Understand crime and its impact
Study crime in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, from graffiti and drug use to family violence, terrorism, and genocide. Examine how crime connects to human rights, colonisation, punishment, rehabilitation, prevention, and deterrence. Investigate how factors like youth, gender, alcohol, and drugs influence offending.
Learn why people break the law and how the media shapes public views of crime. Explore how crime affects victims and their families, and how motivations behind offending vary across different situations.
Look at different types of crime, including white-collar, organised, environmental, and war crimes, as well as new crimes linked to technology. Understand how laws, society, and governments respond to crime and adapt to emerging challenges.
I have learnt how to think beyond the idea I am presented with. Instead of accepting what is put in front of me, I have learnt to keep researching and questioning.
I learnt to think critically and was able to research multiple different areas and perspectives in the criminal justice processes, which I can now apply practically in my work.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of study and scholarship—our Institute of Criminology was established in 1974. We’re internationally renowned for world-leading research and teaching in Criminology.
There’s no better place to study Criminology in Aotearoa New Zealand.
As the capital, Wellington sits at the heart of decision-making around crime. Study where crime policy gets made and engage with those making it. The main agencies for reducing crime and building safer communities are based in Wellington, including with the Department of Corrections, Ministry of Justice, and Police National Headquarters.
Choose your study path
You can study Criminology as a major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts.
Studying another subject alongside your Criminology degree can open up your career opportunities. Complementary subjects could include Anthropology, Sociology, Study of Religion, and other Humanities and Social Sciences subjects.
You may also consider studying a conjoint degree. You could combine Criminology with Law or Psychological Science.
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.
Study options
Find out how you can study Criminology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Criminology graduates gain strong skills in research, analysis, and communication, which are useful in roles like:
Criminology intersects with areas of law, media studies, policy, policing, psychology, and social sciences and graduates work across these diverse areas. This may include working for government organisations involved in youth support, justice, or surveillance and security or working for not-for-profit organisations involved with advocacy, education, rehabilitation, or victim support.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying English at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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This scholarship is designed to support second year students studying History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington by removing financial barriers to study.
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.
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas.
Scholarships for Humanities and Social Sciences
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The Erasmus Scholarship is open to second year students at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington who want to major in Greek or Latin.
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This scholarship was established in 1980 by the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Rt. Hon. Sir John Marshall, GBE, CH, BA, LLM, Hon. LLD, to encourage the study of Political Science at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington. The Scholarship was extended to include International Relations.
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This scholarship was established to encourage students to complete a major in Language Sciences at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, and continue to further study or careers in this field.
Globally ranked
Our Sociology subjects are ranked in the top 200 worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
The QS World University Rankings is an annual global publication that gives overall rankings and subject rankings for more than 1,500 universities worldwide.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue to postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers.
We offer two pathways in Postgraduate Criminology—coursework or research focused.
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.