Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

UNDERGRADUATE

Get beneath the surface of crime. Combine studies in criminology and psychology.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

ATAR 60.35*

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Part-time 6 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Combine psychology and criminology in one degree to explore crime beyond the headlines. Learn how people, policies and communities shape offending and justice, and build the skills to support change.

In the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology, you’ll explore questions such as:

  • Why do people engage in offending behaviour?
  • How do social disadvantage, trauma and inequality shape crime?
  • What actually works to prevent re‑offending and keep communities safe?

During this degree, you’ll examine real cases, unpack crime trends and learn how laws, policies and institutions impact people’s lives.

You’ll build practical skills you can use throughout your career: conducting basic forensic interviews, assessing risk, managing complex cases and communicating with offenders, victims and clients from diverse backgrounds. Along the way, you’ll develop strong research, behavioural analysis and communication skills grounded in contemporary psychological theory and practice.

By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared for a rewarding career across youth justice, victim support, community services and policy – with the option to continue along the pathway towards registration as a psychologist.

Why study criminology and psychology at RMIT?

This course is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). Find out more about career opportunities and professional accreditation.

Two disciplines, one degree

Learn versatile skills with more career and study pathways than a single discipline degree.

Hands-on learning

You’ll examine real cases, allowing you to build practical skills and experience.

Industry connected

RMIT has close links with courts, police, corrections, justice and community agencies that shape what and how you learn.

Female using hand motion to communication with other female student, while being looked at by seated students

Building block to psychology

This degree can be used a first step to becoming a psychologist. To become a psychologist, you need to complete further study at honours and master levels.

RMIT DSC Bursary

RMIT is offering a limited number of College of Design and Social Context (DSC) student bursaries for eligible international students commencing this degree in Semester 2 2026. If successful you can receive a AU$5,000, one-off payment towards future tuition fees with the College of Design and Social Context student bursary. 

Details

How you will learn

You’ll learn from academic staff and industry professionals who work at the intersection of crime, psychology and justice, including lawyers, criminologists, practising psychologists, and former police officers.

Across your three years, learning is highly interactive and applied. You’ll take part in workshops, role plays and simulated forensic interviews; analyse real and hypothetical cases; practice risk assessment and case management; and engage in group discussions, debates and case conferences that mirror real justice settings.

You’ll also build your research skills using statistical software and contemporary psychological methods, and you can choose an optional professional internship with a justice organisation or with the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative to apply your skills in the field and graduate with real‑world experience.

Industry connections

Benefit from RMIT’s deep connections across the justice sector.

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 Magistrates’, Children’s and Supreme Courts, Victoria Police and Corrections Victoria.

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:

  • Ethical Global Citizens
  • Connected
  • Adaptive
  • Digitally Adept
  • Expert
  • Critically Engaged.

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.

Overseas work, exchange and study experiences

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.

Important information about overseas study

Due to accreditation requirements for the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), overseas study can affect the total duration of your degree. If you’re interested in studying overseas, you’ll need to plan carefully and seek academic advice early in your studies.

Contact hours and study load

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.

Important information for international students

International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Course structure and plan

In this multidisciplinary degree, you'll complete 12 psychology subjects and 8 criminology subjects, with electives available across the 3 years of the degree.

Year 1

Your first year gives you a solid grounding in both criminology and psychology, and introduces you to law and the justice system. You’ll learn what crime is, how it’s defined and measured, and how different theories explain why offending and criminalisation happen at both individual and societal levels. At the same time, you’ll build core psychological knowledge about how people think, feel and behave, and begin to understand mental health, personality and social influences on behaviour.

You’ll also develop practical, people‑focused skills from the outset, including the basics of forensic interviewing, communicating with clients and witnesses, and writing for justice and human services contexts. Across your subjects you’ll be introduced to research methods, critical thinking and ethical decision‑making, and you’ll learn through interactive workshops, role plays, case studies and discussions that mirror real‑world justice settings.

Subject area Semester 1 Semester 2
Psychology
  • Foundations of Psychology
  • Principles of Psychology
Criminology
  • Introduction to Law
  • Introduction to Criminal Psychology
  • Foundations of Criminology
  • Criminological Theory
  • Forensic Interviewing
  • 1x elective

Year 2

In Year 2 you’ll deepen your understanding of how people develop, think and relate to others, and how this links to crime and justice. You’ll explore the biological bases of behaviour, cognitive processes like memory and decision making, social and cross‑cultural influences on behaviour, and how people change across the lifespan from infancy to older age. You’ll also build your research skills by learning how to design studies, analyse data using statistical software and critically evaluate psychological evidence.

Alongside this, you’ll begin to connect theory more clearly to real‑world challenges in justice and human services, using case studies and applied projects to understand issues such as mental health, risk, and behaviour in social contexts. You’ll also shape your degree through electives, allowing you to focus on areas that match your interests and career goals.

Subject area Semester 1 Semester 2
Psychology
  • Biological Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Research Methods in Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Psychology
Criminology
  • x1 elective
  • x2 electives

Year 3

In Year 3 you’ll bring together everything you’ve learnt to focus on more complex, real‑world issues in crime, psychology and justice. You’ll deepen your understanding of criminal behaviour and violent offending, how the justice system responds, and how to work with clients through assessment, intervention and case management. You’ll also learn more advanced psychological concepts, including individual differences, mental health conditions, and different models of treatment and support.

At the same time, you’ll refine your research, analytical and ethical decision‑making skills, and explore the history, philosophy and professional frameworks that shape contemporary psychology practice in Australia, including cross‑cultural and First Nations perspectives. Across your final‑year subjects you’ll be encouraged to think and act like an emerging professional – integrating theory and practice, reflecting on your strengths, and preparing to step into work or further study in psychology, criminology and related fields.

Subject area Semester 1 Semester 2
Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Philosophy and Methodology of Psychology
  • Professional Practices in Psychology
  • Psychological Assessment and Individual Differences
  • Psychopathology and Models of Intervention
Criminology
  • Case Management Practice
  • Criminal Behaviour Analysis
  • x1 elective

Work integrated learning (WIL)

Employers want graduates who can readily fit into and work well in an organisation. This means they want graduates who are able to plan and organise their work, solve problems, work in teams, use technology effectively and understand how to be effective in the workplace.

The Professional Internship is an optional elective that gives you the opportunity to develop and apply these skills through work-integrated-learning.

Professional Internship elective

Over a minimum of 20 days, you’ll step into a workplace such as a court, corrections, youth justice, victim support or another justice agency, observing how professionals work with clients and contributing to real cases and projects.

Selected students can also apply to complete their internship with the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative at RMIT, working on claims of wrongful conviction. Under supervision, you might review case files, conduct research and even visit prisons or crime scenes – gaining rare insight into how the justice system works when a conviction is in doubt.

Past students have completed placements with:

  • welfare and victim support services
  • youth justice services
  • Magistrate's, Children’s and Supreme Courts
  • Victoria Police
  • Corrections Victoria.

Electives

Elective specialisations include:

  • criminal intelligence
  • forensic studies
  • drug-related crime
  • international policing
  • customs and border security
  • youth justice
  • terrorism.

Learning outcomes

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology, you will be equipped with a highly specialised set of skills that enable you to practice ethically and make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Through your studies in criminology, you will discover practical skills in interviewing, risk assessment and case management. This will enable you to apply the theory and principles of criminology to real-world situations, demonstrating the critical and creative thinking necessary to propose appropriate solutions while considering the social, circumstantial, and environmental impacts of crime and justice.

The psychology element of this degree will ensure your thorough understanding of applied evidence-based knowledge. This will equip you with a variety of techniques and approaches that allow you to research, analyse and recommend appropriate solutions to psychological problems.

This degree will teach you to work effectively and ethically with individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds, and with diverse values. You will also learn to develop collaborative partnerships with colleagues, other professionals and your community, building open and flexible relationships that adapt to evolving needs and aspirations.

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology
Program code: BP295

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology
City Campus
Full-time 3 Years, Part-time 6 Years
BP295P16
077658K
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 3 Years, Part-time 6 Years
Plan code
BP295P16
CRICOS
077658K
Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology
City Campus
Full-time 3 Years
BP295P16
077658K
Location
City Campus
Duration
Full-time 3 Years
Plan code
BP295P16
CRICOS
077658K

Career

Your career after graduating from the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

Use your understanding of crime, behaviour and justice systems to support people and shape better outcomes.

As a graduate, you’ll be equipped for roles across justice, community and human services where working with people is central. You might support victims and families, work with young people or adults at risk of offending, contribute to policy and law reform, or analyse crime trends and risks to inform decision‑making in government and industry.

Depending on your interests and electives, you could work in areas such as:

  • Youth justice and community corrections
  • Victim support and family violence services
  • Drug and alcohol and other community health services
  • Child protection and out‑of‑home care
  • Crime and intelligence analysis, security and risk
  • Justice and social policy, research and advocacy roles.

This degree is also the basis for further study in psychology. Many graduates use it as a pathway into honours and postgraduate study and go on to work in areas such as clinical, educational, organisational or forensic psychology.

To work as a registered psychologist you will need to complete further study

In addition to this degree you'll need to complete the following degrees:

or equivalent degrees recognised by the Australian Psychological Society.

Career outcomes

Psychology

Your first thought might be someone sitting in an armchair, taking notes while their client talks about their feelings, and clinical practice is certainly an option for people with a psychology degree. You might be surprised, however, at the broad variety of careers available beyond that.

What can you do with a degree in psychology?

The average salary for psychologists in Australia is $108,000 per year and report an average job satisfaction rating of 4.3 out of 5*. With a shortage of psychologists in every state and territory in Australia^, employment is projected to grow by 13.3% over the next five years*.

Criminology

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.

What can you do with a degree in criminology?

The median salary for criminologist in Australia is $109,876^ with employment projected to grow by 18.9% over the next five years*.

*Source: seek.com.au 2026
^Source: jobsandskills.gov.au 2025

Professional recognition and accreditation

Light green dots in the shape of an arrowhead pointing upwards with the APAC text in dark green underneath.

Accredited Psychology degree

The psychology sequence of study included in this degree is accredited without conditions by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

Successful completion of an APAC-accredited undergraduate psychology specialisation is a partial requirement for registration as a Psychologist with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Entry requirements and admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 27 in English as an Additional Language (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program 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.

Selection criteria by applicant type

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 program 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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

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.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 25 in Biology, Business Management, Health & Human Development, any LOTE, Legal Studies, any Mathematics, Politics, or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. 
  • Overall maximum of 8 points.

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant's most recent academic performance.
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each VTAC Equity schemes and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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., 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:

  • Advanced Diploma: 81
  • Diploma: 72
  • Certificate IV: 54

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant's most recent academic performance.
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each VTAC Equity schemes and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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 courses (subjects) in an Australian bachelor degree or four courses (subjects) in an Australian associate degree, or overseas equivalent. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA. 

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant's most recent academic performance.
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each VTAC Equity schemes and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Personal statement

You are encouraged to submit a personal statement of 300-500 words outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this program
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

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.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

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:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 25 in Biology, Business Management, Health & Human Development, any LOTE, Legal Studies, any Mathematics, Politics, or Psychology equals 2 aggregate points per study. 
  • Overall maximum of 8 points.

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult family and life circumstances, financial hardship and living with a disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant's most recent academic performance.
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each VTAC Equity schemes and scholarships and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Equity schemes and scholarships.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

Additional information

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

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.

Note: All relevant screening and compliance check fees are at your own expense. 

Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course

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:

  • understand more about the course
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you.

Adjustments

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.

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.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

ATAR information for international students studying year 12 in Australia

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:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

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).

Additional information

Non-academic abilities you'll need to complete this course

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:

  • understand more about the course
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the course is suitable for you.

Adjustments

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.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

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.

Note: All relevant screening and compliance check fees are at your own expense. 

Pathways and further study

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.

Pathways into the Bachelor of Criminology and Psychology

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. Contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Further study

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.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

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.

Fees

2026 indicative fees

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.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$373 maximum fee for 2026.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

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.

Defer your payment

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.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

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.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

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.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2026 for commencing 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

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can no longer study in a CSP.

HECS-HELP Loans

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.

SA-HELP Loans

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.

How does a HELP loan work?

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.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

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. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

Scholarships

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Check your eligibility for a scholarship

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

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.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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