This first-of-its-kind course offers an innovative approach to understanding criminal behaviour through the lens of neuroscience. As one of the fastest-growing fields in human physiology and behaviour, neuroscience provides critical insights into how the brain functions, what can go wrong in neurobiological processes, and how these factors can influence criminal behaviour. This course allows you to develop a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between biological, psychological and social elements that contribute to criminal actions.

Whether you're a seasoned professional in criminology looking to enhance your expertise or you're completely new to the field, this fully online postgraduate degree caters to all levels of experience.

Why study the Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Criminology at UNE?
At UNE, you'll be a part of a unique interdisciplinary program combining criminology and neuroscience, setting it apart from all other offerings in Australia. The relevance of neuroscientific insights into the effects of brain injuries and disorders on criminal conduct has grown, and as technology advances, so too have the legal uses and applications of this information in the context of crime prevention and criminal justice. This graduate diploma has been designed to elevate your career prospects, equipping you with specialised knowledge of the field of neurocriminology that is increasingly relevant in today's criminal justice landscape.

We’re highly rated – year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you are in good hands.

What makes our course different?
As the field of criminology increasingly embraces the neuroscience lens, you'll be prepared to navigate this evolving landscape and contribute to innovative approaches within the criminal justice system. When you study this course with us, you will have opportunities to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of neuroanatomy and neurobiology, and explore how this can aid in understanding criminal behaviours.
• Gain foundational knowledge in neurocriminology, equipping you to explore how neurological factors contribute to criminal actions and influence legal processes.
• Build advanced analytics skills, critical thinking abilities and effective communication techniques. This prepares you to engage persuasively with professionals across various criminology settings.
• Gain access to our Centre for Rural Criminology, a world-first hub of collaborative international research which seeks to understand all aspects of rural crime in order to help build safe and resilient communities.
• Advance or exit as it suits you. This course is nested within our Graduate Certificate and Master degrees of the same name, allowing you to exit early with the Graduate Certificate if you meet the requirements, or continue your studies with advanced standing into the Master of Neuroscience and Criminology.
• Study online, giving you the flexibility to balance your study with your busy work and other commitments.

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together to build real world networks for the future.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.