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 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 200 point program requires:

First 50 points

• one core subject (12.5 points)
• three elective subjects (37.5 points)

Remaining 150 Points

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)

Coursework Only Option:

• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (50 points)

150 Point Program

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

The Master of Criminology 150 point program requires:

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)

Coursework Only Option

• 100 points of elective subjects

or

Minor Thesis Option

• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)
• 50 points of elective subjects

100 point program

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

The Master of Criminology 100 point program requires:

• two compulsory subjects (25 points)

Coursework Only Option:

• 75 points of elective subjects

or

Minor Thesis Option:

• POLS40013 Social Science Research Seminar (12.5 points)
• CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology (37.5 points)
• 25 points of elective subjects

Please note the following prior to enrolling in CRIM90005 Minor Thesis – Criminology:

• students admitted into the 200 point and 150 point program must have completed 37.5 points of compulsory subjects within the program, with an average of H1 (80%)
• to be eligible to enrol in the thesis, students must submit a 300 word thesis proposal for approval by the course coordinator prior to the semester of enrolment in the thesis
• students enrolling in the minor thesis must also complete POLS40013 Social Sciences Research Seminar
• the minor thesis must be completed over two consecutive semesters

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.

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline, with at least H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• relevance of previous studies.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Admission and Selection into Course Policy.

4. The minimum English language requirements for this course are Band 6.5.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 50 points of credit:
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in any discipline and a Graduate Certificate in a cognate discipline, with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent.

Applicants with the following may be awarded up to 100 points of credit:
• an honours degree in a cognate discipline, with at least an H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree and an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Arts (Criminology), with at least H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent; or
• an undergraduate degree in a cognate discipline, with at least H2B (70%) weighted average, or equivalent, and at least two years of documented, relevant work experience.

Applicants seeking credit must provide the following documentation in support of their application for the recognition of prior professional experience:
• brief curriculum vitae, detailing work experience;
• contact details of two referees;
• a covering letter outlining the applicants professional background and how this prepares them to successfully undertake the program.

In some cases, an interview and/or two reference letters from employers/managers detailing the period of employment and areas of responsibility, and/or evidence of written work or reports undertaken during the period of employment may be requested.

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.

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