Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) degree
Justice & Policing
A course by
University of Canterbury
A unique, interdisciplinary degree providing knowledge and skills for roles in the criminal justice sector, covering law, criminology, psychology, sociology, and human services, and preparing graduates for impactful careers in justice, law enforcement, corrections, and related fields.
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Core skills this course teaches
Understand the New Zealand criminal justice system
Gain foundational knowledge of the structures, policies, and processes that make up New Zealand’s justice system, including governance, enforcement, rehabilitation, and justice policy development.
Apply interdisciplinary approaches to justice
About This Course
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) at the University of Canterbury is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only degree of its kind, offering an interdisciplinary foundation in criminal justice, criminology, law, psychology, and human services. The BCJ emphasizes both theoretical and practical aspects of crime, justice systems, and preventive strategies. Students explore the causes of crime, the functioning of justice institutions, and approaches to effective crime prevention and rehabilitation. The degree offers a wide selection of electives, opportunities for double degrees, and strong connections to the justice sector, setting graduates up for a diverse range of justice-related careers.
Course Content
- Foundations of criminology and criminal justice
- New Zealand’s criminal justice system
- Law enforcement processes
- Corrections and offender rehabilitation
- Criminal law and procedure
- Development and behavioural psychology
- Human services in justice
- Policing studies
- Preventative justice (programs to prevent harm)
- Specialist electives: Forensic Science for Criminal Justice, Psychology and Law, Colonialism and the Criminal Justice System, Mental Health and Criminal Justice, Transnational Criminal Law, Serious Financial Crime
Entry Requirements
University Entrance (UE) or equivalent secondary school qualification
Build towards these roles
Law enforcement (NZ Police, border control)Corrections (Department of Corrections)Offender rehabilitation and reintegration servicesCriminal law practiceVictim advocacy rolesSecurity and intelligenceRestorative justice servicesTech or environmental agencies with justice focus
