Course Postgraduate

Graduate Certificate in Criminology

Course details for:
Entry requirements
ATAR:
more entry options
Study mode
Part Time Full Time
First year fee (domestic)
$13,380
Full course fee (domestic)
$13,380
Full time duration
0.5
Murdoch code
C1161

The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Course overview

Begin to explore criminal behaviour, crime policy and prevention as you upskill or reskill in the field of criminology. Examine the way society currently look at justice and use theory and methods to examine areas of ongoing and emerging criminological concern.

You’ll gain a clear understanding of the justice systems, and engage in topics of interest to local, national and global communities.

Upon successful completion of this course, you can gain direct entry into the Master of Criminology or the Graduate Diploma in Criminology.

3 reasons to study a Graduate Certificate in Criminology at Murdoch

  1. Murdoch is the only university in Western Australia to offer this unique course.
  2. Learn the foundations of criminology and once you’ve successfully completed the course, apply for admission into the Master of Criminology.
  3. Learn from leading academics who have significant real-world experience to ensure that your learning is at the forefront of professional practice. Some of our academics have worked in prisons, law enforcement and with government organisations.

What you'll learn

Build essential skills and knowledge to meet your career or study goals. Topics you’ll cover include:

  • How to evaluate criminal issues, theories and concepts in a range of contexts.
  • Criminological theories, social science methodologies and research ethics associated with crime and criminal behaviour.
  • Interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives.

 Your future career

A Graduate Certificate in Criminology could see you working in public and private sectors nationally or internationally.

Other opportunities of employment including state, federal and international law enforcement, corrections, intelligence and national security, international and cognate entities as well as a range of providers in the broad sphere of criminal justice. Some career pathways could include:

  • Criminal Justice Officer
  • Intelligence Officer
  • Local Government Officer
  • Intelligence & National Security Officer
  • Community Safety and Local Government Officer

Start dates

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes Yes No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes Yes No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes Yes No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Starting period Location Face to Face Online Mixed mode
Semester 1, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2026 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 1, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No
Semester 2, 2027 Murdoch Yes No No

View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.

Criminologists mentorship

Be mentored by real-life criminologists who will inspire you to investigate social and crime problems from a range of perspectives.

Specialised majors

Choose from Australia’s only specialised Criminology majors: Crime Science, Criminal Behaviour, and Legal Studies.

Become industry-ready

Gain hands-on experience through our work integrated learning programs and industry partnerships.

Admission requirements

Recognised Bachelor's degree or higher; or satisfactory preparation for the course through informal or non-formal learning and/or professional experiences subject to the approval of the Academic Chair.

English Requirements

You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.

Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.

Find out more

This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai  and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.

Admissions and pathways

Unsure whether you qualify for entry or what path to take? Whether you're a school leaver or non-school leaver, our range of pathways can help you get into Murdoch. Check out the options available to find the best one for you.

Choose your pathway

Plan your course

Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:

Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively

Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.

To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.

Unit code Unit name Credit points

Fees & Scholarships

Fees

Full course fee: 
$13,380
First year fee: 
$13,380

The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.

Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Whether you're a high achiever or have experienced hardship, we offer a wide range of scholarships and awards to students from all walks of life. Explore our scholarships to find the ones you could be eligible for as a new Murdoch student as well as what's available throughout your degree.

How to Apply

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:

  • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
  • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements

Recommended documents (if applicable)

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. Change of name documentation
  3. Marriage certificate
  4. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing

Your document checklist

Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.

Compulsory documents

  1. Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
    • Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
    • Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
  2. Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
    • GS Form 2
    • Personal Statement (SOP)
    • Up to date Curriculum Vitae
  3. A copy of your Passport

Recommended documents

  1. Most recent Curriculum Vitae if applying using professional experience
  2. A copy of your visa documents (if available)
  3. A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
  4. Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
  5. Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
  6. Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply via an agent

Apply through an agent

If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.

Student Central team helping student with laptop

Apply directly to Murdoch

If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.

View all ways to apply

There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.

All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.

The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.

For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.

Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.

The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.

The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.

All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.

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1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

1300 687 3624

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