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Understand people. Shape the future.
The world is changing, bringing new challenges for individuals and the communities we live in. Understanding human behaviour, the issues shaping society and the causes and impacts of crime has never been more important.
Studying social sciences and criminology is about looking beyond the surface, asking questions and gaining a deeper understanding of the world around us.
At Western, you’ll explore the ideas and research that help us make sense of people and society, building the knowledge and skills to make a difference in the lives of others.
Which study path is right for you?
There’s more than one way to understand people and the world around us. Whether you’re curious about what shapes human behaviour, interested in crime and justice or want to understand the issues facing our communities, find the path that fits you.
Criminology and Criminal Justice
Look beyond the crime.
Explore the causes and impacts of crime, from offending and victimisation to policing and the justice system. Develop a deeper understanding of the challenges facing individuals and communities, and how we can work towards a safer and fairer society.
Social Sciences
See the world from a different perspective.
Discover how people, cultures and societies shape the way we live. From social inequality and identity to globalisation and urban life, learn how communities evolve and how our experiences are shaped by the world around us.
Where can these degrees take you?
Depending on your studies you could explore careers in community services, youth work, social research, policy development or crime prevention.
Your career options will depend on your chosen degree, the experience you gain and any additional qualifications required for your field.
Turn your curiosity into something meaningful
Whether you want to understand people, explore the issues behind crime or make sense of a changing society, your studies can give you a new perspective on the world and the opportunity to make a difference.
Explore the degrees at Western and find the study path that feels right for you.
Alumni story
"Crossing the graduation stage will not only be significant for myself and my family, for this achievement, but it will also be an inspiration to many young men and women, especially refugees who have dreams but never had the opportunity or confidence to work towards achieving those dreams.
Having lived in a refugee camp in Kenya, where humanitarian workers played a vital role in supporting refugees and providing refugees with basic needs, and having benefited from the work and dedication of many humanitarian workers, I made a decision that when I got an opportunity to get into humanitarian work, I would do it to make a positive impact and contribute my part towards making the world a better place.
The learning environment has been inclusive and conducive, with a lot of support in place. I joined Western Sydney University with little confidence, however, in my second semester, I was fully confident in what I was doing.
My long-term goal would be to become a voice for the voiceless and encourage young people to pursue education because I believe in the transformation of education."
John Akway Cham, Bachelor of Humanitarian and Development Studies
Frequently asked questions
Explore what drives crime, how it affects individuals and communities and how the justice system can respond. You could pursue careers in youth justice, corrections, policing, welfare or research.
At Western Sydney University, the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice explores offender assessment, rehabilitation and community-based justice helping you understand different approaches to justice and supporting communities.
From social inequality and identity to the way our cities and communities change, Social Sciences helps you make sense of the issues shaping people's lives. You could explore careers in community work, government, international development or social research.
At Western Sydney University, the Bachelor of Social Science lets you tailor your studies through a choice of majors and minors with opportunities to build practical skills in research, communication and community engagement.
If you're interested in understanding social issues and helping shape the communities we live in, Social Sciences could be a path worth exploring.
Yes. Western Sydney University offers policing study options including the Bachelor of Policing and the Associate Degree in Applied Policing which is delivered in partnership with the NSW Police Force.
These courses can help you build the knowledge and practical skills for a career in policing. Entry requirements and recruitment processes apply, so check the course details to find the pathway that suits you.
If you're interested in more than one area a double degree lets you combine two fields of study and build knowledge and skills across both.
Western offers a wide variety of options including the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice/Bachelor of Social Work, and Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Social Science.
At Western you'll connect what you learn in the classroom with real-world practice. Depending on your degree this could include research experience, practical projects or work placements.
The Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice connects theory with practice through subjects focused on offender assessment and rehabilitation. Social Science students can also choose placement subjects to build workplace skills in research, communication and community engagement.
These opportunities can help you develop practical skills and help you be better prepared for your chosen career.
Explore our degrees
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International students: Call +61 2 9852 5499 or email the team.