Master of Neuroscience and Criminology

In an evolving criminal justice landscape, neuroscience is increasingly recognised for its role in understanding human behaviour, including criminal actions. As the first course of its kind in Australia, UNE’s Master of Neuroscience and Criminology provides a unique, multidisciplinary approach, equipping you to explore the neurobiological processes that underlie criminal behaviours—a field of study with vast potential for advancing crime prevention, policy, and rehabilitation efforts.

Whether you’re safeguarding a career in criminal justice, law enforcement, mental health, or policy-making, or are a newcomer to the field, this course will immerse you in the interdisciplinary field of neurocriminology, offering insights into the neural underpinnings of criminal behaviour and its broader social implications.

Why study the Master of Neuroscience and Criminology at UNE?
At UNE, you’ll learn from renowned experts in both neuroscience and criminology who provide insights into the intricate neurobiological factors influencing criminal behaviour. Our innovative curriculum balances comprehensive theory with practical applications, allowing you to critically evaluate neurological research and apply these findings to real-world scenarios in criminal justice settings.

With UNE’s reputation for high-quality online education, you’ll benefit from an accessible, world-class learning experience. Our students consistently award us 5-star ratings in The Good Universities Guide for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you study with us, you know you’re in safe hands.

What makes our course different?
The first course in Australia to explore this interdisciplinary field, our curriculum emphasises practical applications in addition to theoretical understanding, providing practical instruction in subjects like forensics, experimental design, and statistical analysis—readying you to contribute meaningful solutions to complex social issues in the real world. In this course, you will have the opportunity to:

• Develop expertise in neurocriminology, building advanced knowledge in neuroanatomy and behavioural science to explore how neurological factors contribute to criminal actions and influence justice systems and policies.
• Build comprehensive analytics skills, critical thinking abilities and effective communication techniques. This will prepare you to engage persuasively with professionals across various crime and justice settings.
• Access to our Centre for Rural Criminology, a world-first hub of collaborative international research which seeks to understand all aspects of rural crime in order to help build safe and resilient communities.
• Exit early with a qualification in hand. If you need to finish your studies earlier than expected and you meet the requirements, you can exit with a Graduate Certificate in Neuroscience and Criminology or Graduate Diploma in Neuroscience and Criminology.
• Study flexibly online. We know you’re busier than ever, so it’s a good thing UNE are the experts in online education. We’ll support you to study when and where you want.