Criminology
What is the Criminology program about?
Crime is an issue that governments and communities face every day. The meaning of justice and the best way to respond to crime and criminality are the subject of ongoing passionate debate in the media, in parliaments, in court rooms, and in communities, locally and globally.
Criminology is the study of crime, criminality and criminal justice systems, focussing on criminalisation as a process, the causes of crime, the social context of offending, crime prevention, systems of social control, and the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.
Criminologists critically analyse the policies, practices, systems, culture and relationships at an individual and societal level to improve understanding, advance the evidence base, and develop initiatives and agendas for change.
In her natural environment
Olivia Hasler has always loved the environment and is passionate about that criminal aspect. She travelled from the US to combine these interests at the University of Tasmania.
Why study Criminology? with us?
We offer a range of study options that provide you with the expertise in Criminology, with our students regularly complementing their studies with other disciplines, including sociology, law, psychology, social work, counselling, government, sciences or environmental studies.
Criminological research can result in advances in understanding and interventions for individuals or groups, as well as seeking to resolve important international issues, such as eco-global crime, with the potential to affect current and future generations.
Why study the Bachelor of Justice Studies
Industry experts and professionals discuss the benefits of studying for this degree.
What careers relate to Criminology?
Our graduates regularly find employment in the fields of Corrections, Court and Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Security and Intelligence, Health and Human Services and in government at a state or federal levels.
- Probation Officer
- Parole Officer
- Tasmanian Police
- Australian Federal Police
- Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
- Australian Customs Service
- Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
- Australian Department of Defence
- Australian Crime Commission
- Interpol
- Child Protection
- Forensic Psychology
- Correctional Health Service
- Youth Justice
- Local Government
After studying at the University of Tasmania, Hannah now works for the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research advising the European Union among others on criminology.
How can I learn about Criminology?
Students can choose to study through psychological, policy and politics, law, sociological basis before proceeding into areas of forensic investigation, sport and crime, juvenile justice and child protection, policing and case management, environmental crime, indigenous justice, and global conflict.
Interested in studying with us? Explore our course and research opportunities below.
Each course and unit is linked to its own page with more detailed information on the Courses & Units website.
Undergraduate
Honours
Our Honours program provides students with an advanced exploration of Criminology Comprised of specialised core units and a research thesis or project, study at the honours level introduces skills and methods involved in independent research.
The Professional Honours course allows students to develop a body of knowledge in Criminology for personal, career or professional development. Students complete core units from their area of interest, and a selection of complementary units. This course is intended for students who wish to further enhance their studies in a discipline, without progressing into higher research degrees.
Your learning experience in Criminology goes beyond the lecture and tutorials.
You will be taught by experts, and gain perspective from guest lecturers and forums; study abroad for a fortnight, a month, a semester or a year, as part of your degree; have options to complete your studies your way, whether on-campus, online, part-time or full-time; pursue your passion or specialisation with a range of scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance programs, or meet your career goals with our pathway options.
Take your passion for ideas further than you ever imagined.
We offer a collegial, supportive environment, with experienced supervision, regular seminar series, research skills training, and many opportunities to work with peers and academics on your areas of interest. We supervise across a range of methodologies and conceptual/theoretical approaches, and encourage scholarship that draws on ideas from across diverse fields.
Choose a research topic that reflects your interests and identify a supervisor with the expertise to guide you in your research. Search for a discipline staff member via our staff profiles, or by an area or expertise.
The School of Social Sciences welcomes qualified applicants to undertake a research degree with us in any of our areas of research strengths and interests.
Masters by Research
Doctorates (PhD)
To find out about application procedures, entry requirements, and scholarships, refer to College of Arts, Law and Education Research Degrees.
Our research in Criminology
Our research in Criminology focuses in particular on housing and community studies, the environment, health sociology, and criminology. Our diverse research interests include housing, religion, green criminology, Indigenous issues, tourism, sport and leisure, identity, and health and illness. Much research in Sociology and Criminology is applied in nature and has a strong focus on social policy.
Our work is published in leading journals and by top-tier academic presses, we have access to an international network of top-flight researchers, and members of our team have received prestigious research grants and fellowships.
We welcome proposals from qualified applicants to undertake research degrees in PhDs and Masters, and are pleased to discuss research proposals that cross disciplines, including law, science, creative arts, business, economics and health sciences.
Featured Research
Research Spotlight
Dr Loene Howes
PhD project: Making forensic science easier for non-scientists to understand. Loene completed her PhD at the Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) in the School of Social Sciences where she now works as a researcher and lecturer.
Research Spotlight
Professor Rob White
Rob is a pioneering Criminologist in the field of green criminology internationally. His research examines three interconnected justice-related approaches to environmental harm.
