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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 in Australia and worldwide. Areas of focus include how individuals and groups are criminalised, the causes of crime, the social context of offending, crime prevention, systems of social control, and the punishment and rehabilitation of offenders.

Studying criminology gives you the skills to criticcally analyse the criminal justice policies, practices, systems, culture and relationships at an individual and societal level. By applying criminological thinking to these issues, you can help improve understanding of and advance the evidence base to challenge the complex reasons behind offending as well as study the impacts it has for victims and communities. Criminology provides you with a toolbox for developing initiatives and agendas for change.

Why study Criminology with us?

By studying criminology, you can contribute to a just society, see the past to shape the future, and support and empower people. If you are interested in why people commit crime, how crime impacts individuals and our communities and society, and how to prevent crime and harm to create a fairer and more just world then criminology is the perfect option for you.

We offer a range of study options that can provide you with expertise in criminology, electives that can diversify your skills, and the flexibility to study complementary discipline areas. You can complement your interest in information technology and cyber security, history, English, media, law, sciences (including environmental sciences), psychology, and politics and international relations with criminology. You may even wish to bring your criminology studies together with a Master of Teaching (Secondary).

Your studies will provide you with a deeper understanding of the social forces shaping the world in which we live, and the skills to drive positive and impactful societal change.

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 or terrorism, with the potential to affect current and future generations.

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 level. Possible career avenues include:

  • Policy Advisor
  • Research Officer at Local, State or Federal agencies
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Probation Officer
  • Parole Officer
  • State and Federal Police
  • Australian Security Intelligence Organisation
  • Australian Customs Service
  • Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service
  • Australian Crime Commission
  • Federal Government Departments and Research Institutions
  • Interpol
  • Child Protection
  • Youth Justice

Criminology studies can also prepare you to work in the corporate sector to offer services in research, security and intelligence, and crime prevention such as:

  • Preventing white collar crime in banking
  • Research consultancy
  • Risk advisory officer and analyst
  • Security analyst
  • Governance and Risk Compliance

How can I learn about Criminology?

In studying criminology you'll learn to critically investigate and analyse the individual and social reasons behind criminal behaviour, crime commission, and victimisation. We examine in more detail areas such as forensic investigation, youth justice, transnational crime and conflict, indigenous justice, and working with offenders.

Interested in studying with us? Explore our course and research opportunities below.

Find out more...

Education, Humanities and Social Sciences courses

Each course and unit is linked to its own page with more detailed information on the Courses & Units website.

Undergraduate

Bachelor Degree
Double Degree
Associate Degree
Diploma
Pathways

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.

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.

The School of Social Sciences, as part of the College of Arts, Law and Education offers a growing collection of units that are available to be completed either wholly or partially online to enable flexible study.

* The online availability for each unit is indicated on each individual unit page under ‘Availability’, then ‘Attendance options’ by the ‘Off-Campus’ icon .

Online courses

Don't meet the traditional entry requirements? The School of Social Sciences offers an alternative entry pathway into our undergraduate programs. The Arts pathway is a great introduction into university study, and can assist you in gaining the qualifications and experience you need for your chosen career. This foundation year of study provides students with the skills and knowledge related to studying the arts and social sciences, with additional support and guidance to help you succeed.

Whether you intend to study a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Social Science, completing this year of foundation study in Diploma of University Studies (Arts Specialisation) (21A) will assist you in achieving your goals.

Pathway Programs at the University

An overseas study program gives you the opportunity to experience different cultures, study languages, undertake work placement or internships, make new friends and explore the world while receiving credit toward your degree and creating professional and life experiences. It provides a 'total immersion' experience in a variety of study areas and locations. You can choose a program length that suits you, from a 2-week fieldtrip, a short-term summer program to a full semester (or two).

Find out more about Overseas Study opportunities

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.

To find out about application procedures, entry requirements, and scholarships, refer to Research Degrees.

Our research in Criminology

Our research in Criminology focuses in particular on topics including police communication, incarceration, sexual violence victimisation, forensics, organisational safety and governance, social harms leading to criminilisation, and media and crime reporting. 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 are an internationally recognised team of criminologists who are actively involved in national and international research, and several members of our team have received prestigious research grants.

If you are interested in undertaking research degrees a PhD or Masters degree with us, please see the current list of available projects (https://www.utas.edu.au/research/degrees/available-projects) that align with our research expertise. Alternatively, please reach out to one of us to discuss possible research projects including cross disciplinary projects including law, science, creative arts, business, economics, and health sciences.

Browse our academic staff profiles

Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies

The Tasmanian Institute of Law Enforcement Studies (TILES) and its researchers are engaged in teaching the Bachelor of Social Science (Police Studies), Bachelor of Justice Studies and Forensic Studies at the University of Tasmania. Research at the Institute Focuses on 6 Research Streams: Emergency Management, Forensic Studies, Law Enforcement and Public Health, Police Education, Policing Vulnerability, and Violence and Abuse Research Unit.

Featured Research

Dr Loene Howes Research, YouTube video

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.

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We acknowledge the palawa/pakana peoples of lutruwita upon whose lands the University of Tasmania stands.

Authorised by the Head of School, Social Sciences. © 18 January, 2024 University of Tasmania, Australia. ABN 30 764 374 782. CRICOS Provider Code 00586B