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    Study Criminology and Criminal Justice - Bachelor of Arts
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    Auckland University of Technology

    Study Criminology and Criminal Justice - Bachelor of Arts

    Auckland University of Technology

    Auckland University of Technology

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    New Zealand, Auckland

    University RankQS Ranking
    412

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Bachelor

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Course Code

    AK3704

    Campuses

    City Campus

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines23-Feb-2026
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 3 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    NZD 35,092  / year
    Next Intake 23-Feb-2026

    Study Criminology and Criminal Justice - Bachelor of Arts

    About

    Criminology is the study of crime and its effects on victims and society, and the workings of the criminal justice system including the police, courts and prisons. Criminology is a great choice if you want a career in an organisation associated with the criminal justice system.

    In the Criminology and Criminal Justice major you develop a sound understanding of criminology in national and international contexts. You explore crime and policing in New Zealand and overseas, approaches to crime prevention and punishment, restorative justice and critical issues facing the criminal justice system. Throughout the major, you develop problem-solving skills related to criminology and criminal justice.

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    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Standard

    Tertiary requirements

    One year of successful study at bachelor level at a recognised institute, or equivalent, or

    Successful completion of an Associate degree at a recognised institute, or

    Successful completion of a Diploma at a recognised college of technology, or

    Successful completion of a junior Health Diploma at a recognised institute, or

    Successful completion of a higher technical institute Diploma at a recognised institute

    English Program Requirements

  • Interpreting and NZ Sign Language - English Interpreting majors: IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with 7.0 in Writing and Speaking, and 6.5 in Reading and Listening; or equivalent.
  • All other majors: IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall with all bands 5.5 or higher; or equivalent.
  • Career

    This major will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the field of criminology, drawing on the theory and practice in both national and international contexts. You explore crime and its control in New Zealand and other jurisdictions, and become familiar with contemporary debates within criminology. Develop an understanding of criminal justice institutions and crime in New Zealand, critically examine criminal justice policies and practices, and explore how criminological concepts can be used in real-life settings.

    We aim to educate students to assess the research literature within the discipline and formulate critiques of current approaches to crime and its regulation. You'll also be encouraged to think beyond critique and engage in problem solving.

    Apart from the courses below you also need to complete courses from your second major, your chosen minor(s) or electives.

    Core courses

    All Bachelor of Arts students need to complete core courses that help you develop transferable skills and support your work in all other courses in the degree.

    Complete one course from each of the following clusters. Each cluster aligns with one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

    Partnerships and Reduced Inequalities

    Peace and Justice, Climate Action and Economic World

    Choose one of:

    • CRIM580 Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • EVNT500 Introduction to Event Management
    • HIST500 Introduction to New Zealand History
    • HIST501 The Holocaust: Its Causes, Character, and Legacy
    • PSYC580 Introduction to Psychology A
    • SOSC582 Social Thinking
    • SOSC583 Social Institutions
    • SOSC585 Climate Action
    • TOUR511 Global Issues in Tourism

    Sustainability, Health and Wellbeing

    Choose one of:

    • FOOD501 Food and the Senses
    • CLSY513 Organisation and Human Behaviour Perspectives
    • HOSP509 Hospitality Social Enterprise
    • TOUR512 Tourism and Sustainability

    Quality Education, Gender Equality and Reduced Poverty

    Workplace experience is an important part of your degree, and the Work Integrated Learning course is the final part of your degree. This is a supervised work placement related to your major(s), for an organisation of your choice. It's a great way to get industry experience while still being able to get feedback from AUT lecturers, and for many of our students this workplace experience also leads to a job offer.

    Recent placements included:

    • Department of Corrections
    • Just Speak
    • New Zealand Police
    • Prison Fellowship New Zealand
    • Rethinking Crime and Punishment
    • South Auckland Violence Protection Network
    • TYLA (Turn Your Life Around)

    You could also take the Foundations in Research course if you’re considering continuing into postgraduate study.

    Want more info about work integrated learning at AUT?

    Read more about workplace experience in AUT programmes, how it works and why it’s so beneficial when you start your career.

    Workplace experience in AUT programmes

    Criminology and criminal justice courses

    If you're majoring in criminology and criminal justice, this is the main subject area you specialise in. It makes up one third of your degree and consists of eight criminology-related courses you study throughout your degree.

    Year 1 courses

    Complete the following courses:

    • CRIM580 Criminology and Criminal Justice
    • CRIM581 Understanding Crime

      Year 2 courses

      Complete the following courses:

      • CRIM680 Policing and Society
      • CRIM682 Crime and Deviance
      • SOSC682 Methods of Social Research

        Year 3 courses

        Complete three of:

        • CRIM780 The Police and Crime Prevention
        • CRIM781 Prisons and Punishment
        • CRIM782 Understanding Restorative Justice
        • CRIM785 Crime Narratives in the Media and Beyond

        Ready to enrol in your courses?

        Find out how you can enrol in the courses and classes for your programme, whether you’ve just joined AUT as a new student or you’re already studying with us. If you’re looking for a course timetable or more info on a specific course use our course search.

        Enrol now

        Build your degree

        Use our online tool to build your own degree and see what your three years of study could look like.

        https://www.aut.ac.nz/courses/bachelor-of-arts/criminology-major

        Fee Information

        Tuition Fee

        NZD 35,092 

        Application Fee

        NZD  
        Auckland University of Technology

        Study Criminology and Criminal Justice - Bachelor of Arts

        Auckland University of Technology

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        New Zealand,

        Auckland

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