Criminology and Criminal Justice at Griffith University

Introduction

• Speaker: Michael Townsley, Head of School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Institution: Griffith University
• Notable Points:
  • Largest criminology department in Australia
  • Ranked in the top 10 internationally

Definition of Criminology

• Criminology is a diverse exploration of crime
• Draws from various disciplines including:
  • Law
  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
• Broadly studies:
  • Making of laws
  • Breaking of laws
  • Societal reaction to law-breaking
  • Origins of crime and motivations for criminal acts
  • Responses to crime

Scope of Criminology and Criminal Justice

• Covers various social problems:
  • Burglary
  • Vehicle crime
  • Money laundering
  • Human trafficking
• Criminology is dynamic and ever-changing

Academic Community at Griffith

• One of the biggest criminology communities in Australia
• Nearly 50% of academics are from overseas, bringing diverse perspectives
• Academics teach in their areas of expertise

Study Programs

• Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice:
  • Three-year focused degree
• Double Degrees:
  • Combine criminology with complementary disciplines
  • Graduates obtain two distinct degrees and skill sets
  • Enhanced employability

Mission at Griffith

• Aim: Create a safer and more just society
• Achieved through:
  • Generating new research findings
  • Educating future criminal justice professionals
• Goal: Improved safety and justice in society