Master of Justice and Criminology

Master of Justice and Criminology

POSTGRADUATE

Gain highly sought-after skills in crime management.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Part-time 4 years
Reduced duration available
Fees:

AU$28,800 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 2 years
Eligible for advanced standing
Fees:

AU$37,440 (2025 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

With a strong vocational focus, the Master of Justice and Criminology provides you with the advanced skills and knowledge to effectively perform as a justice professional.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you will be able to work meaningfully in areas including:
  • criminology
  • management
  • compliance
  • investigation
  • governance
  • human security.

This degree is designed for students wishing to enter a career in the justice system, as well as for people already working in the industry who wish to update and extend their knowledge. Some subjects are offered online, giving you the flexibility to design a study plan to meet your needs.

Graduates will enhance their career opportunities in the justice sector and related fields including policing, customs, corrections and the courts.

Why study justice and criminology at RMIT?

Strong industry links

Gain practical skills and experience, forming connections through our strong justice sector links.

Flexible delivery

Degree delivered online and face-to face, enabling you to design a study plan to meet your needs.

Learn from experts

Receive mentoring and coaching from highly experienced academics who are active in industry.

 

 

Portrait of Tran Thi Thu Phuong, Master of Justice and Criminology
Studying at RMIT allows me to access high-profile experts’ research and learn best practices from Australia and international leading experts in the field while seeking future cooperation opportunities.

- Tran Thi Thu Phuong, Master of Justice and Criminology and Australia Awards Scholarship recipient

Details

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RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including:

  • face-to-face and online lectures
  • workshops
  • tutorials
  • industry-based presentations
  • problem-based learning
  • independent research
  • reflective learning techniques.

You'll also meet and study with fellow students and benefit from the support of a dedicated course leader, responsible for coaching and mentoring you through this degree.

Your skills and knowledge will be assessed through a range of tasks that may include:

  • report and project writing
  • class presentations
  • group work
  • online discussion and other online activities
  • case studies
  • industry-based assessment
  • examinations.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

Crime management is a growth area, and RMIT University sits at the cutting edge of preparing people for employment in this field.

You may be able to undertake internships and field projects, as well as design, implement and evaluate your own projects and simulated activities representing real workplace scenarios.

Workplace learning is a key part of this degree. Strong links have been established with the justice sectors at federal and Victorian state level and in other states and territories, including:

  • policing
  • corrections
  • courts administration
  • customs
  • legal administration
  • investigations
  • juvenile justice
  • human services
  • the Department of Justice.

These industry associations are involved in this degree's design, development and delivery. This involvement ensures that the curriculum is vocationally relevant, meets the needs of graduate employers and is up to date with latest issues.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.

  • 2 years full-time or 4 years part-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time or part-time equivalent (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The Graduate Certificate in Justice and Criminology and Graduate Diploma in Justice and Criminology are available as exit awards of this degree. Any advanced standing you receive for the masters program is not transferrable to an exit award. If you wish to exit early with one of these programs, you must have completed all courses specified in the relevant program structure.

  • 2 years full-time (without advanced standing).
  • 1 - 1.5 years full-time (with advanced standing).

For further information about advanced standing see the Pathways section.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

The Master of Justice and Criminology consists of 192 credit points.

Some subjects are offered online, giving you the flexibility to design a study plan to meet your needs.

You'll explore the links between evidence, intelligence and practice, and learn to determine the ways in which contemporary ideas and practices enable, shape and limit the application of justice in contemporary Australia.

You may be able to undertake internships and field projects as well as design, implement and evaluate your own projects and simulated activities representing real workplace scenarios.

You'll build essential knowledge of ethics and values in the justice sector, with core subjects focusing on:

  • program evaluation
  • applied research skills
  • law and justice policy
  • justice management
  • law
  • criminal justice systems
  • criminological theory.

You'll select elective subjects from a range of social science streams including:

  • justice studies
  • psychology and human services
  • global communities
  • public policy and management
  • human rights
  • research.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Master of Justice and Criminology
Program code: MC223
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Master of Justice and Criminology
City Campus
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
MC223
079595D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time, 4 years part-time, Reduced duration available
Plan code
MC223
CRICOS
079595D
View plan
Master of Justice and Criminology
City Campus
2 years full-time
MC223
079595D
Location
City Campus
Duration
2 years full-time
Plan code
MC223
CRICOS
079595D
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Graduates of this degree will be able to work as critical and reflective practitioners in a variety of professional environments within the public and criminal justice sectors, using a variety of social perspectives and disciplines to advance principles of social justice.

You will be able to demonstrate sensitivity when working in culturally and linguistically diverse environments and lead debate within organisations on criminal justice policy, process and research issues.

You'll be prepared for a career in:

  • policing and prosecution
  • courts management
  • customs and border protection
  • youth justice
  • justice policy
  • law enforcement and policing
  • mediation
  • prisons administration
  • private security firms
  • security management
  • social research.

Entry requirements and admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification)

    OR

  • undertaken at least 5 years of work experience or professional practice in a related field.

To have your professional experience considered you must submit with your application a CV and a personal statement detailing your experience.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification).

You may also be considered if you have at least 5 years of work experience or professional practise in a related field.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

Statement and CV: If you are applying on the basis of work experience, you must provide a CV and direct applicant statement detailing your experience.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus at RMIT University Pathways (RMIT UP).

Additional information

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NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Pathways

Successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Justice and Criminology guarantees entry into this master program with 48 credit points of advanced standing (equivalent to 0.5 year full-time study).

Masters advanced standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in justice studies, criminology, criminal justice, legal studies, law or criminal psychology you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

Credit and recognition of prior learning

Applicants with a bachelor degree (honours), graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

Coming from a partner institution?

RMIT has pathway arrangements with many partner institutions around the world.

If your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT you may be able to receive credit and reduce the time it will take to complete your preferred RMIT program.

Find out if your institution has a pathway arrangement with RMIT

If you have qualifications from an institution that is not an RMIT partner, credit into your RMIT program will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Master Advanced Standing

If you have successfully completed one of the following qualifications majoring in justice studies, criminology, criminal justice, legal studies, law or criminal psychology you may be eligible for advanced standing as follows:

Qualification level Advanced standing Remaining program duration
Bachelor degree (AQF level 7) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Bachelor honours degree (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)
Graduate certificate (AQF level 8) 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study) 144 credit points (equivalent to three semesters full time study)
Graduate diploma (AQF level 8) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study) 96 credit points (equivalent to two semesters full time study)

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for Australian qualifications in vocational and higher education.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit.

Credits

Applicants with a bachelor honours degree, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or masters degree qualification majoring in a different discipline may also be eligible for credit transfer of up to 48 credit points (equivalent to one semester full time study).

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and weightings, and reference to the learning resources.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Upon successful completion of this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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2025 indicative fees

  • Full-fee places: AU$28,800 (2025 annual fee)*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$365 maximum fee for 2025*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

This program is offered on a full-fee paying basis only. If you are offered a place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your course, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from course to course.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

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In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2025 is $365. 

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information