Bachelor of Criminology with Bachelor of Laws
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-07-01 | - |
Program Overview
This 4.5-year dual degree program combines criminology and law, providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Students gain practical experience through internships and research projects, preparing them for careers in criminal law, government, social welfare, and more. The program's interdisciplinary approach and experiential learning opportunities enhance students' knowledge and skills. Graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system and beyond.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Bachelor of Criminology with Bachelor of Laws
Overview:
This 4.5-year dual degree program combines expertise in the sociology of crime and deviance with legal studies, providing a unique foundation for careers in criminal law, government, commerce, industry, academia, social welfare, and community organizations. The program focuses on criminal justice policy and practice, exploring legal and criminological concepts, processes, and methods. Students will engage in internship courses in legal practice and research, pursue specialized interests in both areas through electives, and gain practical experience through placement opportunities in community legal centers or free clinics.
Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of criminal law and criminological theory
- Acquire practical skills in legal research, analysis, and advocacy
- Gain insights into the social and psychological factors that contribute to crime
- Prepare for a wide range of careers in the criminal justice system and beyond
Program Description:
The Bachelor of Criminology with Bachelor of Laws integrates coursework from the Bachelor of Criminology and the Bachelor of Laws programs, providing students with a broad foundation in both disciplines. The program covers topics such as:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Criminology and criminal justice
- Victimology
- Forensic psychology
- Legal research and writing
- Advocacy skills
- Social policy
Outline:
Course Schedule:
The program is structured into a four-year sequence, with each year divided into two semesters. The typical course schedule for each year is as follows:
- Year 1: Introduction to Criminology, Introduction to Law, Criminal Justice System, Legal Research and Writing
- Year 2: Criminal Law, Criminological Theory, Victimology, Legal Advocacy
- Year 3: Criminal Procedure, Forensic Psychology, Social Policy, Legal Research and Writing II
- Year 4: Internship in Legal Practice or Research, Criminology Capstone Project, Law Capstone Project
Individual Modules:
- Introduction to Criminology: Explores the historical and theoretical foundations of criminology, examining different perspectives on crime, its causes, and its consequences.
- Introduction to Law: Provides an overview of the Australian legal system, including its structure, sources of law, and legal reasoning.
- Criminal Justice System: Examines the criminal justice system, including the roles of police, courts, and corrections.
- Legal Research and Writing: Develops skills in legal research, analysis, and writing, including how to find, evaluate, and use legal sources.
- Criminal Law: Covers the principles of criminal law, including elements of crimes, defenses, and sentencing.
- Criminological Theory: Explores different criminological theories, including biological, psychological, and sociological approaches to understanding crime.
- Victimology: Examines the role of victims in the criminal justice system, including their rights, needs, and experiences.
- Forensic Psychology: Applies psychological principles to the criminal justice system, including topics such as offender profiling, eyewitness testimony, and jury decision-making.
- Social Policy: Analyzes the role of social policy in preventing and responding to crime, including topics such as drug policy, gun control, and restorative justice.
- Legal Advocacy: Develops skills in legal advocacy, including oral argument, negotiation, and trial practice.
- Internship in Legal Practice or Research: Provides practical experience in a legal setting, either through an internship in a law firm, government agency, or non-profit organization, or through a research project supervised by a faculty member.
- Criminology Capstone Project: A major research project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in criminology to a specific topic of their choice.
- Law Capstone Project: A major research project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in law to a specific topic of their choice.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Assessment methods vary depending on the course and may include:
- Essays
- Exams
- Presentations
- Case studies
- Research projects
- Practical exercises
- Participation
Assessment Criteria:
Assessment criteria are based on the learning objectives of each course and may include:
- Knowledge and understanding of the subject matter
- Critical thinking and analysis skills
- Research and writing skills
- Oral communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
Teaching methods vary depending on the course and may include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Seminars
- Case studies
- Field trips
- Online learning
Faculty:
The program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members from the School of Social Sciences and the Adelaide Law School. Faculty members have expertise in a variety of areas, including criminology, criminal law, victimology, and social policy.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- Interdisciplinary Approach: The program integrates coursework from criminology and law, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system.
- Practical Experience: Students gain practical experience through internship opportunities in legal settings or through research projects.
- Experiential Learning: The program includes field trips, case studies, and other experiential learning opportunities to enhance students' understanding of the criminal justice system.
Careers:
Potential Career Paths:
Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminology with Bachelor of Laws program are well-prepared for a wide range of careers, including:
- Criminal lawyer
- Prosecutor
- Public defender
- Corporate lawyer
- Government attorney
- Social worker
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Criminologist
- Researcher
- Policy analyst
Opportunities:
The program opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in the criminal justice system, government, non-profit organizations, and the private sector.
Outcomes:
Graduates of the program are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make a meaningful contribution to the field of criminal justice and beyond.
