Student studying from home for their Introduction to Criminal Justice course in the online bachelor’s degree. Student studying from home for their Introduction to Criminal Justice course in the online bachelor’s degree. Wananga landing
Undergraduate

Bachelor of Criminal Justice Online

08 October 2025

Get career-ready with Aotearoa’s only online Bachelor of Criminal Justice. Understand the system from governance and law enforcement to rehabilitation and reform. Study law, psychology, sociology, philosophy, Indigenous studies, and human services. Tackle real issues from policing and corrections to youth justice and reform — guided by insights from justice-sector employers.

HOW TO APPLY

Price

Domestic learners

$989* per 15 point course

International learners

$4,736* per 15 point course

*Price is approximate and subject to change based on elective course selection. Fees outlined are based on the 2026 fee schedule and are subject to revision each year. Prices include GST where applicable. Non-tuition fees, such as the Student Services Levy (SSL), will also apply.

Qualification

BCJ
360 points

Duration

3 years full-time
Part-time also available

Entry times

2 February 2026
27 April 2026
13 July 2026
2027

Overview


The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is the first degree of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand — and the only one available online. Designed to meet growing demand for skilled criminal justice professionals across the country, this online bachelor's degree gives you a comprehensive understanding of how our justice system works and where you can make an impact.

You’ll explore crime and justice from every angle, including law, policing, and corrections. You'll also learn about psychology, sociology, and social policy to understand how justice connects to wider social issues in Aotearoa.

With strong links to employers and opportunities to engage with real-world policies and practices, you’ll graduate ready for roles in policing, probation and parole, forensics, social work, investigation, and justice policy. Become part of the next generation shaping safer, fairer communities — all through the flexibility of online criminal justice courses.


Requirements

To enrol in the degree and these online criminal justice courses, you will need:

See admission and enrolment for all information on enrolling at UC. For full entry requirements, see the Regulations for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice online.

Recommended preparation
The BCJ does not require a background in any specific subject at secondary school and is open to anyone with entry to UC. If you're new to academic study, or returning after a long break, you can get prepared by taking our short online Academic Writing Basics course, giving you the skills you need to ace the assignment writing in this online bachelor's degree. 

Not sure if you want to study online or on-campus?

Whether you decide to study online or on-campus, our UC team is here to support you every step of the way.

Structure        


The Bachelor of Criminal Justice online can be studied full-time over 3 years, or part-time over 6 years, subject to course availability. The programme must be completed within 10 years.

Time commitment  
Tuihono UC | UC Online learners study across terms, rather than semesters. We have four terms per year which consist of nine-weeks of study (including a one-week study break), followed by a two-week period of marking and feedback.

Part-time learners complete one 15-point criminal justice course every term, requiring approximately 18.5 hours of study per week. Full-time learners complete two courses every term, requiring approximately 37.5 hours of study per week. Study time includes taking in course material, reflection time and writing assessments. Our criminal justice courses are flexible, enabling you to plan your study around your other commitments. 

Upcoming term dates 
Our current learning dates can be found below (please note: these dates exclude our two-week period of marking and feedback).

2026 dates:

  • 2 February – 5 April 2026
    • Study break: 2 – 8 March 2026
  •  27 April - 28 June 2026
    • Study break: 25 – 31 May 2026
  •  13 July - 13 September 2026
    • Study break: 1 – 16 August 2026
  •  28 September - 29 November 2026
    • Study break: 26 October - 1 November 2026

Please note: these dates are provisional and may be subject to change. 

Begin

Three criminal justice professionals discussing how an online bachelor of criminal justice benefited them.

Begin your learning journey with eight core courses in criminal justice. You'll explore the history of crime and justice, the intricate relationship between ethics, politics, and justice, restorative justice principles, and the psychology and societal factors that influence crime.

 

 

Graduation option: we get it — plans change! At the end of 60 points, you may be eligible to exit early with a Certificate in Criminal Justice.

Develop

Throughout the rest of your online study, you'll explore advanced courses designed to extend your knowledge and skills of the justice sector, closely aligned with the subjects offered in our on-campus programme

Graduate

Complete your studies and graduate with your Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury!

Careers and job opportunities

UC's Bachelor of Criminal Justice is unique in Aotearoa, combining theory with real-world application to prepare you for a dynamic, meaningful career in the justice sector. Developed by academics and industry professionals, the programme equips you with the skills employers are seeking across government, social agencies, and the private sector.

Our graduates work across a diverse range of roles — from Police, Corrections, and the Ministry of Justice; to NGOs, reintegration and restorative justice services. Check out our recent graduate stories to see where a Bachelor of Criminal Justice online could take you.


What you'll study


All learners will start with eight NZQF Level 5 courses that give you the core foundational criminal justice knowledge you need to succeed. You'll then study advanced courses designed to extend knowledge and skills, closely aligned with the subjects offered in our on-campus programme. These options will be confirmed with enrolled learners. 

Description 
This course will provide you with a broad understanding of the criminal justice system, its institutions, processes, and policies. The course aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of how the system operates, including how criminal offenses are defined, how law enforcement agencies investigate and prevent crime, and how courts and correctional facilities deal with those who have been convicted of crimes. The course also aims to explore the unique historical, cultural, and social factors that shape the criminal justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand, such as the country's colonial past, the role of the Treaty of Waitangi, and the impact of contemporary social issues on the justice system. Through this course, you will gain a deep understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of the criminal justice system in Aotearoa New Zealand, and how it can be improved to better serve the needs of the community. We have structured this course into seven modules that will be taught in the following 9 weeks. These modules will be woven together to introduce the broad field of Criminal Justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Evaluate the impact of criminal justice policies and practices that have led to the overrepresentation of Māori and Pasifika in the criminal justice system.
  2. Critically analyse crime and criminal behaviour, including the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to criminal activity. 
  3. Recognise the role of criminological theory in the context of criminal justice.
  4. Develop effective communication and problem-solving skills in the context of criminal justice, including the ability to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner, and to analyse and solve complex problems. 

Description 
Learn about significant historical events and issues that have had a profound impact on the social, political, and cultural fabric of Aotearoa New Zealand. This course will support you in developing a deeper understanding and awareness of our past, and enable you to use this to appreciate the different perspectives, complexities and sensitivities within the justice sector. In 1840 the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed between Māori and the British Crown. This document and its signing saw dramatic changes in the political structures of the country and the lives of its Indigenous peoples. Beginning with the Treaty of Waitangi, this course looks at significant events and issues in the shaping of contemporary New Zealand society. The course will explore issues ranging from early European settlement, the Treaty of Waitangi, colonisation, the New Zealand Wars through to Māori activism, Treaty settlements and claims to self-determination.

Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Explain the meaning, importance and opportunities of the Treaty of Waitangi.
  2. Compare the alternative discourses surrounding the Treaty.
  3. Examine Māori self-determination and Indigenous autonomy.
  4. Compare differing perspectives of insight into New Zealand history through Māori perspectives.

Description 
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC105 you will receive an introduction to the following areas: positive psychology; wellbeing; visual perception; research methods; learning and behaviour change; forensic psychology; neuropsychology; drugs and behaviour; memory and cognition; and health psychology.


Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Define some of the key terms in the study of brain, behaviour, & cognition.
  2. Explain why people might behave the way they do, and the mental processes that give rise to their behaviour.
  3. Practice some of the research techniques that are used to gain scientific knowledge in psychology.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to read original journal articles and interpret research writing in psychology.
  5. Demonstrate elementary abilities in handling quantitative data in psychology.
  6. Demonstrate abilities to write clearly about research procedures and data in a research report.

Description 
Legal method in the criminal law context provides an introduction to understanding legal concepts, the sources of law, and the structure of the criminal justice system in New Zealand. Students will be introduced to important concepts and definitions and to the techniques of legal reasoning, case analysis and statutory interpretation through an examination of criminal cases and laws. They will also be introduced to the impact Tikanga and customary law has on understanding legal method in New Zealand. Students who study this course will be well equipped to understand legal method from a New Zealand criminal law perspective. 

Description 
What should we do when justice and freedom conflict with each other? This course will introduce you to moral and political philosophy, examining ideas and arguments about how we should live our personal, social and political lives, and the crossover into the criminal justice system. It introduces you to moral and political philosophy by examining ideas and arguments about how we should live our personal, social and political lives. What makes our actions right or wrong: our culture, our minds or emotions, facts about the world, or God’s commands? Is pleasure the only thing that has inherent value? Are right actions the ones that bring about the most happiness? Justice and freedom also seem to matter, but what should we do when justice and freedom conflict with happiness or with each other? Should people be free to do whatever they want if they don’t hurt others? Should we always obey the law? Is taxation legalised theft? We discuss these questions and more. The course will give you first an introduction to ethics and an introduction to philosophical questions about social and political justice. 


Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Identify the reasons people have for some moral and political views.
  2. Describe some of the central problems of moral and political philosophy and proposed answers to these problems.  
  3. Develop research-based arguments about moral and political philosophy.

Description 
The course introduces students to the diverse realities of 'youth' with a focus on multiple contexts. Students explore the concept of youth and the cultural, historical, political and economic contexts in which young people live and the decisions that they make. We critically consider the issues that place young people outside the margins of dominant society, and the responses, models and theoretical frameworks used in youth studies.


Learning Outcomes

On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to demonstrate:

  1. Competent digital literacy and capacity to undertake literature searches, and assess the relevance of literature to topics/issues under consideration.
  2. The ability to consider the relevance of issues of ethnicity, class, and gender in the analysis of social change processes for youth.
  3. An understanding and knowledge of bi-cultural and cultural diversity.
  4. Capacity to engage in discussions and debates wherein they convey a beginning ability to think reflexively or develop theoretical questions from data and literature.

Description 
Psychology is a diverse and thriving science devoted to understanding behaviour and the human mind. In PSYC106 you will receive an introduction to five major domains: personality, abnormal, social, developmental, and organisational psychology. You will also learn about the different research methods used in each of these domains. 

Description 
This course will introduce students to the issue of violence in society and its impact on communities. The course will introduce the concept of structural violence and explore the links between interpersonal violence and structural violence. Key topics include economic violence, colonial violence, cultural violence, gendered violence, political violence and family violence.


Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, it is expected that learners will be able to: 

  1. Examine the social, economic, and political implications of violence on New Zealand society, and globally.
  2. Explore invisible forms of violence (slow violence) emanating from dominant social, political and economic structures.
  3. Introduce the area of gendered violence.
  4. Consider inter-species violence and oppression.
  5. Consider formal and informal social responses to violence.

Our people


The Bachelor of Criminal Justice online is coordinated by Dr Jayson Ware, with contributions from Dr Marozane SpamersDr Madi Williams, Professor Helen Farley, and other industry professionals and Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury academics. 

Headshot of Dr Jayson Ware, Director of Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury.
Dr Jayson Ware
Director of Criminal Justice | University of Canterbury

Jayson Ware is the Director of Criminal Justice at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. His research is focussed on offender treatment and rehabilitation, particularly the effective treatment of sex and violent offenders, as well as offender denial and acceptance of responsibility.

Before coming to UC, Jayson worked as the Group Director for Offender Services and Programmes at Corrective Services New South Wales. His research and lecturing experience come from a desire to translate academic findings into simple, pragmatic solutions for practitioners and policy makers, with numerous publications in journals, textbooks and case studies.

Dr Marozane Spamers
Dr Marozane Spamers
Lecturer | University of Canterbury

Marozane Spamers is a lecturer in criminal justice at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Her research interests are in the intersection between law and mental health. She is particularly interested in mental health in context of the criminal justice system and the multidisciplinary approach required to coordinate a best practice response to mental health issues in criminal law, policing, and corrections.

An overarching goal of her work is determining how criminal law and criminal justice policy can be utilised to ensure that human rights obligations are realised. Marozane’s approach to research is based on the view that law does not operate in a vacuum and that the legitimacy of the legal and criminal justice system can only be ensured if legislation and policy are evidence-based.

Headshot of Dr Madi Williams, Senior Lecturer in Aotahi - School of Māori and Indigenous Studies at the University of Canterbury.
Dr Madi Williams (Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Koata)
Senior Lecturer | Aotahi School of Maori and Indigenous Studies | University of Canterbury

Madi Williams is a Senior Lecturer in Aotahi - School of Māori and Indigenous Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury. Her research interests include Te Waipounamu iwi histories and New Zealand history, with a particular focus on the histories of Te Tauihu; oral traditions and myth; and the Global Middle Ages, with a focus on Polynesia.

Headshot of Dr Helen Farley, Director of Criminal Justice at the University of Canterbury.
Professor Helen Farley (1968 - 2025)
Director of Criminal Justice | University of Canterbury

Professor Helen Farley was the Director of Criminal Justice in the Faculty of Law. Helen was a much-loved member of our university community and will be remembered for her warmth, immense positivity, her big heart and care for others, and academically for her commitment to prison education in particular for women.

Her work and contribution to criminal justice live on in this online Bachelor of Criminal Justice, with a Helen Farley Memorial Prize living on in her memory. 

Testimonials

Stay updated


If you're keen to know more, stay updated on when enrolments open for future intakes, or ask a question, please sign up for updates below.

Cap & minimum enrolment threshold: a minimum number of learners is needed for effective interaction and feedback, while a maximum cap of learners ensures high quality learning and support. If the minimum number of enrolments required for a course isn’t met, or the maximum cap is exceeded, learners will be given the option to defer their study or receive a refund.

FAQ

This programme is designed for learners in rural or regional areas, those balancing work or whānau, career changers, and anyone who cannot relocate for on-campus study. Interactive online learning (including live online sessions) help you stay connected, no matter where you are in Aotearoa.

The online Bachelor of Criminal Justice is a unique and professionally relevant qualification designed to prepare you for a career in the justice sector. You’ll gain practical skills and theoretical knowledge across policing, law, rehabilitation, and criminal justice policy, all delivered online. 

You’ll graduate with the same internationally recognised University of Canterbury degree as on-campus students. Not sure what a bachelor's degree actually is? Learn more about this undergraduate qualificiation

Bringing together the latest industry-informed learning applicable to your life and career, the Tuihono UC | UC Online Bachelor of Criminal Justice gives you the same quality education as our on-campus programme, with the flexibility of online learning.

This includes 24/7 access, academic advice and technical support, giving you the support to study anywhere, anytime, at your pace.

Yes, this online degree is designed to fit around your life. Even the synchronous (live online) sessions are recorded if you can’t attend the scheduled time. (These are usually held on weekday evenings.) 

Part-time learners take one course per term, studying approximately 18.5 hours per week over nine weeks (excluding the one-week study break). 

No, but we get why that would be a concern! Learning online doesn't mean learning alone with live online sessions, interactive forums with fellow learners, and our academic and learner support team here to help you grow. 

If you're new to academic study, or returning after a long break, we'd recommend taking our short Academic Writing Basics course.

This 50-hour online course can be completed at your own pace with four intakes per year. Developed by academic writing experts, you'll learn the skills you need to evaluate and find key concepts in academic resources, an introduction or refresh on the basics of formal writing, and the skills you need to confidently write assignments for the courses in this degree.

The programme typically takes three years full-time (two courses per term) or six years part-time (one course per term), depending on course availability. All study must be completed within 10 years.

We recommend a laptop or desktop computer and a reliable internet connection. For most courses you'll need to download and populate assignments. These are usually available as Microsoft Word documents.

 

The estimated cost of tuition fees per 15 point course based on the 2026 fee schedule:

  • for domestic learners is $989* incl GST
  • for international learners is $4,736* plus GST if applicable.

The estimated programme investment for the 360 point programme based on the 2026 fee schedule:

  • for domestic learners is $23,736* incl GST
  • for international learners is $113,664* plus GST if applicable.

Price is approximate and subject to change based on course selection. Please note that the fees are charged on a per year basis and the amount charged reflects the number of courses/points enrolled in the current year. These are based on the 2026 fee structure and subject to revision – you can learn more about the University of Canterbury’s Tuition fee structure here.

Student Services Levy costs
Each year university students around Aotearoa New Zealand are charged a Student Services Levy (SSL) in addition to their tuition fees. All the SSL money collected can only be used for the benefit of students - never for academic or administrative costs.

The SSL is automatically calculated on how many points you enrol in per academic year, capped at a maximum of 150 points. Tuihono UC | UC Online learners are charged a reduced SSL rate, which is 20% of the usual on-campus student levy. This is calculated as $2.06 per academic point in 2026. You can learn more about the Student Services Levy here, and more about UC Support Services here.

There are a range of options you can use to finance your study, which you can learn more about here.

StudyLink student loans

We know that many of our learners plan to use a StudyLink student loan to finance their study. If you're considering StudyLink, it can take up to a month to process your loan application. Learn more about StudyLink student loans here.

Fees Free

If you're eligible for the Government's Fees Free initiative, this funding can cover the cost of your final year's tuition fees for the Bachelor of Criminal Justice.

If you are first time tertiary learner you may be able to get your fees covered for 1 year's study equivalent to 1 EFTS (120 credits) or $12,000. You can directly check your eligibility using your National Student Number (NSN) here

Employer payments

If your employer is financing your study and wants to pay via invoice, credit card or bank transfer, this can be arranged after your application is approved. Please note that your employer will need to provide a written guarantee of payment so you can start learning from your preferred start date. This must be signed by them and specify:

  • name and address of the company, employer, or sponsor
  • student name and address
  • amount to be paid by the company, employer, or sponsor

Scholarships

Each year we offer a range of Tuihono UC | UC Online scholarships. We also encourage learners to check out other University of Canterbury scholarships they may be eligible for.

A range of other organisations also fund scholarships nz, which you can explore:


For further information, please contact Student Finance. You will only be fully enrolled when your fees are paid. Fees cannot be paid by instalment.

Studying online allows for flexibility in completing coursework, and the University of Canterbury's programme provides learners with the same quality education and resources as the on-campus programme.

Graduates will be equipped with a unique qualification that will prepare them for a career in the criminal justice fields, in particular roles within police and the justice sector. The Certificate is also relevant for work in other areas of government including prisons, probation and parole; criminal justice policy; forensics; public and private investigation and security; and social work. Find out more.

NZGovt Key information for students

 

The content of the programme is the same, but the online programme offers greater flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. You can study anywhere, at your own pace, while accessing live sessions and interactive learning.

Learners have access to the same support services as on-campus students, including academic advising, technical support, and library resources. There are also great resources for both Canterbury based and remote learners at the UC RecCentre. Learn more here.

Learners also have the support of our Tuihono UC Learner Experience team

Applications are made online through our website – check to see if you can apply now or sign up to stay updated.

If you are a domestic learner, the below process will apply. If you are an international learner, the application process is slightly different, and we recommend getting in touch with our enrolment team at info@uconline.ac.nz to answer any questions.

For domestic learners, your application will be assessed by our academic team to make sure you meet all entrance criteria (including academic and english language requirements). We may be in touch to ask you further questions about your experience, or to request additional supporting documentation. If your application is accepted, you will be sent an 'Offer of Place' to let you know your enrolment has been conditionally approved.

Following this, we will generate an ‘Enrolment Agreement’ outlining your courses, fees and student agreement, which you need to sign and accept. Your enrolment is only complete when the fees outlined in this agreement are paid in full (view payment options), at which point you’ll become ‘Fully Enrolled’ and receive a ‘Welcome to Tuihono UC | UC Online’ email with details of your next steps to start learning. If you have any questions during the enrolment process, please get in touch with our team via info@uconline.ac.nz

Learners are expected to participate actively in forum discussions, and complete assessments on time. 

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice is a standalone professionally relevant degree, but also provides pathways into postgraduate qualifications, such as the Master of Criminal Justice, available on-campus at the University of Canterbury.

We are also developing our online offerings — if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list

An on-campus version of this degree is available through the University of Canterbury.

You can also learn more about other on-campus Criminal Justice qualifications, such as the Master of Criminal Justice.

We are also developing our online offerings - if you'd like to hear about our latest news and offers, join our mailing list

The Certificate in Criminal Justice is a shorter, standalone qualification ideal for upskilling or career entry. The Bachelor of Criminal Justice is a full undergraduate degree providing deeper study, more courses, and broader career pathways.

Not sure what's right for you? Don't worry — you can apply towards the qualification you think you're most likely to complete, and either exit early with a CertCJ, or credit your courses and continue towards the BCJ.

Yes, once you've successfully completed the Certificate in Criminal Justice, you can apply to credit 45 points towards the Bachelor of Criminal Justice, at the discretion of the relevant University of Canterbury faculty Dean.

Read the full requirements in the UC general conditions for credit regulations.

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