University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This degree brings together core criminology and criminal justice topics with anthropological theory and methods. You will study how offences are defined and policed, the social causes of crime, institutional responses and pathways to prevention, alongside units that examine culture, identity, social organisation and field-based research methods.

• Core criminology and criminal justice topics: criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, policing and law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, juvenile justice, crime prevention, forensic evidence and data analysis, and comparative criminal justice systems.
• Anthropology topics: cultural and social anthropology, ethnographic methods, kinship and social organisation, belief and ritual, applied and medical anthropology, and Indigenous peoples and justice.
• Research and methods: qualitative methods (ethnography, interviewing), quantitative methods (basic statistics for social sciences), research design, and an independent research project or capstone that integrates criminological and anthropological approaches.
• Electives and practical experience: options typically include modules on gender and crime, cybercrime, community corrections, fieldwork placements, and community engagement projects with government or non‑government organisations.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally based on successful completion of senior secondary qualifications (or an approved equivalent) with a competitive selection rank. Applicants who have completed tertiary study or who are of mature age may be considered through alternative entry pathways. International applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language requirements. Specific prerequisite subjects are not usually required, though prior study in social sciences, legal studies or humanities can be advantageous.

Career prospects

Graduates combine insights from criminology and anthropology to work in a wide range of sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• law enforcement and policing agencies
• corrections and community-based supervision
• policy analysis and public service roles in justice, health and social welfare departments
• community organisations and victim support services
• research and evaluation roles in universities, think tanks and NGOs
• youth justice, restorative justice and diversionary programme delivery
• private sector roles in compliance, risk management and security

Graduates may also choose to continue into honours or postgraduate study in criminology, anthropology, social policy, law or related fields to develop specialist research skills or professional qualifications.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers an interdisciplinary approach that brings together strengths in criminology, law and anthropology. Students benefit from teaching and supervision by academic staff engaged in applied research on crime, justice and social difference, and from links with South Australian justice agencies and community organisations for placements and fieldwork. The programme emphasises both rigorous research methods and real-world application, preparing graduates with analytical, cross-cultural and communication skills valued in public, private and community sectors.