Aspiring criminologists will be able to study at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus from 2012.

The Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is the only criminology degree in Queensland backed by world-standard research*.

School of Criminology and Criminal Justice Head Associate Professor Janet Ransley said the Gold Coast corridor’s rapidly growing population warranted the School’s move.

“We’ve had sustained requests over a number of years for criminology to be offered on the Gold Coast and as the University’s largest and fastest growing campus, it’s important for the school to have a presence,” Professor Ransley said.



“The School offers a multi-disciplinary field of study including psychology, sociology, law, social work, criminology and criminal justice, history, and political science.

“We are distinctive because of our focus and commitment in addressing community issues. Our School has grown rapidly to become the largest of its type in Australia, and is recognised as one of the 10 best in the world, with many staff recognised internationally as leaders in their fields.

“Our research is strongly policy relevant as we work closely with a range of government and community partners to improve knowledge and practice as well as national and international leaders in our field.”

The degree will be the same as the one offered in Brisbane, but smaller and more individualised. There will be a larger focus on group-based interactive learning rather than traditional lectures and tutorials.

“Becoming a professional in the field of criminology and criminal justice starts with a student’s initial area of interest before they go on to specialise,” Professor Ransley said.

“As well as crime prevention and law enforcement, graduates can work in a wide variety of careers including corrections, juvenile justice, policy development, non-police law enforcement and investigation, research and more.”

  • Based on fields of research at the 4-digit level in the Excellence in Research for Australia 2010 National Report.