Master of Criminology
Gain a competitive edge and learn specialised knowledge and advanced skills needed to respond to a wide range of tasks in the criminal justice system and the field of criminology.
What type of student are you?
Murdoch code
M1314Study mode
Part Time or Full TimeDuration (years)
2Selection rank
CRICOS code
103447ASCALES Legal Clinic
Murdoch law students can work with real clients in a real legal practice setting.Globally accredited law degree
A Murdoch law degree is recognised in Australia, Malaysia, India and Singapore.Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.Internal | External | |
---|---|---|
Murdoch | Trimester 1 | Trimester 1 |
Trimester 2 | Trimester 2 | |
Trimester 3 | Trimester 3 |
Overview
This course will provide you with the skills -to understand the fundamental matters of criminology. Whether you have graduated with a degree in criminology or from another discipline area, you will gain in-depth knowledge and skills to analyse contemporary issues challenging today’s criminal justice system.
As a criminology professional, you will need multidisciplinary and applied skills to investigate complex and evolving issues. You will gain an understanding of criminal behaviour and investigate complex crimes such as cybercrimes and terrorism. You will understand developing criminal justice issues, including how criminal law and evidence responds to new crimes, particularly in the business environment.
If you have industry experience, a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, you can use this to obtain an advanced standing into the Master of Criminology, so you can gain your qualification quicker.
3 reasons to study a Master of Criminology at Murdoch
- Murdoch is the only university in Western Australia to offer this unique course.
- Study the latest developments in criminology theory with critical thinking skills in the context of domestic and international policing.
- 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 treating criminal behaviour, as senior personnel in the Australian Federal Police and with the FBI and other foreign authorities.
Develop your skills
- Gain advanced knowledge of criminological issues, concepts and theories in a range of contexts.
- Develop applied methods to meet practitioner and real-world demands.
- Apply specialist discipline knowledge in practical contexts and gain effective communication skills for the workplace.
- Apply interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective to criminological issues.
- Build professional development skills through optional units in business, research and work placements.
Your future career
A Master of Criminology could see you working in public and private sectors nationally or internationally.
Other opportunities of employment include law enforcement, corrections, intelligence, international and cognate entities as well as a range of providers in the broad sphere of criminal justice.
Some career pathways could include:
- Criminologist
- Cybersecurity Analyst
- Intelligence Officer
- State or Federal Police Law Enforcement Officers
Study areas
Apply to start
You can apply to start studying at the following times.Internal | External | |
---|---|---|
Murdoch | Trimester 1 | Trimester 1 |
Trimester 2 | Trimester 2 | |
Trimester 3 | Trimester 3 |
Structure
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
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Entry requirements
I have completed studies in
Select which option best describes your path to university :
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
University study | For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview. |
For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful completion of at least one year. |
Pre-Law | ||
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses | For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
· Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher. |
For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course · Introduction to Academic Communication unit · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher. |
Enabling courses | For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:
For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry |
University study |
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Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful completion of at least one year. |
Pre-Law |
---|
Minimum academic requirement |
Minimum english requirement |
Murdoch Institute of Technology (MIT) courses |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
· Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject.
For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course · Introduction to Academic Communication unit · Foundation Studies Course with a minimum of 50% in every subject. For Law : Successful completion of one of the following: · Murdoch University Preparation Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher with a minimum of 70% in the ‘Introduction to Academic Communication’ unit Foundation Studies Course with a minimum average mark of 78% or higher. |
Enabling courses |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following within 12 months of bachelor course commencement:
For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry |
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Law Start | Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa. |
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Portfolio entry | For Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
|
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | For Criminology: 70 For Law : 90 |
Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | For Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
For Law and Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | For Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher.
For Law : Total score of 33 or higher. |
For Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
GCE A Levels | For Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
For Law : Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
For Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following:
AS Level: B in one of the following:
English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. |
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | For Criminology: CPS 54 or higher.
CPS 70 or higher. |
For Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Case-by-case assessment. |
Law Start |
---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa. |
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
Portfolio entry |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: 70 For Law : 90 |
Minimum english requirementScaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
Minimum english requirementFor Law and Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher.
For Law : Total score of 33 or higher. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
Overseas Year 12 |
---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
Minimum english requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
GCE A Levels |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
For Law : Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following:
AS Level: B in one of the following:
English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. |
Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: CPS 54 or higher.
CPS 70 or higher. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
Extenuating circumstances |
---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Minimum english requirementCase-by-case assessment.
|
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 | For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
Certificate IV AQF level 4 | For Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry |
Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5–6 |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry |
Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum english requirement |
---|---|---|
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | For Criminology:
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
For Law :
No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway. |
For Law and Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | For Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .
For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway. |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
For Law: No direct entry |
Portfolio entry | For Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology:
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
For Law :
No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway.
|
Minimum english requirementFor Law and Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .
For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway. |
Minimum english requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
For Law: No direct entry |
Portfolio entry |
---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful portfolio application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Portfolio Entry Pathway. |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which can be demonstrated through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Other Requirements
Admission to the Master of Criminology is available to students who have a Bachelor's degree in any area. A student’s advanced standing is assessed at the time of application, taking into account higher level of study and/or professional experience. Up to 12 points of advanced standing is available to students with: • A Bachelor degree in Criminology or a Bachelor degree with a major in Criminology; or • A Bachelor degree in an unrelated discipline and a Graduate Certificate or Diploma in Criminology or cognate discipline; or • An Honours degree or equivalent in an unrelated discipline; or • A Bachelor degree in an unrelated discipline and two years of relevant documented professional experience Up to 24 points of advanced standing is available to students with: • An Honours degree or equivalent in Criminology; or • A Graduate Diploma in CriminologyAdvanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing 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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Advanced Standing
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Also known as recognition of prior learning, advanced standing 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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
Following your successful application, you’ll receive a Letter of Offer which will contain specific course and fee information.
If you are applying for an undergraduate course, you may be eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place. Postgraduate programs are full fee paying, unless indicated otherwise in your Letter of Offer.


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.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How much will it cost?

Instead of paying an overall course fee, you pay for the individual units you enrol in. The total course cost will vary depending on the units you choose.
International students are full fee paying. Use our Fee Calculator to estimate the cost of your course.


Scholarships

Make the most of your university experience by reducing the financial costs with a scholarship. Our International Welcome Scholarship offers eligible students between $8,000 and $11,000, depending on the course you study.
The Australian Government also offers scholarships to students from developing countries through the Australia Awards Scholarship program.
Explore our scholarships and find out if you’re eligible to apply.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai, Singapore and Myanmar campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
How to apply
I want to start studying in
No Admissions
To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Semester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can being your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 1 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 2 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


To start studying in Trimester 3 you can apply direct to Murdoch online.
Check the apply to start dates to see when you can begin your degree, then follow the four step application process. Remember to check the document checklist for what to include when applying.


Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
- Completed official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion
- A recent Curriculum Vitae
Your Document Checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have some or all of the following documentation ready for a quick application.
- Complete or incomplete official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion – both original and English translated versions
- English Language Proficiency Document (if available)
- A copy of your passport (if available)