Criminology

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2013 academic year unless otherwise specified

On this page:

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to Find out More
• Related Subjects and Careers
• List of Courses

This subject is taught by the School of Social and Cultural Studies.

Overview

What leads someone to commit a crime like aggravated robbery? Research has suggested that the adrenaline-packed act of robbery is what keeps some offenders hooked. But what about a robber's education and social background? His race? Or her gender?

More generally, Criminology students examine the extent of crime in contemporary society. Should the public be worried about being victimised? Would tougher prison sentences, restorative justice programmes, or community penalties provide the most effective response? Why do the media continue to pay so much attention to crime problems - does this cause problems of its own?

Criminology is the study of crime and how we as a society react to crime. No other qualification brings together so many different ways of understanding crime. You will study the characteristics of the offenders, learn how police operate, and how the law and the courts try to prevent and control crime. Debates about youth and crime, the politics of crime and policing, services to crime victims, and media coverage of crime are covered in many of the modules offered. Criminology brings together law, psychology, policing, sociology, and cultural studies to give a big picture view of crime in our society.

A major in Criminology, as part of your Bachelor of Arts (BA), will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues. You'll learn to understand and analyse crime and punishment, and become an invaluable asset in the criminal justice, social and community services, social policy, and social science research.

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Undergraduate Information

The study of Criminology at Victoria begins at 200-level.

BA Major Requirements

1. Two courses from ANTH, LAWS, POLS, PSYC*, PUBL, SOSC or SPOL
2. CRIM 211 or 214, and a further 20 points from CRIM 200-399, SACS 201 
3. 60 points from CRIM 300-399

*except PSYC 101

Please note: CRIM 316 is strongly recommended for those intending to take Honours in Criminology.

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Postgraduate Information

Postgraduate Qualifications in Criminology

For information specific to Criminology, please see our Postgraduate Study page. For information about the postgraduate qualifications, please click on the Faculty links below.

• Graduate Diploma in Arts
• Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
• Bachelor of Arts with Honours
• Master of Arts
• PhD

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How to Find out More

You can order more information on this subject using our Request for Study Material form.

Victoria's Student Recruitment, Admission and Orientation Office offers advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

Contact the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences' Student and Academic Services Office for information on admission, qualifications and courses, course advice and selection criteria, exemptions and prerequisites.

Criminology courses are taught within the School of Social and Cultural Studies.

School Office: Murphy 921, tel: 04-463 5317, email: sacs@vuw.ac.nz.

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Related Subjects and Careers

With strong links to other social science subjects, Criminology provides the grounding for a career in a wide range of areas.  It is directly relevant to work in the criminal justice system (eg, as a lawyer, police officer, probation officer, in the Department for Courts, the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice) and is useful for work in social and community services, social policy analysis, social science research and in the education sector.

Vic Careers (Career Development and Employment) are available to assist with a wide range of queries - from the general exploration of career ideas and career implications of subject choices, to details of specific jobs, employers, or postgraduate courses. 

The latest Career View publication on Criminology is downloadable from the Vic Careers' website.

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List of Courses

For a complete course listing, see the list of all Criminology courses.