Master of Criminology (CWT)

The Master of Criminology provides specialist training for professional qualification purposes, usually to graduates working in the fields of criminology, the criminal justice system and social policy and research relating to these areas, but may also be taken for general interest. This course does not necessarily lead to higher degree study, however high achieving students may qualify for entry to a masters by research or PhD. Students who discontinue the course after completing 50 points may be eligible for a graduate certificate. Students in the two year program who complete 100 points of the masters may be eligible for the award of a graduate diploma.

Students who complete the masters should:

• develop a comprehensive knowledge of theories of crime, deviance and social control;
• acquire advanced skills in research including ability to summarise and critically assess relevant theory and to collect and analyse relevant data;
• exhibit a capacity to plan and execute original research, and to present sophisticated arguments and ideas in systematic and coherent ways;
• emerge with a thorough understanding of relevant policy and political issues;
• have the capacity to engage in further higher degree research.

Two 200 Point Program

Duration: 2 years full-time/ up to 4 years part-time

First 100 points:

• Four compulsory subjects
• Four elective subjects

Second 100 points:

Two compulsory criminology subjects (25 points)

And either

• Thesis Seminar (12.5 points)
• Criminology Thesis* (37.5 points) &
• Electives to a total of 25 points

Or

• Electives to a total of 75 points (exclusing the Thesis seminar subject or Minor Thesis subject)

Total 200 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

*Note: Written permission is required from the MCrim Coordinator prior to enrolment in the thesis. To be eligible to enrol in the minor thesis students must have completed at least 37.5 points within the program with an average of H2A (75%). Students undertaking the thesis must take the Thesis Seminar subject prior to commencing the thesis.

150 point program

Duration: 1.5 years full-time/ up to 3 years part-time

• Four Compulsory subjects from the list of compulsory subjects in the first 100 points of the 200 point program above

Additional 100 points:

Refer to the second 100 points from the 200 point program above.

Total 150 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time/ up to 2 years part-time

Refer to the second 100 points from the 200 point program above.

Total 100 points - subjects are 12.5 points each, unless indicated otherwise.

First 100 points:

Compulsory Subjects

Elective subjects

Second 100 points:

Compulsory Subjects

Elective subjects

Total 75 points by taking either

• Thesis Seminar (12.5 points)
• Criminology Thesis* (37.5 points) &
• Electives to a total of 25 points

Or

• Electives to a total of 75 points (exclusing the Thesis seminar subject or Minor Thesis subject)

1. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant’s ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria –

For the 200 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline and a Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%), or equivalent.

For the 150 point program
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and at least one year of documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

For the 100 point program
• an honours degree in Criminology or a cognate discipline with at least H2B (70%) or equivalent; or
• a postgraduate diploma in Criminology or a cognate discipline with a grade average of at least H2B (70%) or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, or subsequent additional qualification, (e.g. professional certificates) with a grade average grade of at least H2B (70%) in the relevant subjects and two years of full time documented relevant work experience, or equivalent.

2. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews or tests and may call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

Examples of relevant professional experience include:professional experience and training in criminology, the criminal justice system (the police, courts, correctional institutions and other regulatory bodies) or in related public and social policy. Applicants seeking exemption on these grounds must provide:
• a Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicant’s professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

Admission process

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability