Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Summary

Understand how justice systems work, where they can improve, and develop the knowledge and skills to contribute to a fairer and more effective criminal justice system.

UC is the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand offering a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ). This multidisciplinary degree brings together criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology and human services, combining academic study with a strong focus on the justice system.

You’ll build a broad understanding of areas including policing, criminal law, crime and justice, sentencing, corrections, and rehabilitation, while having opportunities to shape your study around the topics and career areas that interest you.

What will my study involve?

You will:

• study criminal justice from multiple perspectives, drawing on criminal justice, law, psychology, sociology and human services
• examine areas including crime and justice, criminal law, policing, sentencing, corrections and rehabilitation
• engage with current policies, legislation and issues affecting the justice sector
• develop skills in analysis, research, critical thinking and problem-solving
• choose from a range of electives in your second and third years to explore areas that match your interests and career goals
• learn in a programme with strong links to employers and the wider crime and justice sector.

Learn more about Criminal Justice as a subject.

Subjects and Courses

• criminal behaviour
• policing
• criminal law and procedure
• rehabilitation and corrections
• psychology and law
• mental health and criminal justice
• human services
• crime, policy, and social issues.
• CRJU101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CRJU150 Legal Method in the Criminal Justice Context
• CRJU160 Legal Issues in the New Zealand Criminal Justice System
• HSRV103 Violence in Society
• HSRV104 Youth Realities
• PSYC105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
• PSYC106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
• One course chosen from these options
• HSRV210 Gender, Crime and Social Theory
• MAOR219 Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
• SOCI293 The History of Gangs in New Zealand
• PHIL139 Ethics, Politics and Justice
• CRJU201 Crime and Justice
• CRJU202 Criminal Law for Criminal Justice
• CRJU301 Sentencing Theory and Practice
• CRJU302 Prisons and Corrections