Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to theories for contemporary criminal justice. It covers a broad spectrum of issues such as punishment within corrections and treatment options, transnational organised crime, alternative approaches to prevent crime, and applied criminal justice evaluation. Theoretical frameworks will be illustrated with case studies in these research fields. The unit enables students to critically examine the current criminal justice landscape on a national and international level.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Non-standard teaching periodUWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) explain drivers of contemporary approaches to crime on a global and local scale; (2) critically analyse the penal situation in Australia and abroad; (3) apply their knowledge of approaches to crime to actual cases; (4) demonstrate research skills appropriate for locating and assessing relevant primary and secondary materials; and (5) communicate information, ideas and argument related to the field of penal policy in a coherent and logical manner in both written and oral forms.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) research essay; (2) three minute thesis; and (3) class participation. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Professor Hilde Tubex
Unit rules
Prerequisites
For Master of Public Policy
or Graduate Certificate of Public Policy students without a recognised Law degree: LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions.
Contact hours
Students must attend all sessions on 30 July, 6, 20 and 27 August 2025. Attendance is compulsory. Refer to the timetable website for further information.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.