Law
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Subjects
- Law
Criminology –
Study the nature and causes of crime, and consider how society responds to crime through community action or the criminal justice system. Strengthen your abilities in research and analysis, and improve your communication skills.
Crime is a complex and rewarding subject of study. What drives someone to commit a crime—the thrill of the act itself, or social factors like inequality or the influence of peers? Why are we fascinated by crime TV shows like CSI? How can our views of ‘crime’ change—might we decriminalise drug use? How can we explain our society that pursues severe punishments to deal with some offenders, while engaging in restorative justice with others?
Criminology draws on different disciplines—including sociology, law, psychology, social policy, history, and cultural studies—to give you a broad understanding of crime and the way that New Zealand and other societies deal with harmful behaviours. Find out how crime is defined, why people offend, and how we should respond to criminals and victims.
9,400
Projected total prison population in New Zealand in 2032. (Ministry of Justice, 2022)
Reframing crime
Learn about crime's social and cultural dimensions, including the relationships with wealth and poverty, colonisation and racism, gendered inequalities, and age dynamics. Look at past attempts to solve the 'problem' of crime and consider alternatives.
You'll also think critically about crime as a social construct—how can we explain, for example, our different response to crimes committed by corporations than that given to individual offenders?
Examine the way crime is represented in society, through the media, and analyse the impact this has on the way we understand law-breaking.
Skills for life
Hone your research abilities, learn to use techniques like statistical analysis to draw conclusions, and develop the capacity to understand and debate a single issue from multiple viewpoints.
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.
Full storyEmily Fairless
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology
After you graduate
Criminology graduates go on to work in interesting and rewarding jobs. They progress to roles in the criminal justice sector, for example within police, corrections, or government departments like the Ministry of Justice. They are also involved in activist non-governmental groups which support victims and lobby for criminal justice policy change. Many are engaged with community organisations, providing significant supports to those dealing with crime. Quite a few have progressed to work in politics, law, media and, of course, academia.
Wellington is at the centre of the country's political and cultural life. It's the site of New Zealand's highest court of appeal, the Supreme Court. There's always something going on—whether you're into football or rugby, music or theatre, or the nightlife of Courtenay Place and Cuba Street.
Support for students
Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington is a welcoming place with great student support. There are all sorts of resources available to help you get the best out of your time at university.
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