Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) degree

The University of Canterbury is to be the only university in Aotearoa New Zealand offering the Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) — a unique, future-focused qualification designed for those passionate about making a difference in the justice system. Whether you're beginning your career or already working in the sector, the BCJ equips you with the knowledge and skills to contribute meaningfully to areas like law enforcement, corrections, offender rehabilitation, victim advocacy, security, border control, and criminal law.

Criminology and criminal justice are closely related fields that differ in focus and approach. Criminology is primarily concerned with the study of crime itself — exploring its causes, impacts, and the social, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to criminal behaviour. It is a theoretical and research-driven discipline that seeks to understand why crime occurs. Criminal justice, on the other hand, focuses on the systems and processes involved in responding to crime, including policing, courts, corrections, and rehabilitation. It is a more applied field that equips students with practical knowledge and skills to work within justice institutions and help shape more effective and equitable justice outcomes. UC’s Bachelor of Criminal Justice brings these perspectives together in a practical, real-world qualification that prepares you to make a meaningful impact across the justice sector.

The BCJ is truly interdisciplinary, combining elements of law, psychology, sociology, and human services to take a holistic approach to criminal justice. It is ideal for students interested in social justice, effective crime prevention, and building safer, more equitable communities. The programme doesn’t just focus on responses after crime has occurred — it also looks upstream, exploring how programmes and initiatives can prevent harm before contact with the justice system even begins.

Students benefit from a wide range of elective options that allow them to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Choose from over 20 engaging courses such as Forensic Science for Criminal Justice, Psychology and Law, Whakataka Ngā Here: Colonisation and the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health and Criminal Justice, Transnational Criminal Law, and Serious Financial Crime. These electives allow for specialisation across different areas of criminology, justice policy, and law.

The BCJ has strong connections with industry partners, ensuring that the learning is relevant, applied, and informed by current challenges and innovations. Graduates are well-prepared for diverse roles across the justice sector, including with the New Zealand Police, Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, restorative justice and reintegration services, private investigation, intelligence and border security, or legal practice. There are also opportunities to work in tech, education, or environmental fields where justice and regulatory frameworks intersect.

At UC, you'll be supported by approachable and expert lecturers and professional staff who are committed to your academic and personal success. You also have the option to combine your BCJ with another degree, such as a Bachelor of Laws (LLB), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc), to broaden your skill set and career pathways.

Take the first step toward a career that matters — join the Bachelor of Criminal Justice at UC and help shape a more just future for Aotearoa New Zealand.