Online Criminology Courses

Build Your Career in Criminal Behaviour and Forensic Science

Criminal Psychology and Forensic Investigation Courses develop your practical skills in behavioural analysis, forensic techniques, evidence review, and clear legal communication. You will learn ethical practice for justice settings, opening pathways into justice and community focused roles.

Overview

Career Outcomes

What careers could you be open to after studying this course?

Behavioural Support Officer

Average salary: AU$70,000 to 85,000 per year

Supports clients displaying challenging behaviours, applies behavioural strategies, conducts assessments, and documents case patterns.

Youth Justice Support Worker

Average salary: AU$75,000 to 95,000 per year*

Assists young offenders, facilitates rehabilitation planning, engages with families, and supports court and custodial processes.

Crime Scene Support Officer

Average salary: AU$80,000 to 100,000 per year*

Assists forensic teams in evidence collection, scene security, documentation, and photography to support investigations.

Legal Administrative Support

Average salary: AU$60,000 to 80,000 per year*

Provides procedural support in police, court, or community agencies including file management, client liaison, and document preparation.

Forensic Laboratory Assistant

Average salary: AU$65,000 to 85,000 per year

Supports laboratory technicians with evidence handling, sample preparation, data recording, and scientific processing.

Intelligence Support or Profiling Assistant

Average salary: AU$85,000 to 110,000 per year*

Assists with data collection, behavioural pattern analysis, risk assessments, and intelligence reporting within justice and investigative teams.

Criminal Psychology and Forensic Studies in Australia

Working in criminal psychology and forensic investigation offers a well defined career pathway shaped by national demand. These fields support Australia’s legal and community sectors through behavioural assessment, scientific investigation, and evidence based interventions.

Key industry data includes:

  • There are currently 665 criminal justice and forensic science jobs advertised across Australia, showing real active demand for investigative, support, intelligence and analysis roles. SEEK
  • There are 265 forensic science related job opportunities listed nationally, highlighting the ongoing need for science based evidence and investigation roles beyond law enforcement. (SEEK)
  • National crime and justice reporting shows there were 340,681 offenders proceeded against by police in 2023-24, underlining the scale of criminal justice activity that supports strong employment in justice and legal support services. (abs.gov.au)

These fields continue to evolve, requiring learners to acquire strong technical capability, behavioural knowledge, and ethical reasoning to contribute to better outcomes for individuals and communities.

What Makes Studying With Us Unique

Empower Communities – Learn to develop programs that build resilience and inclusion for the community

Practical, Job-Ready Skills – Apply theory to real scenarios through hands-on experience in community settings.

Expert Mentorship – Learn from trainers who’ve worked in youth services, mental health, and justice support; professionals who’ve walked the path you’re about to take.

Flexible Learning – Study online, with live evening Zoom classes, 1:1 trainer support, and flexible payment plans starting from $28 per week.

Skills You’ll Develop

Our criminal psychology and forensic investigation courses give learners capability in behavioural science, forensic procedures, and legal reasoning for justice and community contexts.

Across both courses you will learn the:

  • Structured forensic communication and documentation - Record clear case notes, behavioural summaries, and reports that meet organisational and legal requirements.
  • Behavioural and criminological assessment - Use core psychological theories, criminology models, and risk tools to interpret offending patterns and guide intervention planning.
  • Evidence acquisition and analysis - Apply recognised collection methods, chain of custody principles, and basic laboratory processes to capture, preserve, and interpret physical and digital traces.
  • Legal and courtroom practice - Use legal terminology, understand court structures, and prepare documentation that supports solicitors, counsel, and investigative agencies.
  • Ethical, cultural, and collaborative practice - Apply ethical decision frameworks, cultural safety principles, and interagency collaboration strategies to support accountable, trauma informed justice responses.

These core skills help you perform with accuracy, professional judgement, and consistency in criminal psychology and forensic support roles, creating impact and encouraging learners and students every day.

Find the Right Path for You

If you are ready to build capability and contribute to meaningful outcomes, Hader Institute of Education offers two structured study options that prepare learners for progression across psychology, criminology, forensic science, and investigative services.

Criminal Psychology Short Course - Provides core behavioural foundations including mental illness, aggression, gender crime, youth crime, courtroom psychology, and punishment. It builds practical understanding for learners entering behavioural support or justice roles.

Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations Essentials Course - Builds technical depth in forensic science, evidence collection, criminology, criminal profiling, and legal terminology. Learners gain an applied understanding of modern investigative practices and scientific reasoning.

Each qualification supports future study pathways while strengthening capability within Australia’s expanding justice and forensic workforce.

Criminal Psychology Short Course
Forensic Science and Criminal Investigations Essentials Course
Psychology, Crime and Law Advanced Course
Mode of Study
100% Online, Self-Paced
100% Online, Self-Paced
100% Online, Self-Paced
Duration
12 Weeks
12 Months Comprehensive, Career-Focused Learning
12 Months Comprehensive, Career-Focused Learning
Qualification Level
Recognised and accredited by the International Approval And Registration Centre
Recognised and accredited by the International Approval And Registration Centre
Recognised and accredited by the International Approval And Registration Centre
Units Covered
2 Modules and 19 Units
3 Modules and 28 Units
5 Modules and 41 Units
Certification
Certificate of Completion
Certificate of Completion
Certificate of Completion
Work Placement
Not Required
Not Required
Not Required
Average Salary Outcomes
Builds behavioural and justice foundations for roles such as youth justice worker and behaviour support practitioner, where salaries commonly range from AU$75,000 to AU$95,000 per year
Supports pathways into roles such as forensic science technician and crime scene investigator, with typical earnings from around AU$85,000 to AU$115,000 per year based on seniority and work setting.
Explore roles such as legal administrative support, crime scene support officer or intelligence support analyst with Australian salary ranges commonly between $65,000 and $120,000, depending on experience and sector
Career Roles
Youth Justice Support Worker
Behavioural Support Officer
Client Liaison or Advocacy Assistant
Community Outreach or Social Services Officer
Forensic or Legal Administrative Support
Forensic Laboratory Assistant
Crime Scene Support Officer
Legal or Police Administrative Support
Intelligence Analyst (Entry-Level)
Journalism or Research Assistant
Intelligence Support Analyst
Legal or Police Administrative Support
Forensic Laboratory Assistant
Crime Scene Support Officer
Journalism or Research Assistant (crime and law reporting)
Employment Demand
Strong demand for entry level behavioural support, youth justice, corrections, and community outreach roles across court, custodial, and social service settings.
Broad workforce growth in forensic and investigative support, crime scene assistance, legal administration, and intelligence analysis across policing, justice, and regulatory agencies.
Growing demand across justice, legal, investigative, and regulatory sectors for professionals with strong understanding of criminal behaviour, forensic processes, and legal frameworks.
Study Support
Self paced content and online learning resources
Self paced content and online learning resources
Self paced content and online learning resources

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What our students say about us

"Shira who is a Student Recruiter working at Hader Institute of Education was extremely helpful in assisting me pick the right course that I could see myself completing and starting my carer in Youth Work. Great experience, I highly recommend Hader Institute of Education."

Steven Dodman

"Trish has been a fantastic resource and support so far in my learning journey, always offering help when needed. She is very detailed and clear with explaining topics and is very much appreciated."

Kara Galea

"I was in two minds whether to go with TAFE or Hader Institute for my cert IV in youth work and after talking with Eric it was a very easy decision to choose Hader."

Kimmi Ryan

"It was a pleasure to enrol at Hader today. Thankyou Bernard for making the process pleasant and easy.! Excited to start my studies ☺️."

Beebree Shilling

"Very professional experience so far. Great communication and a nice friendly approach is refreshing and helps put you at ease when making such a big decision and change."

Kayleen Clayton

"The course has been thorough and very informative. I encourage all people looking to study youth work to consider the shader Institute."

Daine Spencer

"I love all my teachers but you were so engaging and really catered to my learning style. Thank you!!!"

Tide martino

"They were welcoming from get go, great customer service, very aware and understanding, straight forward with guidance, reassurance and polite with all of the above. I felt no pressure at all, all my questions were answered with optional paths."

RAINA. T

Contact Us

Study online with us today!

info@haderinstitute.edu.au
(03) 8362 3113
G03, 615 Dandenong Road, Armadale 3143 VIC
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