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About criminology

Crime, how we define it, how we understand its causes, and the ways we respond to it provides a window into a society’s challenges, values and aspirations. 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. Our work has contributed to law reform on plea negotiation and our research is used to formulate policy or reform laws, for example on homicide, family violence and youth justice.

Why choose 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.

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
• Cybercrime.

Career opportunities

Criminology will open doors to career opportunities in:

• Corrections
• Department of Justice
• Attorney-General’s departments
• Community legal centres
• Federal Police
• Human rights organisations
• Anti-corruption organisations
• International criminal justice organisations
• Journalism.

Global study

You will have the opportunity to travel to Italy to meet criminal justice experts as part of the field trip, Comparative Criminal Justice in Practice – Italy.

Global Immersion Guarantee:

As a Bachelor of Arts student, you’ll have access to the Monash Global Immersion Guarantee – an opportunity to spend two weeks studying in one of a variety of locations, with airfares and accommodation covered as part of your degree.