University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program brings together foundations in criminology and criminal justice with specialised units in population and migration studies. You will study how crime and justice systems operate, how law and policy shape responses to offending and victimisation, and how demographic change and human mobility influence social cohesion, border regulation and settlement outcomes.

• Core criminology and criminal justice subjects — introduction to criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, policing and investigations, corrections and penology, youth and family justice.
• Research and quantitative methods — social research methods, statistics for social sciences, program evaluation and evidence-based policy.
• Population and migration subjects — demography and population analysis, migration theory, refugee and asylum studies, migration policy and governance, multiculturalism and settlement studies.
• Applied and specialist units — Indigenous justice, gender and crime, border control and human trafficking, ethics in criminal justice, spatial analysis/GIS for population studies.
• Professional practice — industry-relevant placements, community projects or practicum opportunities with government agencies, NGOs or legal services, plus capstone or honours research options for students who choose an advanced pathway.

Entry requirements

Admission is based on successful completion of secondary school or an approved equivalent. Domestic applicants are considered on the basis of senior secondary results (or recognised alternative pathway such as tertiary study or recognised vocational qualifications). International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements; standard university English tests (for example IELTS or equivalent) are accepted and minimum scores apply.

Specific prerequisites and the typical competitive entry threshold vary between admission cycles. Mature-age applicants and those with relevant work or community experience may be eligible through alternative entry pathways. Prospective students should consult the University of Adelaide admissions office or course pages for the latest application guidance and recognised qualifications.

Career prospects

Graduates combine conceptual understanding of crime and justice with skills in population analysis, research and policy. Typical career pathways include:

• Policy analyst or adviser in federal, state or local government (criminal justice, immigration and settlement policy)
• Migration and refugee support worker, case manager or settlement services officer in NGOs and community organisations
• Roles in law enforcement, corrections or probation services
• Research assistant or analyst in academic, think-tank or public-sector research units focusing on crime, demography or migration
• Positions in international organisations, human rights advocacy groups and legal aid services
• Further study options such as honours, postgraduate research, law or specialised master’s programs to deepen practice or pursue academic careers

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers research-led teaching that emphasises interdisciplinary approaches to contemporary social challenges. Studying here gives you access to experienced academic staff working on criminal justice, migration and population research, and opportunities for applied learning through placements and community partnerships in South Australia.

The university environment supports small-group teaching in advanced units, structured research training for honours students, and career services that help connect graduates with employers in government, non-profit and private sectors. The program’s balance of theoretical, methodological and practical work prepares students for both professional roles and further postgraduate study.