Master of Criminology

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 complete the Master of Criminology (CWT) 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.

200 Point Program

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

The Master of Criminology (CWT) 200 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option:

First 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (62.5 points)

Second 100 points:

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option

First 100 points:

• three compulsory subjects (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (62.5 points)

Second 100 points:

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

150 Point Program

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

The Master of Criminology (CWT) 150 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option:

• five compulsory subjects (62.5 points)

• elective subjects (87.5 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• five compulsory subjects (62.5 points)
• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (37.5 points)

100 point program

Duration: 1 year full-time/ up to 3 years part-time

The Master of Criminology (CWT) 100 point program requires:

Coursework Only Option:

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• elective subjects (75 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)
• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

Please note the following:

• permission is required by the program coordinator in order to enrol in the minor thesis.
• the thesis subject requires two consecutive semesters of enrolment.
• students enrolling in the minor thesis subject must also enrol in POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar.

Capstone Requirement:

All students are required to complete the Capstone Requirement for the program (at least 25 points). Students must complete one capstone option -

Capstone Stream 1: CRIM90006 Criminology and Sociology Internship (25 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and skills to solve problems that arise in professional contexts and develop an integrated understanding of theory and practice

Capstone Stream 2: CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)

Purpose: An opportunity to integrate knowledge and research skills to address a specific criminology research question

Capstone Stream 3: CRIM90019 Advances in Criminological Research (12.5 points) and CRIM90011 Criminal Justice Governance (12.5 points)

Purpose: an opportunity to develop an understanding of the development of evidence-based practice and to apply evidence-based methods in practical settings

For policies that govern this degree, see Academic Services Policy in the University Melbourne Policy Framework. Students also should also refer to information in the Student Policy Directory.

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 (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average.

or

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in any discipline and a Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline with at least H2B (70%) average or equivalent.

For the 150 point program

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average, and one year of documented, relevant work experience or equivalent.

For the 100 point program

An honours degree (equivalent to a four year Australian Honours Degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average;

or

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent and the Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Criminology) with at least H2B (70%) average, or equivalent;

or

An undergraduate degree (equivalent to an Australian undergraduate degree) or equivalent, in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) average, and two years of documented, relevant work experience or equivalent.

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this course are articulated in the Course Description, Course Objectives and Generic Skills of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Students who complete the minor thesis may be eligible to apply for the PhD.

http://www.unimelb.edu.au/about/attributes.html