About

Overview

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Broaden your knowledge through core subjects focusing on international crime and justice, terrorism, criminal justice research and evaluation, and criminological theory and practice. The Master of Criminology program exposes you to the latest theoretical and practical advances in criminology from international crimes – like terrorism and genocide – to local issues – like Indigenous justice and injustice.

This cutting-edge course is taught by experts working at the forefront of national, international and comparative research. It equips you with a sophisticated appreciation of global trends in crime and criminal justice.

Who is the Master of Criminology for?

Master of Criminology is designed for students wishing to extend their cognate undergraduate degree, or for people already working in social policy and justice who want to enhance their knowledge. You can further your knowledge in organisational crime, drug use and policy, corruption, crime prevention, and human rights. If you want to build on your transferable skills in research and research design, this course equips you with the abilities to collect, analyse and theorise data. It also suits those wishing to undertake an internship at a domestic or global criminal justice agency. The program assists you to develop your own industry networks by gaining hands-on experience in criminal justice practice, and through offering opportunities to meet a wide-range of criminal justice professionals.

What's the difference between a Master of Criminology and a criminal science degree?

A criminal or forensic science degree provides training in the skills required in undertaking a criminal investigation, including gathering and analysing evidence to be used in court. Students undertaking criminal science are typically trained in the fields of chemistry, biology and genetics as they apply to criminal investigatory processes.

In contrast, criminology studies the phenomenon of crime and harm using perspectives from across sociology, law, psychology and history amongst other disciplines. Criminologists seek to ask questions such as whose behaviours become defined as ‘criminal’ and why, how we respond to crime/harm, and why our approaches to crime/harm have changed across different times and cultural settings.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Admission criteria

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

Where our admission criteria includes a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) and/or specific subject criteria, these are based on University of Melbourne grades and subjects. If you've studied elsewhere, we'll assess your relevant prior studies and equivalent grades. Your final WAM may be adjusted depending on your previous institution's accreditation, subject grading, and pass marks.

You can use our graduate coursework grade conversion eligibility calculator to get an indication of whether you are eligible for this course based on your previous studies and Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

Calculate your eligibility

English language requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements
If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0
TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13
PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60
CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169
*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

About selection

When assessing applications, the Selection Committee will consider your previous studies and academic performance.

The Selection Committee may request additional information to clarify any aspect of an application, according to the University’s Academic Board rules regarding selection instruments.

Meeting the published entry requirements for this course does not guarantee selection.

English Program Requirements

All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test. If you are from a non-English speaking background, the required standard of English for this degree is one of the following English proficiency test scores:

English language test score requirements

If you need to undertake an English language test, you must meet one of the scores* below:

IELTS

6.5

with no band less than 6.0

TOEFL

79+

with writing 21; speaking 18; reading 13; listening 13

PEARSON

64+

with no communicative skill below 60

CAMBRIDGE

176+

with no skill less than 169

*Accepted tests: IELTS (Academic English Only); TOEFL Internet-based test; Pearson Test of English Academic; Cambridge English: Advanced/Certificate of Advanced English (CAE). If a test displays N/A, it means it is not accepted for this course.

Career

What can you do with a Criminology degree?

On graduation from the Master of Criminology, you’ll be ready for jobs in criminology including:

Government administration with an emphasis on crime and justice
Legal services particularly with Indigenous and other disadvantaged populations
Local government agencies concerned with community safety
Social justice research and action agencies

Graduates are employed in a variety of roles anchored in policy and applied research, including with the:

Australian Drug Foundation
Commonwealth Attorney-General’s Department
Sentencing Advisory Council Victoria
Victorian Department of Justice
The Red Cross

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Fee Information

Tuition Fee

30,950 / year

Application Fee 154