BUDDING crime enthusiasts will be able to delve into Australia’s complex justice system with the launch of a new course at Ballarat’s Federation University.
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The Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice) course will commence on Thursday and is the first of its kind in Ballarat. More than 40 students are already enrolled.
Federation University Criminal justice lecturer Dr Marg Camilleri said the course had been sparked by a demand for a criminal justice specific course in Ballarat.
The concept for the course was taken from a similar criminal justice course which has been under way at the university’s Gippsland campus since 2006.
Dr Camilleri said the course would look at the way the criminal mind works, the impact crime had on the community and victims and how the justice system changed under the leadership of varying governments.
“There is much conversation about the justice system and sentencing of criminals,” Dr Camilleri said.
“Everybody has different opinions on what sentencing should be given for particular crimes so one of the key areas we will explore is the how the justice system works and what processes are currently in place. It will also open up debate on what direction the justice system will take in the future.”
She said on finishing the course, students would have an in-depth understanding of crime, crime prevention, the criminal justice process and would know how to analyse traditional and radical alternatives for dealing with crime.
Popular culture is also incorporated into the course, with the theory behind televisions shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation explored.
Subjects of the course include forensic psychology, offender profiling, crime and violence in regional areas
and the criminal justice process.
Dr Camilleri said the course opened up pathways to jobs in the Department of Justice, Victoria Police, Department of Human Services and the welfare industry.
“Many young people want to commence a career as police officer or a court officer but they want to have the knowledge behind them before they embark on that,” she said.
“This course breaks down the complex issue of crime and allows students to develop skills which will enable them to be leaders in the industry.”
melissa.cunningham@fairfaxmedia.com.au
