University: The University of Western Australia

Degree: Bachelor of Arts, Criminology and Criminal Justice

School Subjects: English, Mathematics Applications, Human Biology, Accounting and Finance, Politics and Law

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Introduction

Throughout high school, I wanted to try everything and see what I performed best at. Although I generally performed well across all boards, I found that I performed best at English (albeit my school didn’t offer Literature) and HASS subjects. What I had a particular knack for was debating, and that was an epiphany for me that Law is a career path I could pursue. Nobody I knew worked in the Law industry, so it really was an unknown territory for me. What helped me navigate it was having a mentor who is a lawyer; she has guided me through university and towards opportunities to learn outside of the university as well.

Criminology is an interdisciplinary field that examines crime, criminal behaviour, and responses to crime. It draws on Law, Psychology, History, Anthropology, and Geography to understand why crimes occur and how the justice system can address them. Criminal Justice focuses on the practical side of the justice system, including policing, corrections, and policy development. Together, these disciplines provide a broad and dynamic perspective on crime and justice.

What is it like Criminology and Criminal Justice

Studying Criminology and Criminal Justice has been both fascinating and challenging. I enjoy how the degree covers a range of perspectives, allowing me to explore legal principles, psychological factors behind crime and those involved in the justice system, and the societal impacts of justice policies. The content is incredibly relevant, particularly in discussions about contemporary issues such as criminal justice reform, policing strategies, and rehabilitation programs.

One of the biggest challenges is the volume of reading and research required. Many criminology concepts are theoretical and require critical thinking to apply to real-world scenarios. Learning about crime statistics and forensic methodologies were weirdly very interesting for me and these aspects are crucial for understanding how policies are formed. I will say though, forensic science is not for the weak stomached! But don’t worry, not all of Criminology is gory and if you ever feel uncomfortable in class, you can leave the room. You will learn that Criminology isn’t always about punishment, but rather you look at how someone is wired and what about their background or circumstances has led to them being involved in the justice system.

A fun fact – most criminals have been victims of crimes themselves!

A favourite unit of mine is Transnational and Organised Crime – LAWS2231 because the calibre and scale of crime we got to look at are like those you see in movies. In a group research assignment, we had to present about a crime group that met the definition of a TOC according to the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime. This included drug cartels, weapon smugglers, extortion and much more.

A typical week consists of lectures, tutorials, and independent research. Contact hours to university start from a minimum of 3 hours per unit in a week (not including the readings, general class preparation or working on assignments). Lectures provide foundational knowledge, while tutorials encourage discussion and practical application of theories. Assessments include:

There is some good news; most Law exams are open book. Sometimes they make the exams harder because you can have your notes with you, however, there is never a straightforward answer to any question and that can be used to your advantage.

Socially, there are opportunities to connect with like-minded students. These are great for meeting professionals in the field and learning about potential career paths. I highly recommend you attend orientation day of whatever university you decide to join as this is where all the clubs will be exposed for you to join.

Internships and Work Experience

Gaining practical experience is essential in this field. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer at a Community Legal Centre, which has given me hands-on experience with legal issues and community justice initiatives. This was thanks to the connections my mentor had. Work placements can be competitive, so I recommend students to seek opportunities early to explore what aspect of the field they prefer to work in. Although Practical Legal Training (PLT) normally starts towards the end of your Law studies (i.e. Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws), in some cases previous work experience can be retrospective and counted towards your PLT hours (something most people don’t know!).

Career Prospects

Graduates with a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree can pursue careers in:

The degree also serves as a strong foundation for a postgraduate study in Juris Doctor or Forensic Psychology. But do keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive, you are not confined to anything, and you will have endless options and opportunities.

Advice for Prospective Students

For those considering this major, I recommend developing strong writing and analytical skills. Although not necessary, engaging with current criminal justice issues will enhance your understanding. Networking and gaining practical experience through volunteering or internships will also be beneficial. A quote that stuck with me is, “It is not always about what you know, but who you know that will get you places.” Learn how to be time efficient and don’t beat yourself up if you are ever falling behind slightly or don’t necessarily understand everything. It is key to have a balanced lifestyle, so find something that can help you clarify your mind and escape the stress if it ever gets to you. Have a circle of peers to help with understanding content, studying for exams or just to experience university with.