Master of Criminology

The Master of Criminology offers a curriculum that reflects cutting edge theory while providing specialist training for enhanced professional 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 will study contemporary global and local problems such as drug use, international crime, transitional justice, white-collar crime and Indigenous politics, with an emphasis both on the latest criminological knowledge and on new law and policy responses to them. They will understand criminal justice as a contested area of social practice, and the ways in which a public criminology can rethink ways of responding to crime.

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; and
• have the capacity to engage in further higher degree research.

200 Point Program

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

First 50 points of the program:

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

and

Coursework Only Option:

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)
• graduate elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

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

150 Point Program

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

Coursework Only Option:

• four compulsory subjects (50 points)
• elective subjects (100 points)

or

Minor Thesis Option:

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

100 point program

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

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 – Criminology (37.5 points)
• elective subjects (25 points)

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 Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

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 Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) - 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.

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://learningandteaching.unimelb.edu.au/curriculum/graduates