Want to gain a competitive advantage in the field of criminology? Find out how a Master of Criminology degree – the only course of its kind in WA – can give you the specialised knowledge you need to further your career.

Launching in January 2021, our Master of Criminology degree will be the only one of its kind in Western Australia. Studying this degree will give you advanced knowledge in the area of criminology, including criminological theory and skills and application across a broad field of cognate industries.

Murdoch University Academic Chair of Master of Criminology, Dr Mark Briskey, says undertaking this degree will provide those in criminal justice and similar professions an opportunity to enhance their skills, obtain insights into advanced criminological theory and perspectives as well as acquire a mastery of the most important criminal justice challenges of today.

“Students studying this degree will have the benefit of undertaking units as varied and relevant from cybercrime and criminal behaviour to criminal law and evidence.

“They’ll also be able to select units within the degree that are most relevant to their career aspirations and personal goals.”

What prerequisites do I need to study a Master of Criminology?

A Master of Criminology can be studied by anyone who holds an undergraduate degree – regardless of whether you already have knowledge in criminology or in another discipline – or has significant experience in criminology.

What will I learn studying a Master of Criminology degree?

“Students will acquire the practical and theoretical skills needed in the core criminological units as well as having the opportunity to select from a diverse range of electives in which they may select units of direct professional and individual interest,” says Dr Briskey.

Some of the things you will learn throughout the duration of your studies include:

• Understanding criminological issues, concepts and theories in a range of contexts.
• Gaining the skills needed to meet practitioner and real-world demands.
• Applying knowledge in practical contexts as well as gaining effective communication skills for your future workplace.
• Having the opportunity to build professional development skills through optional units in business, research and work placements.

Taught in Trimesters, you can choose to study full time for two trimesters and have a trimester off, study part time and work part time for three trimesters, or study full time for one trimester and part time for two trimesters. All these options give you the choice to study at your own pace and at a time that suits you.

What kind of job can I get with a Master of Criminology?

A Master of Criminology could see you working in public and private sectors nationally or internationally. You could work within a host of sectors and agencies involved in justice in Australia and overseas.

You can also use this degree to combine your expertise in the criminal justice sector and add to your suite of professional skills and knowledge as you seek a promotion in your career. Some career pathways could include:

• Criminologist
• Government Analyst and/or Policy Officer
• Community Safety Practitioner in Local Government
• International NGO positions
• Federal Government Intelligence Officer
• State or Federal Police Officer
• Corrections and Justice professional
• Anti-Corruption agencies officer and/or analyst

Interested in learning more? Find out how studying a Master of Criminology can give you a competitive edge in the criminal justice field.