University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree blends core criminology and criminal justice topics with historical study of crime, law and punishment. You will study how crimes are defined and responded to, the institutions and actors involved in policing, courts and corrections, and the social and political forces that shape criminal justice policy, alongside modules that explore legal and social history.

• Core criminology and criminal justice: introduction to criminological theory, crime prevention, policing studies, corrections and community-based sanctions, juvenile justice, restorative justice and criminal law fundamentals.
• Research methods and quantitative skills: social research methods, criminological statistics, data analysis and research design for investigating crime and justice problems.
• Forensic and applied topics: forensic psychology, victimology, risk assessment and contemporary approaches to rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Historical perspectives: history of crime and punishment, legal and colonial histories, social and cultural history of crime, archival methods and the historical development of justice institutions.
• Capstone and professional experience: advanced seminars, a research dissertation or project that integrates historical and criminological approaches, plus opportunities for professional placements, internships or industry-linked projects with government and community organisations.

Elective options allow you to tailor the degree toward policy analysis, human rights, Indigenous justice, comparative criminal justice systems or public history. Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, practical workshops, archival work and supervised research.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on successful completion of secondary school or an equivalent qualification. Applicants may be considered on the basis of an Australian senior secondary certificate (or international equivalent), recognised vocational qualifications, or through recognised pathways such as a bridging course or tertiary preparation program. Mature-age applicants with relevant life or work experience are also eligible to apply.

Applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language requirements. Some programs or pathways may have additional selection criteria such as an interview or supplementary statements; check the University's official admissions guidance or contact admissions for personalised advice.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a wide range of roles in criminal justice, public service and related fields. Typical career paths include:

• policing and law enforcement agencies (operational and policy roles)
• corrections, probation and community-based offender support services
• policy development and analysis for local, state or federal governments
• research and evaluation roles in universities, think tanks and non-government organisations
• victim support, youth justice and community service organisations
• archival, heritage and public history roles linked to the historical components of the degree
• pathways to postgraduate study in law, criminology, forensic psychology, public policy or history

Work-integrated learning, industry placements and research projects in the program help build practical skills, professional networks and readiness for employment.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-informed teaching across criminology, criminal justice and history, with access to state archives, legal collections and research centres that focus on justice and social policy. The degree benefits from academic staff expertise in historical and contemporary approaches to crime and punishment, and from partnerships with government and community organisations in Adelaide and South Australia that support placements and applied research.

Students can take advantage of multidisciplinary study options within a compact city campus, opportunities for honours and postgraduate research, and support services for academic skills, career development and work placements. The program is designed to equip graduates with analytical, research and communication skills valued across public, private and community sectors.