University of Technology Sydney

What you'll study

This double degree brings together foundational and advanced topics from psychology and criminology across a coherent sequence of study. In psychology components you will typically cover introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, cognitive psychology, social psychology, developmental psychology, personality and individual differences, abnormal psychology, and neuroscience. The program emphasises empirical research skills and usually includes a capstone research project or honours sequence for students who meet progression requirements.

Criminology units examine criminological theory, criminal law and the legal process, policing and investigative practice, penology and corrections, juvenile justice, victimology, crime prevention and policy, and contemporary issues such as cybercrime and organised crime. Coursework often integrates case studies, policy analysis and applied projects addressing real-world justice problems.

Across the degree students can expect a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory and practical sessions, research methods workshops, and opportunities for workplace learning or industry-based projects. Electives allow tailoring to areas such as forensic psychology, restorative justice, community safety, or data analytics for crime studies.

Entry requirements

• Successful completion of secondary qualification (such as an Australian state high school certificate) with a competitive ATAR or an equivalent international qualification; applicants are assessed on academic performance.
• Demonstrated competence in English; international applicants must meet the university's English language requirements.
• Mature-age applicants and those with relevant work or study experience may be eligible through alternative entry pathways.
• Meeting course-specific progression requirements may be necessary to continue into advanced psychology units or an honours year; these are typically based on academic performance in core subjects.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with analytical, research and communication skills that are widely applicable. Typical career directions include roles in community and youth services, victim support, probation and parole, corrections, policing and law enforcement support, policy and program development, crime prevention, and research and evaluation positions in universities, government and NGOs.

For students aiming to become registered psychologists, this degree provides the academic foundation needed before undertaking required postgraduate professional training. Others may pursue postgraduate study in criminology, forensic science, social work, public policy or data analytics to specialise further.

Why study at University of Technology Sydney

UTS is a metropolitan university with strong industry links across justice, policing, community services and health sectors, offering structured opportunities for applied learning and internships. The faculty emphasises research-informed teaching and provides access to modern teaching facilities, specialised psychology laboratories and collaborative research centres working on crime, justice and behaviour.

Students benefit from a practical, multidisciplinary approach that connects psychological theory with real-world justice problems, supported by opportunities for workplace engagement, guest practitioners and research supervisors with expertise in forensic psychology and criminology.