AUT - Bachelor of Arts
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Bachelor of Arts
Criminology
Now is an opportune time to study criminology in New Zealand. It is a period of great change, and there are reforms taking place that will transform the way in which we are policed, and how the criminal justice system operates.
Understanding why our prisons appear to be filling up faster than we can build them, is just as important as exploring the fear of crime and victimisation.
The AUT Criminology degree is the first programme of its type developed in Auckland.
- This major puts the discipline of criminology at the forefront of how we think about crime and criminal justice in New Zealand.
- It is unique for incorporating placements with agencies and organisations in the third year of the degree, so that students can gain practical experience on criminology or criminal justice related matters.
- Throughout their study, students will participate in court visits, and learn about various aspects of criminology from guest speakers.
Structure and content
Criminology is the study of the characteristics of criminal law, as well as the:
- extent of crime
- effects of crime on victims and society
- methods of crime prevention
- attributes of criminals
- workings of the criminal justice system such as the police, the courts, and prisons.
Some of the issues examined by criminologists include youth crime, gangs, corporate crime, prisons and the police.
Students receive a comprehensive introduction to the field of criminology, drawing upon the theory and practice of both national and international contexts.
As a student you will explore crime and its control in New Zealand and other jurisdictions, and gain a broad understanding of criminological matters.
Key skills students learn
- Knowledge of contemporary debates within criminology in regards to New Zealand society
- a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice institutions and crime in New Zealand
- the ability to critically examine criminal justice policies and practices
- the use of comparative paradigms to gain a greater understanding of criminal justice in the NZ context
- the awareness of community and crime prevention programmes
- an in depth examination of topical and controversial aspects of crime and its control
- to think beyond critique and engage in problem solving in order to envisage alternatives to present day criminal justice policies
- a practical understanding of the ways in which criminological concepts can be used in real world settings
- knowledge of the international criminology context.
Throughout the three years of the BA, students take core papers that provide the necessary skills in writing, research and IT capability to prepare them for academic work and their working life.
For a list of core papers see the Bachelor of Arts overview.
Core papers
145713 Writing or 165600 Undergraduate Writing for Academic Purposes
146734 Communicating
285104 Research and Analysis
287901 Cooperative Education
955203 Communication and Presentation Systems
Criminology papers
285001 Introduction to Psychology A
285702 Introduction to Sociology
286107 Criminology and Criminal Justice
286109 Understanding Crime
286110 Policing and Society
287001 The Police and Crime Prevention
287004 Prisons and Punishment
287005 Understanding Restorative Justice
287006 Current Issues in Criminology
287206 Crime and Deviance
Who studies criminology?
People who...
- are inquisitive and willing to challenge their assumptions about the world
- are determined to enthusiastically apply themselves to understanding the complexities of crime and its control
- are interested in understanding more about the police and crime prevention
- are interested in the prison system and alternative aspects of punishment
- are in the different causes of crime and its analysis
- have a social conscience and who are interested in human rights issues
- want to become experts in some aspect of criminology
Industry connections
NZ Police, Community Probation, Mason Clinic, Rethinking Crime and Punishment, Local Councils.
Career opportunities
Criminology is an excellent topic to study if you want to pursue a career in an organisation associated with the criminal justice system.
Occupations include those within:
- Department of Corrections
- Educational Institutions
- Local Authorities
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Social Development
- National and International Human Rights Organisations
- New Zealand Customs
- New Zealand Police
- Non-Governmental Community Groups
- Research Consultancies