Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2016 academic year unless otherwise specified.
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This subject is taught by the School of Social and Cultural Studies.
What leads someone to commit a crime like aggravated robbery? Research has suggested that the adrenaline-packed act of robbery is what keeps some offenders hooked. But what about a robber's education and social background? His race? Or her gender?
More generally, Criminology students examine the extent of crime in contemporary society. Should the public be worried about being victimised? Would tougher prison sentences, restorative justice programmes, or community penalties provide the most effective response? Why do the media continue to pay so much attention to crime problems—does this cause problems of its own?
Criminology is the study of crime and how we as a society react to crime. No other qualification brings together so many different ways of understanding crime.
You will study the characteristics of the offenders, learn how police operate, and how the law and the courts try to prevent and control crime. Debates about youth and crime, the politics of crime and policing, services to crime victims, and media coverage of crime are covered in many of the modules offered. Criminology brings together law, psychology, policing, sociology, and cultural studies to give a big picture view of crime in our society.
A major in Criminology, as part of your Bachelor of Arts (BA), will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues. You'll learn to understand and analyse crime and punishment, and become an invaluable asset in the criminal justice, social and community services, social policy, and social science research.
Criminology major requirements
- CRIM 111
- CRIM 212 and 20 points from CRIM 200-299 or SACS 201
- CRIM 326 and 40 points from CRIM 300-399
Note: CRIM 316 is strongly recommended for those intending to take Honours in Criminology.
Postgraduate qualifications in Criminology
For information specific to Criminology, please see our Postgraduate Study page. For information about the postgraduate qualifications, please click on the Faculty links below.
- Graduate Diploma in Arts
- Postgraduate Diploma in Arts
- Bachelor of Arts with Honours
- Master of Arts
Want to find out more about studying at Victoria? Register now to find out more about your study options and keep updated on application and enrolment information, open days and events.
If you need help deciding what degree might be right for you, or what courses to take, talk with a liaison officer or book a course planning session with us, call 0800 VICTORIA (842 867) or email email@example.com.
If you’re a returning or transferring student, contact the Faculty Student and Academic Services Office, for help with degree planning and for information on admission requirements and transfer credit from other institutions.
With strong links to other social science subjects, Criminology provides the grounding for a career in a wide range of areas.
It is directly relevant to work in the criminal justice system. For example, as a lawyer, police officer, probation officer, in the Department for Courts, the Department of Corrections and the Ministry of Justice and is useful for work in social and community services, social policy analysis, social science research and in the education sector.
Careers and Employment are available to assist with a wide range of queries—from the general exploration of career ideas and career implications of subject choices, to details of specific jobs, employers, or postgraduate courses.
The latest Career View publication on Criminology is downloadable from the Careers and Employment website.
Criminology courses are taught within the School of Social and Cultural Studies. The School Office is located in Room 921, Murphy Building, Kelburn campus.
For a complete course listing, see the list of all Criminology courses.
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|100 Level Courses|
CRIM 111 – Introduction to Criminology
|200 Level Courses|
CRIM 212 – Crime and Criminal Justice in New Zealand
CRIM 216 – Alcohol, Drugs and Crime
CRIM 217 – Criminal Psychology
CRIM 218 – Discrimination and Criminal Justice
CRIM 219 – Special Topic: Youth and Crime
SACS 201 – Methods in Social and Cultural Research
|300 Level Courses|
CRIM 311 – Policing
CRIM 312 – Punishment and Modern Society
CRIM 313 – Women, Crime and Social Control
CRIM 316 – Criminological Theory
CRIM 319 – Special Topic
CRIM 322 – Crime, Deviance and Popular Culture
CRIM 323 – State Crime
CRIM 324 – Sexual Violence
CRIM 325 – Recreational Drug Use, Risk & Leisure
CRIM 326 – Criminological Research Methods
|400 Level Courses|
CRIM 414 – Issues in Crime Prevention
CRIM 416 – The Sociology of Punishment
CRIM 417 – Special Topic
CRIM 419 – Gender and Crime
CRIM 420 – Managing Drug Use and Misuse
CRIM 423 – Liberties, Rights and Justice
CRIM 426 – Crime, Youth and Culture
CRIM 489 – Research Project
SACS 428 – Internship