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    Critically explore crime, justice, and social control while examining how societies define and respond to criminal behaviour. Develop analytical and problem-solving skills to understand crime patterns, victimisation, media portrayals, and the broader dynamics of legal and justice systems.

    Why study Criminology?

    Criminology is a rapidly growing field that critically examines crime, justice, and social control. At Otago, you'll explore the causes of crime, how society responds, and the workings of the criminal justice system. You’ll also analyse media portrayals of crime, evolving legal boundaries, and justice policies in Aotearoa and beyond.

    Criminology pairs well with subjects like Psychology, Sociology, Politics, and Film and Media Studies, enhancing your understanding of legal systems, justice institutions, and social change. Whether you're interested in law, social work, public policy, or community advocacy, this degree equips you with the critical thinking skills to navigate and influence the justice landscape. If you're passionate about understanding crime and shaping a fairer society, Criminology at Otago is a compelling choice.

    Career opportunities

    A background in Criminology enhances career prospects in law enforcement, justice, and social services. You'll develop critical thinking, research, and analytical skills that are highly valued in fields focused on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and community support. Whether you're interested in working directly with offenders and victims or shaping policies that impact the justice system, Criminology provides a strong foundation for making a difference in society.

    Possible career pathways include:

    • Policy adviser or analyst in justice and crime prevention
    • Investigative journalist
    • Public relations for justice or advocacy organisations
    • Forensic social worker or forensic psychologist (with additional qualifications)
    • Youth justice worker or case manager
    • Victim support advocate
    • Digital content strategist for public safety or legal education campaigns
    • Community outreach co-ordinator

    How you will learn

    Criminology at Otago offers an interactive learning experience, blending lectures, small-group tutorials, and real-world case studies. You'll explore crime, justice, and social control with guidance from expert lecturers and guest speakers from law enforcement, and policy.

    Tutorials help you apply theory to real scenarios, sharpening your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a supportive, hands-on environment designed to prepare you for real-world careers in justice and beyond.

    Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study

    Criminology is open to anyone curious about the dynamic mechanisms of crime, justice, and the systems that shape our world. If you're passionate about making society fairer, and eager to learn, this subject is for you.

    Choose a study option

    Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.

    Undergraduate qualifications

    For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.

    Note: this subject can also be studied as a minor.

    Ready to apply?

    Take the first step towards your future in this subject.

    Further study opportunities

    Whether you are looking to bridge your undergraduate studies to advanced knowledge or aiming to specialise in a specific field, Otago offers a range of graduate and postgraduate options to suit your aspirations.

    Beth Foster

    Criminology taught me a general understanding of societal factors that contribute to crime that supported me in having a practical and empathetic understanding when working with my clients in the forensic mental health sector. Additionally, it allowed me to better navigate the required social services and support systems with my clients.

    Beth Foster

    Bachelor of Arts (Major: Psychology, Minor: Criminology)

    Shape a fairer future in a rapidly expanding field

    Curious about why crime happens, how justice systems respond, and how you can help shape a fairer society? Criminology at Otago invites you to dive deep into real-world issues, from youth justice and cybercrime to media influence and global policy.

    You’ll gain critical insights and practical skills that open doors to meaningful careers. Our graduates go on to roles in government policy, human rights advocacy, law enforcement, and community development.

    Criminology pairs powerfully with Psychology, Politics, Gender Studies, or Media and Film – giving you the tools to understand society and influence change. If you’re out to make the world a fairer place, Criminology at Otago is the right move.

    Programme details

    Compare programmes for this subject.

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level CRIM 101 Crime, Deviance and Social Transformation 18
    200-level CRIM 201 Crime, Justice and Society 18
    CRIM 236 The Treaty and Social Services or MAOR 204 Te Tiriti o Waitangi 18
    Two further 200-level CRIM papers, or one 200-level CRIM paper and FORB 201; one of which may be replaced with any of: GEND 208 , HIST 215 , HIST 216, HIST 234, HIST 242, RELS 235, SOCI 203, SOCI 211 , STAT 210 36
    300-level CRIM 301 Theories of Punishment 18
    Three further 300-level CRIM papers, one of which may be replaced with any of: ANTH 327, GEND 308, LAWS 332, MAOR 304 , POLS 319, PSYC 325, RELS 335, SOCI 310, STAT 311 54
    Note: (i) Students should examine prerequisites for their selected 200-level and 300-level papers when choosing their 100-level and 200-level options; (ii) Only students enrolled in the LLB are able to select LAWS 322. 
    Plus 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. 198
    Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts  
    Total  360

    A minor subject can be included in many of our undergraduate degrees. To earn a minor, you typically must complete a minimum of 90 points in that subject, with at least 18 points at the 300-level.

    Your minor can be a subject more commonly taken for a different degree. For example, a BCom majoring in Marketing can include Japanese as a minor subject. To include this subject as a minor in your application, first find a major subject through our Subject Search or Study Match.

    You can check what’s required to receive the minor accreditation in the programme details below.

    Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree

    LevelPapersPoints
    100-level

    CRIM 101 Crime, Deviance and Social Transformation

    		 18
    Above 100-level

    CRIM 201 Crime, Justice and Society

    Three further CRIM papers, or FORB 201, including at least one at 300-level.

    One CRIM paper may be substituted with ANTH 327, GEND 208 or GEND 308, HIST 215, HIST 216, HIST 234, HIST 242 , LAWS 332, MAOR 204, MAOR 304, PSYC 325, RELS 235, RELS 325, SOCI 203 , SOCI 211, SOCI 310, STAT 210, STAT 311

    18

    54

    Total   90

    Papers

    View a list of all related papers below.

    CRIM papers

    Paper Code Year Title Points Teaching period
    CRIM101 2026 Crime, Deviance and Social Transformation 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM201 2026 Crime, Justice and Society 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM202 2026 Theories of Justice 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM203 2026 Decolonising Criminology 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM209 2026 Critical Victimology 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM210 2026 Gender, Crime and Justice 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM214 2026 Power, Inequality and Social Harm 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM225 2026 Crime and the Media 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM236 2026 The Treaty and Social Services 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM301 2026 Theories of Punishment 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CRIM303 2026 Decolonising Criminology 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM307 2026 Exploring Neurodisability in Health, Welfare and Justice Systems 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM309 2026 Critical Victimology (Advanced) 18 points Semester 2
    CRIM310 2026 Gender, Crime and Justice 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM311 2026 Interventions in Sexual Violence 18 points Semester 1
    CRIM312 2026 Crime, Technology and Social Change 18 points Not offered in 2026
    CRIM314 2026 Power, Inequality and Social Harm 18 points Semester 1
    INDS203 2026 Decolonising Criminology 18 points Semester 2
    INDS303 2026 Decolonising Criminology 18 points Semester 2

    More information

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    Regulations on this page are taken from the 2026 Calendar and supplementary material.

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