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Undergraduate

Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice

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Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice (ADCJ)
Entry requirements
ATAR 61.00
View full details
Study mode
  • On-campus
  • Online
Campus
  • Springfield
  • Toowoomba
Duration
  • 2 year(s) (or part-time equivalent)
Start
  • Feb, May
Intakes

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Overview

  • Gain the knowledge to explore the nature and causes of crime, examine the function of the criminal justice system and develop skills for researching crime and crime-related issues.
  • Learn about current crime intervention and prevention strategies through the criminal justice system and external agencies, and benefit from opportunities to engage with professionals working within the criminal justice sector and associated agencies.
  • In preparation for your career, obtain industry experience and develop work-ready skills in areas such as crime scene investigation, research design, policy development, critical analysis, communications, and working with vulnerable populations.

Career outcomes

  • Criminology and criminal justice graduates apply their specialist knowledge in a variety of industries and professions including the criminal justice system, child protection, crime research, strategic planning and development, policy development, security, research, government agencies, non-government organisations, and private enterprises.
  • Your degree in criminology and criminal justice presents you with a diverse range of employment opportunities. Some prospective roles include policy development and advice, working directly with people involved in formal criminal justice institutions, developing social justice initiatives in the voluntary or charitable sector, developing and implementing law reform, and conducting criminological research.

Entry requirements

Find the entry requirements most relevant to you.

Recent secondary education

Adjusted Entry score including adjustment factors (additional points given in certain circumstances). Unadjusted Entry score not including adjustment factors.
ATAR The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank used to assess the results of high-school applicants for undergraduate entry into university. 61.00 59.05
Pre-requisites

To study this degree we assume you have sound knowledge in:

  • English (Units 3 & 4, C) 

We assume that your knowledge is equivalent to a grade C or higher in Units 3 and 4 at high school level (typically studied in Year 12). Find out more about assumed knowledge.

Further admission information

Adjustments are additional points given in certain circumstances that may increase your Rank. Find out if you qualify for any adjustment factor pathways such as educational disadvantage where you live, and subjects you passed.

UniSQ is committed to greater admissions transparency. Learn more about the education and work experience, as well as average Ranks for this degrees' student cohort from the previous year.

Tafe (VET) qualification

If you have completed a qualification from a TAFE or qualified private provider, you may be able to use these qualifications to meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

Work and life experience

You may be able to use your work experience and other adjustment factors to increase your selection rank and meet UniSQ's entry requirements.

English language requirements

You are required to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires a minimum of IELTS 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subscore. UniSQ also accepts other English language proficiency tests.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can apply to study with our English language partner, the Union Institute of Language (UIL), or if you're a domestic student you can apply to study UniSQ Ready courses TPP0122 and TPP0123.

Recognition of prior learning or work experience

You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previously studied or have relevant work experience. This will help to reduce the number of courses that you need to study to finish your program.

Pathways

If you don't meet the entry requirements, we have pathway options available to you.

If you identify as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent you may be eligible to enter the Indigenous Higher Education (IHEPP) program.

Degree structure

To complete this degree students must complete 16 units.

Courses to be studied Units
Core courses 4
12 x approved courses 12
Total 16

Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for courses to be studied and recommended enrolment patterns.

Fees and scholarships

Your actual fees may vary depending on the courses you select. We review our fees annually so these may be subject to change.

Approximate annual costs1 for your first year of study (8 units) in this degree are:

Study Mode Cost
Commonwealth supported

The Federal Government contributes to the cost of your course and you need to pay a student contribution.

AUD 16992
Domestic full fee paying

You are responsible for the full cost of your course and are charged a tuition fee.

AUD 24600

1 These are indicative annual fees for 2025. 

Student services and amenities fees

You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.

Loan to help you pay your fees

You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP allows you to defer your fees until your income reaches a certain level. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.

You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Centrelink.

Scholarships

At UniSQ, we offer a range of scholarships to support your success at university. Find a scholarship that works for you.

How to apply

Apply via QTAC

Apply via QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) if you:

  • have never studied with UniSQ before, or
  • are a Year 12 student, or
  • want to transfer to UniSQ from another university.
Mode QTAC Codes
Online 904215
Springfield 924211
Toowoomba 904211

Copy your QTAC code and continue through to the QTAC website to complete your application.

Apply through QTAC

If you are applying via QTAC, please check our application closing dates.

Apply directly to UniSQ

You may be able to apply directly to UniSQ if you:

  • are a current or previous UniSQ student returning to study with complete or incomplete qualifications (excluding Head Start students), or
  • have recently graduated from TAFE.
Apply direct to UniSQ

Intakes

You can select to start your study in Trimester 1 or 2.

Study period  Application closing date Orientation  Study period start date Finish date
Trimester 1, 2025  Monday 10 February Monday 3 February  Monday 10 February  Friday 9 May
Trimester 2, 2025 Monday 26 May Monday 19 May Monday 26 May  Friday 22 August

More information on applying key dates is available.

Further information

Discover further information on applying to study at UniSQ that is relevant to you.

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Got questions?

 

Begin your study journey today with the university rated 5/5 stars for graduates starting salaries* and start the degree that’s right for you.

*Good Universities Guide 2025

Talk to us
Why UniSQ?
Choosing UniSQ for your Associate Degree in Criminology and Justice means choosing a university that values industry-relevant curriculum and experienced faculty. Our Criminology and Criminal Justice degrees are designed to meet the evolving needs of the criminal justice sector, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenges you will face in your career.
How does an Associate Degree in Criminology and Justice prepare students for the criminal justice sector?
Our Associate Degree in Criminal Justice equips students with a deep understanding of the nature and causes of crime, as well as the functioning of the criminal justice system. The degree emphasises practical skills development, such as crime scene investigation, research design, policy development, and critical analysis. This ensure you are work-ready upon graduation.
What are the pathways to entry?
At UniSQ, we know there isn’t a ‘one size fits all’ approach to university education, therefore we offer you the opportunity to gain entry into a Criminal Justice and Criminology 2-year degree if you don’t meet the entry requirements. Whether you’ve just completed Year 12 studies, haven’t studied in a while, or have a VET, TAFE or other appropriate qualification, we’ll have a pathway to your chosen degree. 
What key skills will I acquire when studying an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology?

Some of the key skills you will learn include:

  • Critical analysis: learn to critically analyse crime and crime-related issues.
  • Effective communication: develop strong communication skills, essential for various roles in the justice system.
  • Research skills: gain the ability to conduct thorough and effective research in criminology.
  • Policy development: Learn how to develop and implement effective crime intervention and prevention strategies. 
Are flexible study options available?
UniSQ understands the need for flexibility in our Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology. We provide a range of study options to cater to diverse needs, including on-campus, external, and online learning formats depending on the degree you choose. Whether you prefer to study your degree part-time or full-time, we offer the flexibility to balance your education with other commitments.