This major gives students the background and skills to critically evaluate how we can better respond to emerging crime problems in our communities. Courses included in the major focus on the social factors leading to criminality and the response to criminal behaviour from the justice system. In contrast to the major in criminology for the BA which focuses more closely on theoretical and research skills in criminology, this major emphasises applied social policy issues relating to criminal justice. Students are given a broad introduction to the field in year 1, followed by upper level courses that focus on the social causes of offending and the various ways in which different parts of the justice system deal with criminal/offending behaviour.

Graduates are prepared for a range of careers in consultancy and social research; health care planning, management and policy; health promotion; human services; social and public policy development, analysis and evaluation; local and international community development; public relations, communication and media work; social planning and social impact assessment; campaign direction and events management. While this degree may be accredited by an official industry accreditation body in Australia, completion of the degree may not result in graduates receiving automatic accreditation. Please contact the relevant registration body for details of any conditions for accreditation.