Change the justice system to change people’s lives
Learn the fundamentals of forensic psychology, exploring how psychological theories and skills apply to the legal and criminal justice system. You’ll also gain an introduction to criminology, which is the study of crime and criminal behaviour.
Build knowledge of how the justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand works and consider how social, cultural, political, and economic factors influence the system. Explore how antisocial behaviour develops. Graduate with a detailed understanding of how psychological theories relate to offending behaviour.
Criminal Justice and Psychology is multi-disciplinary, meaning you’ll take courses from Psychology, Law, and Criminology—giving you a broad understanding of the field of criminal justice.
Undergraduate degrees
Flexible, or structured? Learn more about the different types of undergraduate degrees at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Choose your study path
Criminal Justice and Psychology is a supplementary major. This means you can include it as a second major, but not as a major subject by itself.
If you want to study for a Psychology degree
You can take Criminal Justice and Psychology as your second major in a Bachelor of Psychology, alongside the required major—Psychological Science.
As part of another degree
You can also choose Criminal Justice and Psychology as your second major in one of our flexible undergraduate degrees. For example, Criminal Justice and Psychology works well with:
- Criminology in a Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Public Policy in a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom).
You could also explore the option of a conjoint degree, where you’ll complete the requirements for two degrees at the same time. For example, you might combine a Psychology degree with a Law degree.
Criminal Justice and Psychology as a minor subject
You can also include Criminal Justice and Psychology as a minor subject in most of our Bachelor's degrees.
Find out more about how you can build a degree that suits you.
Study options
Find out how you can study Criminal Justice and Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Future careers
Graduate with the knowledge and skills to pursue a variety of careers relating to the justice system. You could work:
- with New Zealand Police
- at the Department of Corrections as a probation officer
- in government or a community organisation, on justice policy and reform.
If your degree is in Psychology, you may be apply to go on to further study to become a qualified psychologist. As a psychologist specialising in forensic psychology, you might work in a regional forensic mental health service or with the Department of Corrections psychological services.
More career information
Find out more about careers in criminal justice and psychology.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for teachers
TeachNZ offers scholarships if you enrol in an approved undergraduate or graduate teaching course.
Scholarships for Criminal Justice and Psychology
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The fund, which was established at the time of the renovation of the C3 lecture theatre, is to assist a second-year student from any faculty in their studies at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington
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The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It’s a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Criminal Justice and Psychology
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The VSPS constitution states "The Psychology Society offers a range of events that enrich the study of psychology, bring together students at all levels of study, and foster a relationship between students and academic staff outside the classrooms".
Postgraduate study
If you studied Criminal Justice and Psychology as part of a Psychology degree you’ll have a good foundation to apply to study for a Master’s in Science in Forensic Psychology.
Qualify as a forensic psychologist
You can work as a forensic psychologist if you complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Psychology. This full-time, 3-year professional course of study includes a Master’s thesis, and gives you the practical skills and knowledge you need to register and practise as a clinical psychologist.
Entry is very limited—so you’ll need very good grades in your undergraduate degree, and to make sure you complete the prerequisite courses.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.