What is criminology?

Criminologists investigate power, knowledge and justice domestically and internationally. We explore crime and social control, and analyse the causes of crime based on how we relate to it, as well as how we should respond. We look at the criminal justice system and analyse its achievements and challenges.

Why study criminology?

Some of the topics we cover include policing, punishment, gender, race, victimisation and barriers to accessing justice within local and international contexts. You’ll be able to look at issues from different perspectives and develop a sound basis for independent, critical thinking.

Making an impact

Criminologists investigate power, knowledge and justice domestically and internationally. We explore crime and social control, and analyse the causes of crime based on how we relate to it, as well as how we should respond. We look at the criminal justice system and analyse its achievements and challenges.

What will you study?

• Criminology covers a broad field of global topics, including:
• Prisons and Punishment
• Policing
• Gender violence
• Human trafficking
• Organised crime
• Crime Prevention
• Victimology
• Terrorism.

What careers will you be ready for?

Criminology will open doors to career opportunities in:

• International criminal justice organisations
• Anti-corruption organisations
• Human rights organisations
• Police force
• Department of Justice
• Corrections and much more.

Who will be teaching you?

Our expertise ranges from topics such as sexual violence, gendered violence, punishment, criminal justice processes, marginalisation, drugs, cybercrimes, risk and surveillance, victimisation and perpetration, youth crime and crime prevention and transnational justice practices. Our work has contributed to law reform on plea negotiation for research is used to formulate policy or reform laws, for example on homicide, family violence and youth justice.

Global study

Short term programs:

You will have opportunities to travel internationally to meet criminal justice experts across Asia, Europe and the Americas, through a selection of exclusive field trips such as:

• Crime and criminal justice in Asia
• Comparative criminology USA
• Human rights in the criminal justice sphere, Italy.

GIG: Global Immersion Guarantee

The Monash Arts Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) is an award-winning initiative that will enable you to explore first-hand the relationships between society, technology and the environment. It’s a two-week, funded study trip for all eligible first-year Monash Arts, single or double degree students to one of six destinations – China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Malaysia or the Pacific Islands.