Program Overview
Murdoch University's Graduate Certificate in Criminology provides a comprehensive grounding in crime and criminal justice, including theory, policy, and prevention. Designed for part-time or full-time study, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills for careers in criminology or further study in related fields. The curriculum includes core units in criminology theory, methods, and crime prevention, and offers optional units in areas such as criminal law, applied problem solving, and cybercrime.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Graduate Certificate in Criminology is a part-time or full-time program offered by Murdoch University. It is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of crime and criminal justice, including criminology theory, policy, and prevention. The program aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in the field of criminology or to further their studies in a related field.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the foundations of criminology.
- Develop students' critical thinking and analytical skills in relation to crime and criminal justice.
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to evaluate criminal issues, theories, and concepts in a range of contexts.
- Foster an understanding of the justice systems and engage in topics of interest to local, national, and global communities.
Program Description:
The Graduate Certificate in Criminology is a unique program offered by Murdoch University, the only university in Western Australia to offer this course. It provides students with a solid foundation in criminology and prepares them for further study in the field. The program is taught by leading academics with significant real-world experience, ensuring that students receive a practical and relevant education.
Outline:
Total Credit Points:
12
Required Units (12 credit points):
- MCR501 Criminology Theory and Methods (6 credit points): This unit explores the theoretical foundations of criminology and examines various research methods used in the field.
- MCR502 Crime Prevention (6 credit points): This unit focuses on the principles and practices of crime prevention, examining different strategies and their effectiveness.
Other Units (Optional):
- MCR605 Criminology Placement (6 credit points): This unit provides students with the opportunity to gain practical experience in a criminology-related setting.
- MCR604 Criminal Law and Evidence (6 credit points): This unit examines the principles of criminal law and the rules of evidence, providing students with a foundational understanding of the legal framework surrounding crime.
- MCR602 Applied Problem Solving Methods in Criminology (6 credit points): This unit focuses on developing students' problem-solving skills in relation to criminological issues.
- MCR601 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice (6 credit points): This unit explores current issues and debates in the field of criminal justice.
- MCR607 Advanced Transnational Crime (6 credit points): This unit examines the complexities of transnational crime and its impact on global security.
- MCR603 Cybercrime and Digital Forensics (6 credit points): This unit explores the growing field of cybercrime and the techniques used in digital forensics.
Careers:
A Graduate Certificate in Criminology can lead to a variety of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally. Some potential career paths include:
- Criminal Justice Officer: Working in law enforcement agencies, investigating crimes and enforcing the law.
- Local Government Officer: Working in local government, developing and implementing crime prevention strategies.
- Intelligence & National Security Officer: Working in national security agencies, gathering and analyzing intelligence to protect national interests.
- Community Safety and Local Government Officer: Working in community organizations, promoting safety and crime prevention initiatives.
Other:
The program emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives in understanding crime and criminal justice. It also highlights the growing importance of cybercrime and digital forensics in the field.
