Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice
GradDipCJ
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Duration
1–2 years full-time
Entry times
Semester 1 or 2 (February or July)
Fees Estimate
Scholarships
Pathways
Pathways include:
- Master of Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Download Brochure
Overview
This Graduate Diploma offers students an opportunity to complement and extend their undergraduate studies with further study in Criminal Justice.
It is ideal for those who are seeking employment in a range of criminal justice sector occupations, and also for those currently employed within the sector who seek to have a professionally relevant graduate qualification.
Entry to the Graduate Diploma requires a bachelor's degree, which does not need to be in the same area of study. If you gained your qualification overseas, this will need to be assessed to ensure it is of an equivalent standard.
Acceptance for the programme will depend on the standard and relevance of your previous studies. All students need to be approved by the Dean of Law.
If English is your additional language, you are also required to meet UC's English language requirements.
For the full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice or use the admission requirements checker.
How to apply
You can apply online at myUC. Find out how to apply for graduate and postgraduate qualifications.
The Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (GradDipCJ) includes 120 points of compulsory and elective courses.
The Diploma will take 1–2 years full-time, or up to 4 years part-time, to complete.
Compulsory courses
Elective courses
You also need to complete 30 points of elective courses chosen from the list below; or can choose to instead complete one of the below courses and HSRV310 Gender, Crime and Social Theory.
- CRJU 300-level courses
- LAWS378 Genetics, Neuroscience and the Criminal Law
- PHIL324 Bioethics: Life, Death, and Medicine
- PSYC330 Forensic Psychology
- PSYC335 Introduction to Clinical Psychology (30 points)
- PSYC336 Industrial and Organisational Psychology
- HIST395 Crime, Criminology and Policing in Modern Europe since 1750 (30 points)
- HSRV311 Qualitative Research Methods (30 points)
UC offers a Master of Criminal Justice and a PhD in Criminal Justice, as well as other qualifications in similar subjects, such as Law and Psychology.
Graduates will be equipped with a graduate qualification that will prepare them for a career in the criminal justice fields, 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 Graduate Diploma is also relevant for work in other areas of government including prisons, probation and parole, criminal justice policy, forensics, public and private investigation and security, and social work.
Useful information:
- Read what other UC postgraduate students have gone on to achieve in their studies and careers in our student and graduate profiles.
- Te Rōpū Rapuara | UC Careers can help you to achieve the career you want, connect with employers, or find a job.
- For research into career destinations by qualification, visit Te Pōkai Tara | Universities New Zealand website.
- Find out more about what you can do with a degree from UC.
- Come along to an upcoming information event for prospective postgraduate students.
See Tuition Fee Structure for more information
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,745 |
| 2023 | 120 | Fee estimate. Actual fee will be determined by course selection. | $6,564 |
| Year | Points | Info | Fees (NZD) |
| 2024 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $31,600 |
| 2023 | 120 | Special (Set) Programme Fee | $30,000 |
Contact us
For full requirements, see the Regulations for the Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice.
Te Kaupeka Ture | Faculty of Law
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury
Private Bag 4800
Christchurch 8140
New Zealand
Phone +64 3 369 3888
Email law-enquiries@canterbury.ac.nz