolment.
International student visa holders can only study full-time.
At Open Day a lecturer recommended the degree to me based on my interests. It offers practical aspects like internships and going overseas, with a lot more support than my previous university gave.
In your first year, you build a solid understanding of how crime and justice work from legal, social and psychological perspectives. You’ll be introduced to the role of law in society and its links to human rights, ethics and politics, learn the core principles of criminal law through real case examples, and explore how crime is defined, measured and represented in policy, media and public debate.
You’ll also examine crime through psychology and intersectionality, looking at how factors like Indigeneity, race, gender, class, disability and colonialism shape people’s experiences of crime and justice. Throughout, you’ll be encouraged to reflect on your own position in the world and start developing the analytical, research and problem‑solving skills you’ll draw on across the rest of your degree.
In second year, you will connect what you’ve learned to real policy, practice and career pathways. You’ll take a closer look at how justice policy is made and changed, using real case studies to unpack who has power, whose voices are heard, and how ideas about fairness and equality play out in law and practice.
You’ll also build your research skills, learning how to design and carry out ethical criminological research using both data and stories, and how research feeds into policy and reform. Alongside this, you’ll begin preparing for life after graduation by exploring different justice careers, understanding what employers are looking for, and mapping your own strengths and goals so you can make informed choices about future career direction.
In your final year, you’ll be prepared for employment in the criminal justice sector by studying theories about working in organisations and the ethical practices expected of those who work in the administration of criminal justice, and learning about contemporary ideas in criminology. You’ll learn how ideas about right and wrong guide behaviour in agencies like police, courts and corrections, and work through real-world dilemmas in local, national and international contexts.
You’ll also complete an internship in a justice-related organisation, observing how professionals work, contributing to projects and building your understanding of workplace expectations, safety and culture so you graduate with both a degree and real experience to draw on.
Under the guidance of an industry supervisor, you will undertake an internship for up to 50 days in an organisation or agency which is aligned with your study interests and career aspirations in Australia or overseas.
Over the course of the internship, you will observe and participate in teams and receive feedback from industry professionals. You will build confidence in professional communication, learn how to navigate workplace expectations and safety, and develop practical tools like writing job applications and presenting yourself to employers.
Successful applicants can complete an internship with the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative or the Criminal Case Review Project.
In the past students have completed placements with:
Choose from twelve interdisciplinary minors:
After completing the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you will have the skills required to critically engage with criminology, justice and socio-legal systems, concepts, challenges, and reforms. This knowledge will allow you to identify gaps in policy and produce theoretical and practical outcomes for a range of socially and culturally diverse environments.
Using your highly developed interpersonal and digital communication skills, you will also be able to resolve conflicts and foster connections across diverse contexts, and adapt your ethical and reflective practices to produce just outcomes.
Use your understanding of crime, law and justice systems to support fairer decisions, policies and outcomes.
As a graduate, you’ll be prepared for roles where analysing information, understanding systems and working with diverse communities come together. You might help manage cases in courts or tribunals, support people in contact with the justice system, contribute to investigations, or work on policies and programs that shape how policing, corrections and community services operate.
Depending on your interests and major, you could work in areas such as:
You can build a career across government departments, justice and human service agencies, non‑government organisations, private security and law‑related workplaces. The degree also provides a strong foundation for further study in areas such as law, policy, social research or specialised justice fields.
The median salary for criminologists in Australia is $109,000^ with employment projected to grow by 18.9% over the next 5 years*.
Criminology is a broad field that will enable you to work within the public and criminal justice sectors, using a range of social perspectives and disciplines to advance principles of social justice.
Gather and verify politically sensitive information and assist in national security. The average salary for an intelligence analyst in Australia is $108,000 per year*.
Contribute to the body of research in the field of criminology and teach students. The average salary for an academic in Australia is $115,000 per year*.
Research, analyse and provide strategic advice on complex legal policy issues and support their implementation. The average salary for a policy adviser in Australia is $118,000 per year*.
^Source: www.jobsandskills.gov.au 2025
*Source: www.seek.com.au 2026
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:
Entry to this course is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Entry to this course is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this course is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., level of TAFE qualification completed (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your highest completed qualification:
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g. GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
You must have successfully completed at least two graded courses (subjects) (0.25 EFTSL) in an Australian bachelor degree or four graded courses (subjects) (0.5 EFTSL) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:
If you do not submit a personal statement you will be considered on the basis of academic achievement only.
Applicants applying to RMIT through VTAC can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via their online VTAC account.
Applicants applying Direct to RMIT can upload their completed personal statement via their online Direct application.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.
Your STAT results are valid for 2 years prior to the commencement of your study.
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.
The RMIT Elite Athlete and Performer Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes and performers to achieve academic excellence while reaching high performance in sport or the performing arts, by allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic or performing arts responsibilities.
The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this course.
View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this course wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.
The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this course.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this course.
You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies course or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
If you are an international student studying year 12 in Australia, you may be able to apply via VTAC with your ATAR.
Find information about the ATAR selection rank* for this course in our ATAR for International students course finder.
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.
There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.
A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.
To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
Note: RMIT does not accept scores from 'at-home' or 'online' testing.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English Language Pathways (Academic English) Advanced at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).
The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.
The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.
By understanding the types of activities you'll participate in, you can:
If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there is a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities.
Please contact the Equitable Learning Services (ELS) team to discuss any adjustments you may require. To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with ELS.
If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your course so that you can participate fully in your studies.
The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.
You may be required to apply for and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this course.
A pathway is an alternative way to get into a course. RMIT's pathways can help you move through different levels of study to reach the qualification you're aiming for, even if you don't meet the requirements for your destination course.
This course has pathways available.
When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.
You can gain entry to this degree from RMIT Foundation Studies or a range of vocational study courses.
When you successfully complete this course, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT honours or postgraduate degree.
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.
Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.
Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.
When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.
In 2026, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,738 to AU$17,399.
In addition to your tuition fees, you will be expected to pay for additional expenses including:
Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.
Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.
The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2026. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2026 |
|---|---|
| Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture | $4,738 per standard year
$592 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology | $9,537 per standard year
$1,192 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science | $13,558 per standard year
$1,694 per standard (12 credit point) course |
| Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture | $17,399 per standard year
$2,174 per standard (12 credit point) course |
On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2026 is $373.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.
Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures
