Undergraduate Major

Criminal Behaviour

What drives people to commit crimes? With a Bachelor of Criminology in Criminal Behaviour you’ll learn about causes, intervention, and prevention.

What type of student are you?

Domestic International

Murdoch code: MJ-CRIB
Study mode: Full Time or Part Time
Selection rank: 70
CRICOS code: See Course

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Overview

You’ll learn to challenge common perceptions of crime as you investigate why people commit offences, how to reduce or prevent crime, and how to help both victims and offenders involved in the criminal justice system.

You’ll examine punishment as a solution to crime while also considering the role of treatment as a response to criminal behaviour and the importance of reintegration.

Exploring criminal behaviour from a social, psychological, biological and legal perspective is an integral part of this course and you will consider the criminal behaviour of both adults and children. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to learn the practical skills and ways of thinking that can help you forge a rewarding career after you graduate. Hear how these practical skills have fuelled Abbey's passion for criminology and unlocked her free thinking in the classroom.

3 reasons to study Criminal Behaviour at Murdoch

Learn to make a difference in people’s lives as you explore what can cause criminal behaviour and how it might be prevented.
Challenge common perceptions of crime with insights into why people commit offences, how to reduce or prevent crime, and how to help both victims and offenders involved in the criminal justice system.
Learn from respected experts in their field who often appear in the media to share their insights on current events and issues.

What you’ll learn

Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. Here are some of the things you’ll learn:

Criminal behaviour
Psychology and law
Children and crime
Policing and crime prevention
Culture, diversity and crime
Technology, crime and justice

Your future career

With a degree in Criminal Behaviour, you could work in the criminal justice system in a range of roles in Australia or overseas. Careers could include:

Community Correction or Liaison Officer
Juvenile Justice/ Youth Officer
Criminologist
Police Officer
Research Officer

When you graduate, you will have the skills for a career within court and corrections facilities, police services, youth work, community groups, government departments and criminal forensics.

For further admission information about this course, please visit Murdoch Admission Information - Criminology.

Progress to structure

Structure

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Total credit points: 24

Unit code	Unit name	Credit points
Major		24 credit points
Required Units		24 credit points
LEG100	Law, Justice and Social Policy	3
CRM100	Introduction to Criminology	3
CRM120	Criminological Research Methods	3
CRM202	Corrections	3
CRM203	Criminal Behaviour	3
CRM302	Children and Crime	3
CRM389	Psychology and Law	3
CRM204	Forms of Violence	3

Progress to entry requirements

Entry requirements

I have completed studies in

Select which option best describes your path to university :

Higher Education

You have completed university study in Australia, including a bridging or enabling course.

Recent Secondary Education

You are finishing high school this year or have done so in the last two years.

Vocational Education & Training

You have completed an apprenticeship or a VET course at TAFE or another private training provider.

Work & Life Experience

You have completed an aptitude test or spent time away from study for work.

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university For Law: No direct entry.	For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
University study	For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.	For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) For Law : Successful completion of at least one year.
Pre-Law	Successful completion of Pre-Law course with a 60% average.	Successful completion of Pre-Law course with a 60% average.
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses	For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. MUPC (1 Trimester). · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.	For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course · Introduction to Academic Communication unit · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.
Enabling courses (after Year 12)	For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university. For Law : No direct entry	For Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university For Law: No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

University study
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA) For Law : Successful completion of at least one year.

Pre-Law
Minimum academic requirement Successful completion of Pre-Law course with a 60% average.
Minimum English requirement Successful completion of Pre-Law course with a 60% average.

Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. MUPC (1 Trimester). · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course · Introduction to Academic Communication unit · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher.

Enabling courses (after Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: OnTrack Flex, OnTrack Sprint or K-Track at Murdoch University. An enabling or bridging course at another Australian university. For Law : No direct entry
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Enabling courses (in Year 12)	For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university For Law: No direct entry.	For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)
Experience based entry	A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
Extenuating circumstances	We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.	Case-by-case assessment.
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)	For Criminology: CPS 54 or higher. For Law : CPS 70 or higher.	For Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
Law Start	Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.
Overseas Year 12	Please refer to the information under the country of study.	Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)	For Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.	For Law and Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)	For Criminology: 70 For Law : 90	Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).
GCE A Levels	For Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. For Law :* Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.	For Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: B in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	For Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher. For Law : Total score of 33 or higher.	For Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Enabling courses (in Year 12)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: Murdoch FlexiTrack High Program in Year 12 TLC Learning for Tomorrow in Year 12 An enabling or bridging program at another Australian university For Law: No direct entry.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as and Additional Dialect (EALD)

Experience based entry
Minimum academic requirement A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Extenuating circumstances
Minimum academic requirement We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more.
Minimum English requirement Case-by-case assessment.

Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: CPS 54 or higher. For Law : CPS 70 or higher.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).

Law Start
Minimum academic requirement Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa.
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following: English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher.

Overseas Year 12
Minimum academic requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.
Minimum English requirement Please refer to the information under the country of study.

Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower. For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower.
Minimum English requirement For Law and Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following: English English Extension (Literature) English for ESL Learners. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: 70 For Law : 90
Minimum English requirement Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent): English ATAR Literature ATAR English as an Additional Dialect (EALD) ATAR Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only).

GCE A Levels
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. For Law :* Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. AS Level: B in one of the following: English Language English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher. For Law : Total score of 33 or higher.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only).

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6	For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry	For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry
Certificate IV AQF level 4	For Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry	For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry

Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry

Certificate IV AQF level 4
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry

Means of admission	Minimum academic requirement	Minimum English requirement
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)	For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway.	For Law and Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
Mature Age Pathway (MAP)	For Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information . For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway.	For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. For Law: No direct entry
Experienced based entry	For Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway.
Minimum English requirement For Law and Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).

Mature Age Pathway (MAP)
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information . For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway.
Minimum English requirement For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc. For Law: No direct entry

Experienced based entry
Minimum academic requirement For Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Advanced Standing

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Enabling pathways

If you don’t currently meet our admission requirements, we have a range of enabling pathways to help build your skills.

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How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.

Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.

If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.

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Criminal Behaviour

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Total credit points: 24

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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Minimum academic requirement

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