Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined bachelor provides a broad grounding in psychological science alongside a complementary criminology and criminal justice curriculum. Psychology study typically covers introductory and advanced topics such as research methods and statistics, developmental psychology, social and cognitive psychology, personality and abnormal psychology, and ethics in psychological practice. The program emphasises empirical research skills, critical thinking and application of evidence to human behaviour.

The criminology and criminal justice strand explores criminological theory, causes and correlates of crime, policing and investigative practice, corrections and offender management, youth justice, crime prevention, and the legal and policy frameworks that shape responses to offending. Cross-disciplinary units examine the intersections between psychology and criminal justice, for example forensic psychology, victimology, substance use and offending, and risk assessment.

Students complete a mix of core units in both disciplines, elective options to tailor study to interests (such as forensic interviewing, restorative justice, or community-based interventions), and research or capstone projects that develop applied skills. Many campuses also provide opportunities for work-integrated learning, placements or simulated practice to build professional capabilities.

Entry requirements

Entry is typically based on successful completion of secondary schooling or an equivalent qualification. ACU considers applicants with a variety of educational backgrounds; mature-age applicants, those with vocational qualifications, and applicants with relevant work or community experience may be eligible through alternative entry pathways.

Domestic applicants will be assessed on their secondary school results and any recognised post‑secondary study or experience. International applicants must meet ACU's academic entry standards and the university's English language requirements, demonstrated through recognised tests or prior study in English. Specific entry pathways, assumed knowledge and any required documentation (such as subject prerequisites or portfolios for special admission schemes) are outlined on ACU's official admissions pages and during the application process.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across the human services, criminal justice and public policy sectors. Typical career destinations include community and support services, offender rehabilitation and corrections, youth justice, victim support and advocacy, probation and parole services, crime prevention programs, and roles within policing or court services.

The degree also provides a pathway into research, policy development and program evaluation roles in government and non-government organisations. Graduates wishing to become registered psychologists must undertake further accredited fourth-year study and postgraduate professional training; the psychological science component of this combined degree equips students for progression to those higher-level qualifications.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises a student-centred, vocationally oriented education with opportunities for practical learning and community engagement. The university offers supportive teaching environments, often with smaller class sizes and access to academic and placement support services. Many programs are taught across multiple Australian campuses, providing flexibility in study location.

ACU has research centres and industry links relevant to psychology and criminal justice, which can enhance learning through guest lecturers, research projects and placement partnerships. The combined degree is designed to integrate theory with applied practice, preparing graduates to work ethically and effectively in roles that address complex social and behavioural issues.