Bachelor of Social Science (Criminology)

Overview

Description:
 Issues of crime, criminal justice and social justice are central concerns of modern society. Criminology is a field of social science specifically dedicated to the study of these issues, particularly focusing on social processes concerned with criminalization and the causes of crime; crime prevention; the systems of social control; as well as the treatment, rehabilitation and punishment of criminals.

Criminology involves contributions from anthropology, sociology, law, indigenous affairs, psychology, humanities and social work. The criminology program has been developed in consultation with a reference group consisting of academics and members of local community organizations such as, Queensland Police, Corrective Services, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, Department of Communities, Education Queensland and local city council offices.

This course brings together theoretical, criminal justice/broader social policy and program practice related studies relevant to a professional career in criminology, criminal justice and community-based agencies concerned with social justice and human rights. The program incorporates coverage of street/predatory crime, white collar crime, environmental crime and globalisation of crime.
 
Duration:
 3 years fulltime
 
Mode:
 On campus, full or part time *
 
Workload:
 Normal workload expectations are a minimum of 10 hours per week for every subject, including class contact hours, preparation and time spent on assessment tasks.
 
Type:
 Undergraduate
 
Credit points:
 72 credit points o
 
Mid-year entry:
 Yes
 
Prerequisite/s:
 English
 
Campus:
 Townsville, Cairns (restricted range of subjects)
 
Faculty:
 Arts, Education and Social Sciences
 
QTAC code:
 311261 Townsville; 321261 Cairns
 

* Duration: Part-time study is available to domestic students only.

o Credit points: Represent the combined value of individual subjects in a degree. One subject usually constitutes three credit points.
 

Joint Degree Options

Joint degrees give students expertise in a complementary discipline in reduced time and can enhance career prospects. At JCU this degree can be combined with:

Bachelor of Community Welfare

Bachelor of Psychology

Bachelor of Social Work

Structure

Disclaimer - The list of subjects below is correct for 2008, but may change for 2009. Prospective students should contact the University to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses.

The Bachelor of Social Science degree is characterised by its diversity and flexibility. Students must major in two disciplines (see relevant major for other discipline structure).

Level 1

CY1001:03 Deviance, Crime and Society

PLUS

12 credit points of level 1 study as specified in requirement 3 of the Award Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts and a maximum of 9 credit points selected from the Master Schedule of Subjects in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.

Level 2 and Level 3

CY2001:03 / CY3001:03 Perspectives on Criminology

CY2002:03 / CY3002:03 Youth Deviance

CY3011:03 Advanced Criminological Research Design

CY3012:03 Advanced Criminological Research Practice

CY3111:03 Rural and Remote Criminology

CY3112:03 Critical Criminology for Indigenous Peoples

PLUS

6 credit points from the following cognate subjects:

AN2106:03 / AN3106:03 Anthropology of Violence

AR2407:03 / AR3407:03 Forensic Archaeology

PY2110:03 Forensic Psychology

PLUS

Remaining credit points in accordance with the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts.

Level 4 (Honours students only)

SY4017:06 Sociology Honours Seminar A

SY4018:06 Sociology Honours Seminar B

SY4100:06 Sociology Honours Thesis Part 1 of 2

SY4101:06 Sociology Honours Thesis Part 2 of 2

Honours

An Honours program is available for those students who demonstrate high academic performance. Honours consists of an extra year of study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. The Faculty also offers a wide range of postgraduate study opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Criminology graduates can pursue careers with various organisations throughout Australia including: police services (both Federal and State), Department of Correctional Services, correctional facilities, juvenile justice, justice departments, communities departments, a wide range of community organisations, Crime and Misconduct Commission, Australian Institute of Criminology, Australian Crime Commission, and any other agencies with an interest in crime, criminal justice and social justice. It should be noted that the skills acquired in this program are particularly attractive to a broad range of employers interested in graduates with critical thinking, analytical skills and problem solving abilities.

Practical Experience

Students can undertake a group research project in an area of study related to criminal justice and social justice during their third year of study, in conjunction with Townsville and Cairns based agencies.

Back to James Cook University

To enrol and find out course fees, intake dates, entry requirements and more details about courses and the Institute please click on the Enquiry button and complete our form and one of our staff member will get back to you very soon.