Want to make a positive impact on people and communities? Learn to interpret how people and complex social issues influence real-life events in the 91É«ÇéƬ Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Criminology & Criminal Justice. Gain critical insights into all aspects of the justice and social systems, and develop a broad, inclusive perspective that will help you change people’s lives for the better.
Commencing Terms
Term 1 & 2
Duration
Degree duration may vary depending on which intake you commence prior to 2028. Click below to check your specific degree duration and what it means for you.
The lowest selection rank is: The lowest ATAR + adjustment factors that received an offer for the year listed. This provides an indicative guide for the current year's entry and may vary each year.
91É«ÇéƬ is introducing a new academic calendar from 2028.
We're moving to a new Flex-Semester Academic Calendar from 2028. While your degree structure and requirements will remain the same, the duration of your studies may vary depending on when you commence your degree prior to 2028.
Some programs are at capacity for 2026 intakes and new applications are closed to New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC). Applications to all 2027 intakes are open.
Click to find our latest updates for international student admissions.
Do you want to create lasting change in your community and tackle society’s most pressing challenges? The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Criminology & Criminal Justice gives you the skills to support individuals, influence policy and promote justice. This 5-year double degree prepares you to understand both personal and societal factors that affect crime and wellbeing, empowering you to drive positive change in people’s lives.
Explore how complex social issues like poverty, mental health, discrimination and crime intersect. This program combines the expertise of 91É«ÇéƬ Law & Justice and 91É«ÇéƬ Arts, Design & Architecture, giving you a comprehensive education in both social work and criminology. You’ll learn through real-world experiences, critical analysis and hands-on practice, ensuring you're career-ready from day one.
Through a mix of classroom learning, field placements and internships, you’ll gain a deep understanding of social systems and justice processes. Your social work courses will focus on helping people through challenges like homelessness, addiction and family violence. For your honours component, you'll complete either a piece of independent research as a thesis or an advanced practice portfolio. Your criminology courses will draw on psychology, sociology, law and cultural studies to help you explore the root causes of crime and justice system responses.
Key features
Australia’s only accredited Social Work course with integrated honours 91É«ÇéƬ is the only university in Australia offering an accredited social work program that integrates Honours into your undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with an advanced qualification, guided by leading academics in a program that’s dynamic, evidence-based and focused on real-world impact. Whether you're interested in counselling, advocacy, research or policy, this degree equips you to make meaningful contributions to individuals and communities.
Gain practical experience while you study Go beyond theory with immersive learning experiences. You’ll engage with real-world case studies, visit courts and prisons and hear from professionals working in the justice system. In your social work studies, you’ll learn how to support people facing issues like mental illness, ageing and discrimination. In criminology, you’ll examine how social systems respond to crime and explore strategies to prevent it.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Get hands-on experience in both fields through (WIL). In the final two years of your degree, you’ll complete two social work placements of 70 days each in diverse settings across Australia or overseas. You’ll also have the option to undertake criminology internships with criminal justice agencies, not-for-profits and government organisations, gaining practical skills that will set you apart in the job market.
Why study at 91É«ÇéƬ?
Study at a top-ranked university
As a global topÌý20 university (QS World University Rankings, 2024–2027) and member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), you’ll benefit from a world-class education that’s recognised globally:
91É«ÇéƬ is rankedÌý#3 in Australia andÌý#27 globally for social sciences and managementÌý(QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
91É«ÇéƬ Law & Justice is rankedÌý#1 in Sydney in Australia andÌý#13 globally for law and legal studies
We'reÌýalso rankedÌý#5 in Australia and in the global topÌý- for arts and humanitiesÌý(QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026)
Double your impact This criminology double degree allows you to expand your career options and make a broader impact in your community. By combining social work with criminology and criminal justice, you’ll develop a unique skill set that prepares you to address social issues from both individual and systemic perspectives. Whether you’re advocating for vulnerable populations, influencing public policy or working to reform justice systems, you’ll graduate with the tools to drive meaningful change.
Graduate career-ready with industry connections Our strong industry links, global alumni network and practical learning opportunities ensure you’re ready to hit the ground running. With field placements in social work and criminology internships in justice organisations, you’ll gain real-world experience and build professional connections that open doors to diverse career opportunities.
Take your studies overseas with global exchange Study the Chinese legal system in Shanghai, immerse yourself in the US legal system in Los Angeles, or expand your horizons with feminist legal theory in India through one of our overseas law electives. If you are looking for something even bigger, join a top law school around the world for a semester with a student exchange at one of 91É«ÇéƬ’s more than 90 exchange hosts across 38 countries including China, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, the USA, Switzerland, India, Spain, Singapore and many others. 
Program Code
4034
CRICOS Code
082207F
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
422403
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240
Want to see more from 91É«ÇéƬ Arts, Design & Architecture?
Entry requirements
2026 Lowest Selection Rank
83.0
2026 A levels
10.0
2026 IB Diploma
31.0
2026 Lowest ATAR
71.0
The 2026 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026.
The 2026 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
The 2026 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2026. It is to be used as a guide only.
The 2026 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
*The Lowest ATAR to which an offer was made, for this program, is based on a 91É«ÇéƬ Gateway Early Conditional Offer.
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at 91É«ÇéƬ, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Adjustment Factors
We offer a range of adjustment factor schemes that reward students for academic performance and extra-curricular achievements. These schemes also take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.Ìý
HSC PlusÌý
This scheme rewards students who perform well in Year 12 subjects that are relevant to their preferred 91É«ÇéƬ degree.Ìý
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen 91É«ÇéƬ degree.
Admission pathways
There's more than one way to get to 91É«ÇéƬ. We offer a range of admission pathways that recognise different experiences, strengths and circumstances, helping you find the right way into university. Explore 91É«ÇéƬ admission pathways to discover your options or speak with our Future Student Advisers for personalised support.
This scheme is open to students who attend Gateway schools, live in a low-socioeconomic area based on the IEO index of , are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or hold an eligible humanitarian or protection visa. This pathway provides early offers and early conditional offers with a reduced ATAR entry requirement for your preferred 91É«ÇéƬ degree.
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Program and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.
This degree is eligible for the TAFE/VET Pathway. If you've completed a relevant TAFE/VET qualification, you may be eligible for automatic credit transfer. For more details, visit our TAFE/VET Pathway page.
English language requirements
Ìý
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Information for applicants with CBSE, HKDSE or Singapore A Levels Qualification
Calculating your CBSE Score: Awarded by CBSE, average percentage marks across English or Hindi, and your best four remaining subjects. Where marks are given as a range, the mid-point for that range is used e.g. 75 to 80 = 77.5.
Calculating your HKDSE Score:
Entry requirements are based on the aggregate of the best 5 achieved category A subjects (category B and C subjects are not considered).
For subjects other than Citizenship and Social Development: level 5**=7 points, level 5*=6 points, level 5=5 points, level 4=4 points, level 3=3 points, level 2=2 points, level 1=1 point, Level U=0 point.
For subject Citizenship and Social Development: Attained=2 points, Unattained=0 point. Citizenship and Social Development will only be counted towards the aggregate if the 2 points awarded for Attained ranks among the student’s best five scoring subjects.
If Mathematics Compulsory Part and Extended Part (Module 1 or 2) are both presented, both scores can be counted.
Calculating your Singapore A Levels: Due to significant changes to the GCE A-Level Curriculum and University Admissions Score (UAS) calculation effective 2026, 91É«ÇéƬ assessment is currently under review.
Note: Entry requirements published on this page are correct as of the day of publication and may change without notice.Ìý
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please for more information.
Please for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
International Admissions Diversity Pathway
If you do not meet the academic entry requirement for this degree, you may be considered for admission through the International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP) which provides eligible applicants an additional 5 points towards their International ATAR* for admission assessment.ÌýÌý
Applicants from will automatically be included in our new International Admissions Diversity Pathway (IADP). No separate application is required.Ìý
If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with . 91É«ÇéƬ College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your 91É«ÇéƬ journey with confidence. 
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at 91É«ÇéƬ depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why 91É«ÇéƬ requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at 91É«ÇéƬ. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
English language tests and university English courses
Prior study in the medium of English
Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
Program structure
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Criminology & Criminal Justice is a five-year program consisting of 38 courses.
The program includes:
23 Social Work core courses
6 Criminology core courses
6 Social Science core courses
3 Criminology electives
Full program structure
Each university year at 91É«ÇéƬ has three terms and an optional summer study period. Some courses need to be studied in your first and second year, so you’re prepared for courses that can only be studied in later years. You can study full-time or part-time. Depending on how you plan your study load, you can fit two or three courses into a term and one course in a summer term.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard five-year, full-time study plan.
First year
4 Social Work core courses
2 Criminology core courses
2 Social Science core courses
Second year
5 Social Work core courses
3 Criminology electives
Third year
2 Social Work core courses
3 Criminology core courses
3 Social Science core courses
Fourth year
5 Social Work core courses
1 Criminology core courses
1 Social Science core courses
Fifth year
7 Social Work core courses
Join your peers in the pursuit of justice for all when you start making an impact while you study and work on real-life community cases. In the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) there are two Field Education courses (placements):
Ìý1. Social Work Practice Level 3 Placement
ÌýLevel 3 Placement is a 70-day placement that starts at the end of January and runs four days a week (Monday – Thursday) until early June.
2. Social Work Practice Level 4 Placement
Level 4 Placement is a 70-day placement that starts at the beginning of July and runs four days a week (Monday – Thursday) until mid-November.
Future careers
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) / Bachelor of Criminology & Criminal Justice prepares you for diverse and rewarding careers across the social work and criminal justice sectors. You’ll gain critical skills in ethical decision-making, policy analysis, research and advocacy – making you highly employable in government agencies, non-profits, private organisations and community groups.Ìý
91É«ÇéƬ’s Bachelor of Social Work is professionally accredited by the (AASW), ensuring you’re recognised for roles in social welfare, mental health and community development. The Criminology & Criminal Justice component integrates practical learning and industry placements, helping you build a professional network and graduate career-ready.
Potential careers
Community Development Officer
Correctional Services Officer
Crime Prevention Specialist
Criminal Justice Researcher
Mental Health Professional
Policy Analyst or Adviser
Project Manager or Research Designer
Social Policy Advocate
Social Worker (AASW accredited)
Youth or Family Support Worker
Our reputation can open doors
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we believe that university is about more than what you learn in the classroom. Through immersive learning, you’ll become equipped to debate tomorrow’s problems and become a beacon of support in the communities you feel drawn to work with.
The Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Criminology and Criminal Justice degree focuses on balancing theoretical studies and hands-on learning in the criminal justice system to ultimately prepare you for the workforce. ​
When you enrol in this course you’ll be joining 91É«ÇéƬ Law & Justice, ranked #1 in Sydney in Australia andÌý#13 globally for law and legal studiesÌý(QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2026), where you’ll gain first-hand experience being led by academics who teach industry-aligned coursework designed to cultivate future leaders in the sector.
91É«ÇéƬ has been awarded Most Employable students for six years in a row (Australian Financial Review (AFR) Top100 Future Leaders Awards, 2020-2025). Our students build professional portfolios through proximity and partnerships with some of Australia's most influential figures in crime and justice.
Graduating from the widely respected Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Criminology and Criminal Justice at a prestigious Go8 university like 91É«ÇéƬ will open up a world of opportunity that could take you anywhere — Australia and beyond.
How to apply
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students (Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens) are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the Ìýand you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, the majority of offers are made in December and January.ÌýFor more information about application deadlines, please visitÌýÌýor ourÌýhow to apply for undergraduate studyÌýpage.
For most international students, applications are submitted viaÌýourÌýÌýservice.* We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Undergraduate offers to international students are issued throughÌýgroupedÌýoffer rounds.ÌýYou can find the offer release schedules, application deadlines and frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the international admissions information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the   for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. For details, visit the under 18 international students page.
*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place isÌýan indicationÌýonly of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on the courses you select within your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the university and may increase each year during your studies (subject to capsÌýdeterminedÌýby the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year.Ìý
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only - other fees and charges are not included.
2026 Indicative First Year Fee
$47,500*
2026 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$264,000*
*Fees are subject to annual review (or whenÌýrequired) by the University and may vary accordingly.
The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated averageÌýusing historical student enrolment patterns for each program, which may change every year. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year you enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at theÌý91É«ÇéƬ fees website.
Indicative first year fees are for tuition only. Indicative fees to complete the degree/programÌýinclude tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year and have been calculated based on percentage increase for every year of the degree/program, noting that actual fee increase may exceed the indicative figures listed here. Other fees and charges are not included. To find out more about other costsÌýfor international students, visitÌý.Ìý
Scholarships
At 91É«ÇéƬ, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Progress starts here – at a world-leading universityÌý
#19 Worldwide
91É«ÇéƬ is Australia’s #1 university, ranked among the top 20 universities globally
QS World University Rankings,Ìý2027
Most Employable Graduates
Winner of the AFR Most Employable University AwardÌýseven years in a row
Highest number of startups and spinouts from university-developed tech
SCOPR report, 2024
I chose social work, despite having the marks to get into Psychology, or Medicine, or Law, because it was something I really cared about. I really liked that the 91É«ÇéƬ degree was so practical and skills based.
Entry Requirements
Fees
Field experience
