Bachelor of Criminal Justice
BCJ
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Criminal Justice
Download Brochure
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Criminal Justice
Download Brochure
Overview
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is the first degree of its kind in Aotearoa, combining multidisciplinary academic study with a strong vocational focus.
Criminal Justice studies take a 360-degree look at the criminal justice system and its processes, including governance, enforcement, rehabilitation, and improvement. The degree draws together UC’s expertise in criminology, sociology, developmental and behavioural psychology, policing, criminal law and procedure, and human services.
- First degree of its kind in the country.
- UC enjoys close links with employers in the crime and justice fields.
- Multi-disciplinary teaching and innovative courses.
- Potential for study while employed in the area to increase professional competencies.
Admission to UC with University Entrance (or equivalent) is required to enrol.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For information on the enrolment process, please see how to apply for undergraduate qualifications.
Recommended preparation
The BCJ does not require a background in any specific subject at secondary school and is open to all students with entry to the University.
Bachelor of Criminal Justice – example degree structure
-
Compulsory courses
-
Optional courses
(1) Students enrolling in the LLB/BCJ double degree will enrol in LAWS 101 instead of CRJU 150 and CRJU 160.
(2) You must pass either LAWS 202 (30 points) or CRJU 202 (15 points).
(3) If LAWS 202 passed, then 45 points from the 200-level electives. If CRJU 202 passed, then 60 points from the 200-level electives.
Each small block represents a 15-point course. However, some courses may be 30 points or more.
This diagram is an example only – other combinations are possible. For specific course requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice.
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice requires 360 points:
- 255 or 270 points of compulsory courses (depending on courses chosen at second year)
- at least 90 points from a prescribed list of courses
- 15 points from the Bachelor of Criminal Justice or from other degrees.
A minimum of 135 points must be from courses above 100-level, with at least 90 points at 300-level.
The degree takes 3 years of full-time study, or can be studied part-time for up to 10 years.
First year
In the first year all courses are compulsory. Students will take 120 points (with another 15 points of 100-level compulsory courses usually taken in the second year).
Second year
In the second year students must take either 75 or 90 compulsory 200-level points. The difference in points depends on whether students take CRJU 202 Criminal Law and Procedure (15 points) or LAWS 202 Criminal Law (30 points). The remaining 15 or 30 points at 200-level will be selected from the prescribed list of courses.
Third year
At third year there are 45 points of compulsory courses, with a choice of 60 points at 200 and 300-level from the prescribed list. A final 15-point course at 200 or 300-level can also be completed from the list, or from courses in any other degree at UC.
Double degrees
It is possible to combine a Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree with other degrees, such as the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, or Bachelor of Science.
Find out more information about Double degrees.
The BCJ is a multidisciplinary degree that includes study across subject areas, such as Criminal Justice, History, Human Services, Law, Māori and Indigenous Studies, Philosophy, Psychology, and Sociology.
See ‘How do I plan my degree?’ above for an example degree structure diagram.
Compulsory courses
All BCJ students complete the following courses throughout the three years of the degree:
Year 1
- CRJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CRJU 150 Legal Method in the Criminal Justice Context
- CRJU 160 Legal Issues in the New Zealand Criminal Justice System
- HSRV 103 Violence in Society
- HSRV 104 Youth Realities
- PSYC 105 Introductory Psychology – Brain, Behaviour and Cognition
- PSYC 106 Introductory Psychology – Social, Personality and Developmental
- MAOR 108 Aotearoa: Introduction to New Zealand Treaty Society or MAOR 165 He Tīmatanga: Engaging with Māori
If enrolled in the double degree BCJ and Bachelor of Laws, LAWS 101 Legal System: Legal Method and Institutions is taken instead of CRJU 150 and CRJU 160.
Year 2
- HSRV 210 Gender, Crime and Social Theory
- MAOR 219 Te Tiriti: The Treaty of Waitangi
- SOCI 293 The History of Gangs in New Zealand
- PHIL 139 Ethics, Politics and Justice
- CRJU 201 Crime and Justice or SOCI 218 Crime and Justice
- CRJU 202 Criminal Law and Procedure (15 points) or if enrolled in the double degree BCJ and Bachelor of Laws and admitted to second year Law, LAW 202 Criminal Law (30 points)
Year 3
Optional courses
Students complete at least 90 points from the prescribed list of course options below. At least 45 points must be at 300-level.
One other 15-point course at 200-level or 300-level can also be chosen from the list, or can be chosen from courses from any other UC degree.
These courses are completed during the second and third years of study.
UC offers a Master of Criminal Justice, as well as other qualifications in similar subjects, such as Law and Psychology.
Graduates of UC's Bachelor of Criminal Justice degree will have an edge over others in the crime and justice job markets in an area of national need and growing international specialisation.
The BCJ will prepare you for a career in all aspects of criminal justice, in particular roles within Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa | New Zealand Police, Tāhū o te Ture | Ministry of Justice, and Ara Poutama Aotearoa | Department of Corrections. The degree is also relevant to work in many other government departments including prisons, probation and parole; criminal justice policy; forensics; public and private investigation and security; and social work.
Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2020 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,213 per 120 points |
| 2021 | 360 | Banded Fee - total tuition fee dependent on course selection | $6,281 per 120 points |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2021 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $31,275 (first 120 points) |
| 2022 | 360 | This is an indicative fee - total tuition fee will be dependent on your course selection (banded) | $32,150 (first 120 points) |
Contact us
For the full degree requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice.
For study planning help, contact Te Rōpū Takawaenga o UC | UC Liaison Office (new students) or a Te Kura Ture | School of Law Student Advisor (advancing students).
For more information on facilities, resources, and staff, see Te Rāngai Umanga me te Ture | College of Business and Law.
For more general information, email info@canterbury.ac.nz or freephone 0800 VARSITY (827 748).