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HK3 - Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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DE5F14FEFC834F83BF0494CCA7F060C8
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20260200
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2026
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/ords/r/curriculum/catalogue/program?p5_code=HK3&p0_catalogue_year=2027&p0_catalogue_term=0200
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2026-09-10
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2026-09-23
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2.4
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/MK1.2/O2.5
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/R3.2
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Program
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Undergraduate Course
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Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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Institute of Education, Arts & Community
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Humanities and Social Sciences
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<p>The course will prepare you for work in state and federal police, in courts and corrections, government departments and for work in community based agencies delivering criminal justice courses. Through this course, you will learn to understand crime data, why crime rates and types vary in different countries and across remote, regional and urban settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different crime prevention strategies and policies, as well as develop a knowledge of criminal justice processes. You will engage with debates about the interaction between the criminal justice system and groups in society who are overrepresented as victims, offenders or both. You will also consider the influence of factors such as disadvantage, ethnicity, aboriginality, disability, age and gender and the effect of these factors on access to justice. Students in this course will develop the practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work or further study. Assessments are informed by practical examples of the requirements of industry, practical experience in the field and presentations by those already in the field. You can also choose to complete either a major (6 units) or a minor (4 units) from specified study areas. Major and minor options: Community and Human Services, Behavioural Studies, Sociology. Nested qualifications In addition to the 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, there is also the option of completing a 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice or a 3-year Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualifications also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career. These courses were developed in consultation from students, justice and community based agencies.</p>
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UGRD
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240
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Associate Degree
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6 - Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
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2 years
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<p>Margaret Camilleri</p>
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["Full time","Part time"]
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["Domestic"]
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3/4 HD and nothing less than a D
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<p>Students that achieve a grade of High Distinction (HD) in at least three quarters of the units they study in a teaching period and receive nothing less than a Distinction (D) in remaining units in that teaching period will receive a letter of commendation.</p>
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Fail any unit in a term
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<p>Students that fail a unit will be contacted via email with advice on required actions and referral to various Federation support services.</p>
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Fail > 50% in a term OR fail a unit 2 times
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<p>Students who fail in more than 50% of the units in which they are enrolled in any semester or who have not passed a unit after two attempts will be regarded as having unsatisfactory progress. They will be contacted via email and advised to contact their Course Coordinator to seek advice on how to address the issues that contributed to the result.</p>
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2 consecutive performance (%) unsatisfactory terms OR fail a unit 3 times - Suspend
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<p>Following unsatisfactory progress in two consecutive semesters or failing a unit for the third time, students will be asked to show cause why they should not be excluded from the course. Unless a satisfactory response is received by the relevant Academic Progress Committee the student may be excluded from the course for a period of up to two years.</p>
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Marginal fail in final unit
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<p>Students who receive an MF grade in their final Semester may apply to the Course Coordinator within 7 days of the publication of results for supplementary assessment if that unit is the only outstanding unit required to complete the degree and the student has not been found guilty of any form of academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, contract cheating, collusion) in that Semester. The highest grade attainable will be a Pass grade.</p>
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["Domestic CSP","Domestic Full Fee"]
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["current year 12 and recent secondary graduates (past two years)","applicants with Higher Education Study","applicants with Vocational Education and Training study","applicants with work and life experience"]
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<p>This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.</p>
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<p>Units 3 and 4: A study score of at least 20 in any English.</p>
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<p>Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level or above, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as <a href="https://www.federation.edu.au/courses/dfs0-federation-access-studies-fast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Federation Access Studies (FAST)</a>.</p>
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<p>Successful completion of a relevant VET qualification at Certificate III level or higher.</p>
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<p>Applicants who haven't completed secondary education, or undertaken any TAFE or university studies aren't eligible for entry into this course. If that's you, start with a pathway program such as <a href="https://www.federation.edu.au/courses/dfs0-federation-access-studies-fast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Federation Access Studies (FAST)</a>.</p>
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<p>Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a justice- or community and human services-related field, completed within the last 10 years. Applicants must also successfully achieve a score of at least 70% on a literacy test provided by the University. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) program.</p>
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Academic requirements
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<p>Applicants are requested to provide supplementary information to support their application as listed below.</p>
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<p>This course offers VET articulation agreements, provided you meet the additional admissions requirements.</p>
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<p>The courses listed below offer approved credit pathways into this course, provided you meet the additional admission requirements.</p>
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<p>This course recognises relevant non-formal and informal prior learning and experiences, as long as you meet the admission eligibility rules and procedures, and any RPL unit exclusions.</p>
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Semester 1 Entry, Full-Time - Minor Option
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Semester 1 Entry, Full-Time - Major Option
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Semester 2 Entry, Full-Time - Major Option
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Credit, pathways, and recognition of prior learning
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Semester
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Year
Year
2026
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2026
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HK3 - Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice
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Semester
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Semester 2
Summer Semester
Year
2027
2026
RDS Holder
Overview
Key information
Entry requirements
Course rules
Course structure
Course learning outcomes
Credit, pathways, and recognition of prior learning
Parent Region
Overview
Course overview
<p>The course will prepare you for work in state and federal police, in courts and corrections, government departments and for work in community based agencies delivering criminal justice courses. Through this course, you will learn to understand crime data, why crime rates and types vary in different countries and across remote, regional and urban settings. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness of different crime prevention strategies and policies, as well as develop a knowledge of criminal justice processes. You will engage with debates about the interaction between the criminal justice system and groups in society who are overrepresented as victims, offenders or both. You will also consider the influence of factors such as disadvantage, ethnicity, aboriginality, disability, age and gender and the effect of these factors on access to justice. Students in this course will develop the practical skills and knowledge to prepare them for work or further study. Assessments are informed by practical examples of the requirements of industry, practical experience in the field and presentations by those already in the field. You can also choose to complete either a major (6 units) or a minor (4 units) from specified study areas. Major and minor options: Community and Human Services, Behavioural Studies, Sociology. Nested qualifications In addition to the 2-year Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice, there is also the option of completing a 1-year Diploma of Criminology and Criminal Justice or a 3-year Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing flexibility with your studies and career pathways. The Diploma and Associate Degree qualifications also enable you to recommence studies at a later date to complete your full Bachelor level degree. It’s a great way to develop your knowledge and qualifications as you develop your career. These courses were developed in consultation from students, justice and community based agencies.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Humanities and Social Sciences
Study level:
Undergraduate
Study load:
Full time<br />Part time
Credit points:
240
AQF level:
6 - Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
Duration (in full time equivalent):
2 years
Domestic students:
<p><strong>Location</strong></p><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On campus)</p><p>Berwick (On campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On campus)</p><p>On-line Learning</p>
Course coordinator:
<p>Margaret Camilleri</p>
Entry requirements
Domestic students
Current or recent year 12 graduates
Academic requirements
<p>Applicants are required to have met the minimum academic requirements: </p><ul><li>Units 3 and 4: A study score of at least 20 in any English.</li></ul>
ATAR
<p>This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.</p>
Selection rank adjustments
<ul> <li><strong>Subject adjustments</strong> <br/> Subject adjustments may apply to this course. Please visit <a href="https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search">CourseSearch</a> in the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) website, find this course and open the 'Course requirements' section to see if subject adjustments apply. </li> <li><strong>Equity schemes</strong> <br/> If you've faced educational disadvantage, we encourage you to apply for our <a href="https://www.federation.edu.au/apply/how-to-apply/undergraduate/equity-schemes/">equity schemes</a>. Depending on your eligibility and circumstances, an equity scheme application may support your course application. </li> </ul>
Applicants with higher education study
Academic requirements
<p>Previous higher education studies with results at a pass level or above, including any 'single subjects of study', or successful completion of a tertiary preparatory course such as <a href="https://www.federation.edu.au/courses/dfs0-federation-access-studies-fast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Federation Access Studies (FAST)</a>.</p>
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
Academic requirements
<ul><li>Successful completion of a Certificate III in a cognate discipline in Criminology and Criminal Justice</li></ul>
Applicants with work and life experience
Academic requirements
<p>Applicants must have a minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience in a justice- or community and human services-related field, completed within the last 10 years. Applicants must also successfully achieve a score of at least 70% on a literacy test provided by the University. Applicants who do not meet these criteria should consider a pathway course such as the Federation Access Studies (FAST) program.</p>
Additional requirements
Supplementary admission requirements
<p>Applicants are requested to provide supplementary information to support their application as listed below.</p><br /><p class="bold-heading3">Literacy and Numeracy Test</p> <p>An alternative means of assessing your literacy and numeracy skills when Year 12 results are not available or suitable.</p> <ul><li>Applicants with work and life experience may require a literacy test</li></ul>
Course rules
Course rules show the number and type of credit points needed to finish your course. They help you understand what you need to complete to graduate. You’re responsible for following the course rules and completing the right units. You’ll find a recommended sequence of units that meets these course rules in the course structure.
Course rules
Complete 240 credit points for either of the following:
All of the following:
150
credit points from
Core Units
, and
90
credit points for one
Major
from
Major
, or
All of the following:
150
credit points from
Core Units
, and
60
credit points for one
Minor
from
Minor
, and
30
credit points from
Electives
Core Units
Complete exactly 150 credit points from the following:
Code
Title
Credit points
ATSGC1369
Understanding University Learning
15
CRJUS1285
Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions
15
CRJUS1286
Crime in Contemporary Contexts
15
CRJUS1287
Explanations of Crime
15
CRJUS2475
Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control
15
CRJUS2100
Australian Criminal Courts in International Context
15
CRJUS2474
Policing in Practice
15
CRJUS2300
Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives
15
CRJUS2472
Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts
15
COOPK2204
Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
15
Major
Complete one Major from the following:
Code
Title
Credit points
HK5.MAJ.CHS
Community and Human Services
90
HK5.MAJ.BEHAV
Behavioural Studies
90
HK5.MAJ.SOCIO
Sociology
90
Minor
Complete one Minor from the following:
Code
Title
Credit points
HK5.MIN.BEHAV
Behavioural Studies
60
HK5.MIN.CHS
Community and Human Services
60
HK5.MIN.SOC
Sociology
60
Electives
Complete exactly 30 credit points from the following:
Code
Title
Credit points
BASOC1001
The Sociological Imagination
15
BASOC1002
Sociology of Families and Relationships
15
EITHER
SOCIO2200
Sociology of Health and Illness
15
OR
SOCIO3200
Sociology of Health and Illness
15
EITHER
SOCIO2734
Sociology of Deviance
15
OR
SOCIO3734
Sociology of Deviance
15
EITHER
INDSL2001
Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Australia (1967-)
15
OR
INDSL3001
Contemporary Issues in Indigenous Australia (1967-)
15
EITHER
BASOC2001
Examining Race and Ethnicity
15
OR
BASOC3001
Examining Race and Ethnicity
15
EITHER
BAXDC2004
Applied Ethics in Contemporary Societies
15
OR
BAXDC3004
Applied Ethics in Contemporary Societies
15
SOCIO3002
Sociology of Genders, Sexes, and Sexualities
15
PSYCB1101
Introductory Psychology A: Biological and Cognitive Psychology
15
PSYCB1102
Introductory Psychology B: Personality and Individual Differences
15
EITHER
BEHAV2001
Lifespan Human Development
15
OR
PSYCB2102
Lifespan Development Psychology
15
BEHAV2002
Abnormal Behaviour and Disorders
15
BEHAV2003
Behaviour in the Workplace
15
BEHAV2004
Forensic Behavioural Science
15
BEHAV3003
Health and Behaviour Change
15
EITHER
PSYCB2105
Counselling Theory and Practice
15
OR
BEHAV3004
Counselling Theory and Practice
15
CHSUG3002
Counselling for Individuals and Families
15
BSWUG1001
Introduction to Social Work, Community and Human Services
15
CHSUG1002
Interpersonal Communication for Professional Practice
15
CHSUG1003
Theories and Models for Practice
15
CHSUG2003
Community Practice Approaches
15
CHSUG2004
Models of Case Management
15
CHSUG2005
Social Policy and Social Change
15
CHSUG3001
Critical Practice Approaches
15
CHSUG3003
Health and Wellbeing in Diverse Communities
15
Academic progress regulations
Commendation
<p>Students that achieve a grade of High Distinction (HD) in at least three quarters of the units they study in a teaching period and receive nothing less than a Distinction (D) in remaining units in that teaching period will receive a letter of commendation.</p>
Counselling
<p>Students that fail a unit will be contacted via email with advice on required actions and referral to various Federation support services.</p>
Unsatisfactory
<p>Students who fail in more than 50% of the units in which they are enrolled in any semester or who have not passed a unit after two attempts will be regarded as having unsatisfactory progress. They will be contacted via email and advised to contact their Course Coordinator to seek advice on how to address the issues that contributed to the result.</p>
Exclusion / suspension
<p>Following unsatisfactory progress in two consecutive semesters or failing a unit for the third time, students will be asked to show cause why they should not be excluded from the course. Unless a satisfactory response is received by the relevant Academic Progress Committee the student may be excluded from the course for a period of up to two years.</p>
Final unit supplementary assessment
<p>Students who receive an MF grade in their final Semester may apply to the Course Coordinator within 7 days of the publication of results for supplementary assessment if that unit is the only outstanding unit required to complete the degree and the student has not been found guilty of any form of academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism, contract cheating, collusion) in that Semester. The highest grade attainable will be a Pass grade.</p>
Course structure
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.federation.edu.au/students/student-essentials/how-to-enrol/what-to-enrol-in/">Course structures</a> set out the recommended sequence of units for enrolment. It's your responsibility to comply with the course rules and confirm unit availability (which you'll find under 'Offering' in the 'Key information' section of each unit outline).</p> <p>Select the semester you started your course in (not the semester you're enrolling for).</p>
Semester 1 Entry, Full-Time - Minor Option
Year 1
Semester 1
ATSGC1369
Understanding University Learning
Core Units
15
CRJUS1285
Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions
Core Units
15
CRJUS1286
Crime in Contemporary Contexts
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Semester 2
CRJUS1287
Explanations of Crime
Core Units
15
CRJUS2475
Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Minor
15
Year 2
Semester 1
CRJUS2100
Australian Criminal Courts in International Context
Core Units
15
CRJUS2474
Policing in Practice
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Electives
15
Semester 2
CRJUS2300
Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives
Core Units
15
CRJUS2472
Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts
Core Units
15
COOPK2204
Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Core Units
15
Electives
15
Semester 1 Entry, Full-Time - Major Option
Year 1
Semester 1
ATSGC1369
Understanding University Learning
Core Units
15
CRJUS1285
Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions
Core Units
15
CRJUS1286
Crime in Contemporary Contexts
Core Units
15
Major
15
Semester 2
CRJUS1287
Explanations of Crime
Core Units
15
CRJUS2475
Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control
Core Units
15
Major
15
Major
15
Year 2
Semester 1
CRJUS2100
Australian Criminal Courts in International Context
Core Units
15
CRJUS2474
Policing in Practice
Core Units
15
Major
15
Major
15
Semester 2
CRJUS2300
Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives
Core Units
15
CRJUS2472
Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts
Core Units
15
COOPK2204
Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Core Units
15
Major
15
Semester 2 Entry, Full-Time - Minor Option
Year 1
Semester 2
CRJUS1287
Explanations of Crime
Core Units
15
CRJUS2475
Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Minor
15
Semester 1
ATSGC1369
Understanding University Learning
Core Units
15
CRJUS1285
Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions
Core Units
15
CRJUS1286
Crime in Contemporary Contexts
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Year 2
Semester 2
CRJUS2300
Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives
Core Units
15
CRJUS2472
Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts
Core Units
15
COOPK2204
Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Core Units
15
Electives
15
Semester 1
CRJUS2100
Australian Criminal Courts in International Context
Core Units
15
CRJUS2474
Policing in Practice
Core Units
15
Minor
15
Electives
15
Semester 2 Entry, Full-Time - Major Option
Year 1
Semester 2
CRJUS1287
Explanations of Crime
Core Units
15
CRJUS2475
Crime Prevention, Reduction and Control
Core Units
15
Major
15
Major
15
Semester 1
ATSGC1369
Understanding University Learning
Core Units
15
CRJUS1285
Crime to Punishment: Processes and Institutions
Core Units
15
CRJUS1286
Crime in Contemporary Contexts
Core Units
15
Major
15
Year 2
Semester 2
CRJUS2300
Punishment, Penalty and Rehabilitation: Australian and International Perspectives
Core Units
15
CRJUS2472
Locating Crime in Urban, Regional and Rural Contexts
Core Units
15
COOPK2204
Professional Identity (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
Core Units
15
Major
15
Semester 1
CRJUS2100
Australian Criminal Courts in International Context
Core Units
15
CRJUS2474
Policing in Practice
Core Units
15
Major
15
Major
15
Course learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, graduates will be able to:
Course learning outcomes
Ref
Outcome
<p>1</p>
<p>Demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice landscape, including the main criminal justice agencies and their roles and purpose.</p>
<p>2</p>
<p>Analyse the evolution of the criminal justice system and articulate its theoretical and conceptual foundations.</p>
<p>3</p>
<p>Demonstrate an awareness of the competing perspectives and debates concerning contemporary criminological and criminal justice issues.</p>
<p>4</p>
<p>Apply criminological theories and concepts to respond effectively to complex criminal justice issues.</p>
<p>5</p>
<p>Apply critical thinking skills to critically analyse criminal justice institutions and programs.</p>
Credit, pathways, and recognition of prior learning
VET pathways
VET pathways
<p>This course offers VET articulation agreements, provided you meet the additional admissions requirements.</p>
CRS_CRDT_VET_QUAL_PROVIDE
Qualification code and title
Credit points
Restrictions
Diploma of Justice (22594VIC)
120 credit points
Credit pathways
Credit pathways
<p>The courses listed below offer approved credit pathways into this course, provided you meet the additional admission requirements.</p>
CRS_CRDT_QUAL_PROVIDE
Course code and title
Institute / school
Credit points
<p>HK1 - Diploma of Criminal Justice</p>
Institute of Education Arts and Community
120 credit points
Nested qualifications
Nested qualifications
<ul><li>Upon successful completion of specified units equal to 120 credit points for this course you may exit this course with the following qualification: <p>HK1 Diploma of Criminal Justice</p></li></ul>
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of prior learning
<p>This course recognises relevant non-formal and informal prior learning and experiences, as long as you meet the admission eligibility rules and procedures, and any RPL unit exclusions.</p>
Key information
Institute / school:
Institute of Education, Arts & Community
Discipline:
Humanities and Social Sciences
Study level:
Undergraduate
Study load:
Full time<br />Part time
Credit points:
240
AQF level:
6 - Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree
Duration (in full time equivalent):
2 years
Domestic students:
<p><strong>Location</strong></p><p>Ballarat - Mt Helen (On campus)</p><p>Berwick (On campus)</p><p>Gippsland - Churchill (On campus)</p><p>On-line Learning</p>
Course coordinator:
<p>Margaret Camilleri</p>
Additional information
Add Info Static Text
Internal reference: HK3 - C2.4/MK1.2/O2.5/R3.2