Overview

Exploring the intricacies of criminality and the criminal justice system is an essential aspect of criminology. The Criminology programme at University of Waikato engages with mātauranga Māori perspectives especially around the mass incarceration of the indigenous people and provides a distinctive lens through which students can view these issues.

This exciting new major invites students to explore the captivating field of crime and criminal behavior. Students will gain an extensive understanding of how society responds to criminal conduct, the underlying reasons for criminality, and how social discourse and relationships influence the perception of the criminal justice system.

The major also provides a unique focus on the impact of colonisation on the criminal justice system, with a particular emphasis on the mass incarceration of indigenous populations in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world.

Students will also explore the work of key criminological theorists, and develop the skills necessary to analyse, reflect upon, and respond to common societal views of criminality from a criminological perspective. With the major’s emphasis on critical thinking and practical application, students will be well-equipped to navigate the complex world of criminal justice and make a meaningful impact on society.

Career Opportunities

Community Development Advisor

Criminal justice worker

Criminology researcher

Intelligence analyst (eg for MPI, National or International Police forces)

Iwi Researcher

New Zealand Police

Policy Analyst

Victim Advocate

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Criminology and Social Justice in New Zealand

The Sociology of Crime, Deviance and Social Justice

Punishment, Society and Social Justice

Drug Policy: Health and Harms in Aotearoa New Zealand

Criminology

Critical Feminism and the Prison State

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00

Apply anytime.
Starting 2027-03-02 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

You can apply at any time throughout the year. You will choose your preferred intake during your application process.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

46

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Hamilton, New Zealand
Tauranga, New Zealand

Disciplines

Criminology Social Psychology View 4 other Bachelors in Social Psychology in New Zealand

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

80

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

46

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Australian Tertiary Admission Rank of 70 or higher or QLD OP of 14 or lower (if sat prior to 2020). This also applies to students studying Australian qualifications outside Australia, such as the South Australian Matriculation (SAM) and the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).

Successful completion of GCE Advanced level with a minimum of 6 points taken from three subjects, achieving a minimum grade of C in at least one subject. Points calculated as follows: A = 5, B = 4, C = 3, D = 2, E = 1.

Completion of USA High School Diploma with a GPA of 2.5 in grade 12; or, Completion of the GED with 660 overall (145 min in each subject).

One year of successful Bachelor's degree level study at a recognised institution of university standing.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of Waikato and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

32440 NZD / year

≈ 32440 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

7542 NZD / year

≈ 7542 NZD / year

Additional Details

National: $7,542 - $8,787 per year

International: $32,440 - $42,230 per year

Living costs

Hamilton

New Zealand

1470 - 2020 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Criminology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career Opportunities

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Hamilton

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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