Bachelor of Social Work / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

Accessibility links

Bachelor of Social Work / Criminology and Justice

Learn about the social causes and consequences of crime and disadvantage in this double degree. You’ll be taught how sociological influences can impact offending and gain a deep understanding of Australia’s criminal justice system, including areas of law enforcement, crime policy, the court system and custodial and community corrections.

In this program you will:

  • Learn about social inequality and how to make a difference in the legal system
  • Complete two field placements where you’ll learn practical skills
  • Research crime-related issues and develop problem solving skills
  • Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide, forensic science and more
  • Have the opportunity to complete a professional placement in your final year

Starting on 1 July 2025, eligible students can receive $319.50 per week during their mandatory placement.

Find out more about the Commonwealth Prac payment

Applications will be direct to UniSC. More information to come in early 2025.

Location

CRICOS code

088622J

Entry threshold

55.00 55.00 ATAR/Rank
ATAR/Rank

Duration

5 years 5 years Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.

Indicative fees

Indicative 2025 fees (A$)

A$15,072 - 2025 Fees CSP
CSP
A$27,900 Annual fee
Annual fee

QTAC code

011221 014321

Start

  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2

Career opportunities

  • At-risk youth support
  • Community agencies
  • Community development and education
  • Crime and justice research and policy
  • Crime victim support services
  • Government agencies
  • Mental health
  • Offender transition-from-prison programs
  • Organisational management
  • Policy development and analysis
  • Private practice
  • Social research
  • Youth advocacy

Accreditation

The social work component of the program is fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers, and prepares professionals to work with individuals, families, groups and communities.

Start
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
  • Semester 1
  • Semester 2
Delivery mode
  • Blended Learning
Total courses
36
Total units
480
Duration
5 years 5 years
CRICOS code
088622J
UniSC program code
AR363
Program coordinator

Introductory courses (12) 144 units

COU176 Group Processes and Practice
COU180 Therapeutic Communication Skills
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
SCS130 Introduction to Indigenous Australia
SWK100 Introduction to Social Work Practice Theories
SWK172 Introduction to Social Work and Human Services

Developing courses (10) 120 units

CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM205 Criminal Law
CRM206 Professional Development
SCS225 Social Research
SWK200 Social Work Practice in Various Organisational Settings
SWK202 Mental and Physical Health and Wellbeing
SWK251 Working with First Nations Peoples and Multicultural Communities
SWK277 Working With Children, Youth and Families
SWK278 Ethics, Law and the Helping Professions
SWK286 Disability: Culture, Community and Change

Graduate courses (10) 168 units

CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders
SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1">SWK300 Social Work Field Education 1(36 units)
SWK302 Community Development and Social Action
SWK304 Direct Practice 1
SWK306 Direct Practice 2
SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2">SWK400 Social Work Field Education 2(36 units)
SWK401 Critical Social Policy Analysis
SWK407 Context Responsive Social Work Practice

Discipline elective courses (4) 48 units

Select 4 discipline elective courses (48 units) from:

CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods">CRM307 Crime Research Methods
CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime

Note: CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice
(Honours) program.

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.

Entry requirements

For entry into most UniSC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.

Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.

Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that UniSC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.

If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.

English language requirements

You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).

Minimum entry threshold

Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.

Location ATAR/Rank
Sunshine Coast 55.00
Moreton Bay 55.00

Additional entry information

English (Units 3 and 4, C)

Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12

The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.

Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12

The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.

Prior study or work experience

If you:

  • have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
  • have a TAFE/VET qualification
  • have relevant work experience, or
  • have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)

You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.

Tertiary Preparation Pathway

If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.

If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.

It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.

Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)

You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.

High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.

CSP estimate
A$15,072 - 2025 Fees
Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
A$27,900

Commonwealth supported places

Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.

If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.

Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:

  • meet the citizenship and residency requirements
  • complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
  • meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.

International fee-paying places

Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.

Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).

All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).

Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.

Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.

No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.

Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.

Need help with submitting your application?

UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.

Any questions? Contact us.

QTAC code

Location QTAC code
Sunshine Coast 011221
Moreton Bay 014321
Gain two degrees in five years
Fully accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers
No. 1 in Qld for student support in social work Ranking of public universities. Good Universities Guide 2024/25
Rebecca Patterson

Student story

“I hadn’t studied before – I had just worked. University was a big switch, however it’s great. I really love it actually, and you get out of it what you put in.”

Rebecca Patterson Student
Need advice on what to study or how to apply? 
Our Student Central team can help.

Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.

Back to top