Criminal Justice

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 3.78 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 14.3 k / Year(s) Deadline: Mar 31, 2024
401–500 place StudyQA ranking:2772 Duration:3 years

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is unique in New Zealand, the first degree of its kind that combines multidisciplinary academic study with a strong vocational focus.

Criminal Justice studies take a 360-degree look at the whole criminal justice system and its processes, including governance, enforcement, rehabilitation and improvement. The degree draws together UC’s expertise in criminology, sociology, developmental and abnormal psychology, policing, criminal ‌law and procedure, and human services.

Features of the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at UC

  • First degree of its kind in the country
  • UC enjoys close links with employers in the crime and justice fields
  • Multidisciplinary teaching and innovative courses
  • Potential for study while employed in the area to increase professional competencies

Qualification structure and duration

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice requires 360 points. These are made up of:

  • a series of 15 compulsory courses (comprising either 255 or 270 points*)
  • with the remainder of the points taken from a list of prescribed electives.

First year

In the first year you will take 120 points. All 100-level courses are compulsory.

Second year 

In the second year students must take either 75 or 90 compulsory 200-level points*. The remaining 200-level points, to reach a total of 120 or 135* points for the second year, will be selected from a list of prescribed electives. The remaining 100-level points may be included.

Third year

At third year there are 45 compulsory points, with a choice of 45 points at 300-level from the list of prescribed electives, to reach a total of 90 points. The remaining 30 points at 200-level are from the list of prescribed electives.

Admission to UC with University Entrance, or equivalent, is required to enrol for a Bachelor's degree. Domestic applicants over 20 who do not hold University Entrance, or equivalent, may gain admission by providing evidence of their ability to complete tertiary study successfully.

You are also required to meet UC’s English language requirements.

The BCJ does not require a background in any specific subject at school and is open to all students with entry to the University.

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