Bachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies) (Honours)
What is this course about?
CSU's Bachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies) (Honours) program provides students with the opportunity for advanced studies in justice studies and criminology.
About the course
This course provides students with the opportunity for advanced studies in justice studies and criminology. It can enhance your job prospects and is the major avenue for advancement to research-based higher degrees in these disciplines.
The degree is designed to:
- give your career prospects a head start in justice occupations
- facilitate higher level study in justice studies and criminology (i.e., Master or PhD).
On completion of this course graduates will:
- have knowledge of advanced criminology theory. Students will examine the committal of crime and processing of identified criminals, in social, political and historical contexts
- have enhanced methodological skills and understand the ethical, political and social issues associated with the undertaking of research on crime and the criminal justice system in modern industrial societies such as Australia
- understand issues of policy and program development for criminal justice organisations and have completed fieldwork in a criminal justice agency
- have completed a research dissertation under the supervision of a University staff member. For students who want to pursue a research degree, this subject is a major stepping stone to that goal.
Residential schools
Optional residential schools may be held each session, on campus in Bathurst for distance education students. Should residential schools be held, students will be notified of precise dates once they have been accepted into the course.
Academic expectations
For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.
Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.
Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).
Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.
The course consists of four core subjects (64 points):
JST436 Advanced Criminological Theory
JST437 Criminological Research
JST438 Criminology Honours Fieldwork (16 points)
Full-time Students enroll in:
JST439 Criminology Honours Dissertation (32 points)
Distance Students enroll in:
JST445 Criminology Honours Dissertation (P/T) (32 points)
Note: JST439 and JST445 are identical subjects. The differentiation is only due to the study mode of the student.
Enrolment pattern
Full-time
Session 1
JST436 Advanced Criminological Theory
JST437 Criminological Research
JST438 Criminology Honours Fieldwork (16 points)
Session 2
JST439 Criminology Honours Project/Dissertation (32 points)
Distance education
Session 1
JST436 Advanced Criminological Theory
JST437 Criminological Research
Session 2
JST438 Criminology Honours Fieldwork (16 points)
Session 3
JST445 Criminology Honours Project/Dissertation (P/T) (32 points) (commenced)
Session 4
JST445 Criminology Honours Project/Dissertation (P/T) (completed)
Admission requirements
The Honours program is available to applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in justice studies, criminology or related discipline. (Students with a significant sub-major in one of these disciplines will be considered for admission.)
Applicants must have an average grade of Credit or higher in their justice studies or criminology subjects.
Previous studies
Previous studies for this course are:
- an undergraduate degree (Australian or the accredited overseas equivalent) with a major sequence of subjects in the area in which honours is sought
- the achievement of grades in that degree as specified for the honours program
- any other specified criteria as required by the School for the honours program
English language proficiency
Applicants will be deemed to have sufficient English proficiency if they:
- have completed all their formal studies in one or more of the following countries; or
- were born in one of the following countries and have completed at least one qualification in one of those countries; or
- have completed senior secondary study or at least one year of full-time University study in one of the following countries: American Samoa, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Ireland, Kenya, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia
or - have successfully completed one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) post-secondary study at an affiliate institution of the University, with English as the medium of instruction and assessment.
All other applicants must explicitly demonstrate proficiency.
Acceptable tests for English proficiency
Any of the following results, attained within the last two years, can be used to demonstrate English proficiency:
- an Academic IELTS (International English Language Testing System) overall score of at least 6.0, and with no score below 5.5;
- a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) paper-based score of 550 and TWE of 5.0;
- a TOEFL computer-based score of 213 and Essay Rating of 5;
- a TOEFL internet-based score of 80 for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and 90 for postgraduate research candidates with a minimum score of 25 in the writing section.
- a Combined Universities Admission Test (CULT) overall score of at least 65;
- a C pass in English at the GCE 'A' level examinations in either Singapore or the United Kingdom;
- completion of the International Baccalaureate diploma with English A2 at higher or sub. Level;
- a C pass in 'Use of English' in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE);
- completion of the UNSW Foundation Studies Certificate with a C pass in 'Use of English';
- completion of an AQF Certificate IV (including English for Academic Purposes);
- successful completion of at least one year of study in a course at Associate Diploma or Diploma level on the Register of Australian Tertiary Education;
- a score of 155 in the verbal component of the STAT test;
- a Pass grade in the Uniworld English College English for Tertiary Entrance course; or
- IRI Diploma of English.
An applicant who does not otherwise meet the University's requirements may be admitted on the recommendation of the Dean of the appropriate faculty.
Internet access
CSU places great emphasis on services to its students. It is a leader in the provision of online services and, in particular, the use of the internet in the support of teaching, administration and communications with students.
The online environment is so integrated into all aspects of student life and the learning experience at CSU that the University now assumes that all on campus and distance education students at CSU will have ongoing access to an internet connected computer capable of communicating with CSU online systems.
Students enrolled in Information Technology subjects (i.e. with an ITC subject code) may be required to have additional hardware and/or software that is deemed essential for the completion of the learning activities in that subject.
international-oncampus
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This course is available to commence study in
Session 1; Session 2
Australian and New Zealand students
Apply online
Admission code:
Distance education - EAJZ
On campus - KAJZ
International Students
Apply online
Admission code: IAJZ
Recruitment agent
Contact a Recruitment agent in your country who can answer your questions about CSU as well as help with the student visa application process.
More information:
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Prospective Student Inquiries
Australian campus business hours are Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm, Australian Eastern Time (GMT +10).
info.csu can provide support and guidance to prospective students on everything you need to know on the University, courses, fees, accommodation, etc.
within Australia 1800 334 733
International + 61 2 6338 6077 Fax (02) 6338 6001
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