| Overview and Aims of the Program |
A major in Criminology provides students with the foundations for pursuing both professional careers and postgraduate study in criminology and criminal justice. Structured as a multi-disciplinary program of study, Criminology allows you to incorporate social sciences; legal dimensions and anthropological considerations into your academic program. Drawing on a diverse range of expertise, the program provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the incidence of different types of crime, deviance and victimisation, as well as their economic, social, and policy contexts. |
| Graduate Capabilities |
The Graduate Capabilities Framework articulates the fundamentals that underpin all of Macquarie’s academic programs. It expresses these as follows:
Cognitive capabilities
(K) discipline specific knowledge and skills
(T) critical, analytical and integrative thinking
(P) problem solving and research capability
(I) creative and innovative
Interpersonal or social capabilities
(C) effective communication
(E) engaged and ethical local and global citizens
(A) socially and environmentally active and responsible
Personal capabilities
(J) capable of professional and personal judgement and initiative
(L) commitment to continuous learning |
| Program Learning Outcomes |
By the end of this program it is anticipated you should be able to:
Knowledge
Critically analyse contemporary and classical criminological, legal and sociological theories. (k) (t) (c) (e)
Access and critically evaluate discipline-specific knowledge from criminology, sociology and law, including: policing, social control, deviance, criminal justice and criminal-legal policy development and implementation. (k) (t) (c) (e)
Skills
Use independent study and research skills relevant to the three main disciplines comprising the program: criminology, sociology and law. (t) (p) (l)
Formulate meaningful and practical solutions and policy responses to criminological problems by drawing on inter-disciplinary knowledge and theories. (k) (t) (p) (i) (c) (e) (a) (j)
Communicate knowledge and skills effectively to a range of audiences, including academics, professionals and fellow students using a variety of communication mediums. (i) (c) (j)
Application
Synthesise complex information, problems and theories related to criminology in order to make informed and logical judgements of the arguments of others and to arrive at reasoned and meaningful arguments and positions. (k) (t) (p) (i) (c) (e) (a) (j)
Evaluate and assess complex issues from criminological, sociological and legal perspectives. Apply critical thinking skills in conceptualising, analysing and strategising issues arising in the program. (k) (t) (p) (i) (c) (e) (a) (j)
Apply knowledge and skills developed throughout the program to the understanding of emerging issues relevant to criminology and contemporary society. (k) (t) (p) (i) (e) (a)
Synthesise inter-cultural awareness and critical understanding of the subjective operation of the Australian criminal justice system with regard to indigenous Australians and other socially, politically and economically marginalised groups. (k) (t) (p) (i) (c) (e) (a) (j)
Critically reflect on global and strategic issues in criminology and their impact upon disadvantaged peoples in Australian as well as in international contexts. (k) (t) (p) (i) (c) (e) (a) (j) |
| Learning and Teaching Methods |
The criminology program employs a diverse range of learning and teaching methods. These include:
1. Face-to-face and online lectures ranging in duration from 1 to 2 hours
2. Tutorials which are balanced between structured group activities and freer-ranging discussion and debate
3. Online discussion forums that enable students to contribute, question and interact anywhere and at any time
Of particular importance is enabling students to direct their own learning and teaching through the introduction of flexible assessment structures. For most major assessments, students will have the opportunity to select the topics and theories of greatest interest and relevance to them. This helps motivate students at both intrinsic and extrinsic levels, creating a more satisfying and enduring learning experience.
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| Assessment |
The criminology program utilises a range of assessment tasks, including, but not limited to:
1. Written essays which are used to assess: critical and analytical thinking; discipline specific knowledge; research and communication skills; academic rigour and conventions
2. Exams which are used to assess critical and analytical thinking; discipline specific knowledge; written communication skills
3. Online quizzes which are used to assess discipline specific knowledge
4. Annotated bibliographies which are used to assess discipline specific knowledge; research and communication skills
5. Tutorial participation which is used to assess group-based learning, verbal communication skills and critical thinking
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| Recognition of Prior Learning |
Macquarie University may recognise prior formal, informal and non-formal learning for the purpose of granting credit towards, or admission into, a program. The recognition of these forms of learning is enabled by the University’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Policy (see www.mq.edu.au/policy) and its associated Procedures and Guidelines. The RPL pages contain information on how to apply, links to registers, and the approval processes for recognising prior learning for entry or credit.
Domestic students
For undergraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/nonschoolrpl
For domestic postgraduate RPL information visit www.goto.mq.edu.au/pgrpl
International students
For RPL information visit www.mq.edu.au/international/rpl |
| Support for Learning |
Macquarie University aspires to be an inclusive and supportive community of learners where all students are given the opportunity to meet their academic and personal goals. The University offers a comprehensive range of free and accessible student support services which include academic advice, counselling and psychological services, advocacy services and welfare advice, careers and employment, disability services and academic skills workshops amongst others. There is also a bulk billing medical service located on campus.
Further information can be found at www.students.mq.edu.au/support/
Campus Wellbeing contact details:
Phone: +61 2 9850 7497
Email: campuswellbeing@mq.edu.au
www.students.mq.edu.au/support/health_and_wellbeing/contact_us |
| Program Standards and Quality |
The program is subject to an ongoing comprehensive process of quality review in accordance with a pre-determined schedule that complies with the Higher Education Standards Framework. The review is overseen by Macquarie University's peak academic governance body, the Academic Senate and takes into account feedback received from students, staff and external stakeholders. |
| Graduate Destinations and Employability |
Graduates of this course will have the skills and knowledge required for potential employment in criminal justice areas such as policing, crime prevention, justice, corrections, security, regulatory law enforcement and community engagement positions in both private enterprise and government departments. |
| Assessment Regulations |
This program is subject to Macquarie University regulations, including but not limited to those specified in the Assessment Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, the Final Examination Policy and relevant University Rules. For all approved University policies, procedures, guidelines and schedules visit www.mq.edu.au/policy. |
