Criminology draws knowledge and perspectives from a range of disciplines such as law, sociology, psychology, psychiatry and history. Initially, criminology had a strong practical focus: its role was to advise governments on issues such as policing, the management of prisons, sentencing and offender treatment. Concern with policy and practice remains, but criminologists now work in a much wider range of fields including crime prevention, corporate and white-collar crime, business regulation, drug policy and consumer and environmental protection. Criminology doesn’t take crime and criminal law for granted. As an academic discipline it continually questions why different societies define and respond to crime in different ways, and why approaches to punishment and other forms of social control have varied so much from era to era. Increasingly criminologists also study the ways cultures depict crime: whether in newspapers, television and other mass media or in films, novels and art. Your course structure The Bachelor of Arts requires the successful completion of 24 subjects (300-points), including at least one major. Most students study eight subjects each year (usually four subjects in each semester) for three years full-time, or the part-time equivalent. Most Arts majors require 100 points of study (usually eight subjects) for attainment. This means out of your 300-point program, you have the opportunity to achieve two majors in your course. Completing your major If you are taking Criminology as a major, you must complete: One level 1 (usually first year) elective subject One Arts Foundation subject (MULT10018 Power is highly recommended) One level 2 compulsory subject (usually second year) 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 2 elective subjects (with a maximum of 12.5 points in non-core elective subjects) 25 points (usually two subjects) of level 3 elective subjects (with a maximum of 12.5 points in non-core elective subjects) One level 3 (usually third year) capstone subject If you are taking Criminology as a minor, you must complete: One level 1 compulsory subject (usually first year) One Arts Foundation subject (MULT10018 Power is highly recommended) 12.5 points (usually one subjects) of level 2 compulsory subjects 37.5 points (usually three subjects) of level 2 or level 3 elective subjects BREADTH STUDIES Breadth is a unique feature of the Melbourne Model. It gives you the chance to explore subjects outside of arts, developing new perspectives and learning to collaborate with others who have different strengths and interests — just as you will in your future career. Some of our students use breadth to explore creative interests or topics they have always been curious about. Others used breadth to improve their career prospects by complementing their major with a language, communication skills or business expertise. Careers If you’re interested in the why and how of the human condition - and the shadows that lurk behind the individual and organisations - the specialised field of criminology can lead to interesting places. ADVISOR AND POLICY DEVELOPMENT You could go on to become a legal advisor, where you’ll work to mediate disputes and make recommendations on important legal matters. You might even wish to take this to a government level and assist in policy development. DEFENCE Alternatively, you could work for the police or defence forces to investigate criminal matters and support your team. THOUGHT LEADER A major in criminology could also see you making waves in the area of sociology, where you’ll work to understand and solve current social issues.