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Crime Science

Crime Science is a multi-disciplinary, evidence-based problem-solving field that focuses on understanding the drivers of crime, to provide tools and information that will reduce victimisation and increase the safety and quality of life for all New Zealanders.

Crime Science can be studied as a minor in any undergraduate degree at The University of Waikato.

Students will develop specialist knowledge in security and crime topics, and transferrable skills such as the ability to think like scientists, critically analyse theories and research, and identify and solve practical problems using a scientific approach.

Students will gain knowledge of various types of data analysis, and of ethical, legal, human rights and civil liberties issues.

Students will understand the relevance of the Treaty of Waitangi in addressing crime in New Zealand, and will be able to apply what they have learned across security, law enforcement and criminal justice organisations.

Employment prospects include police, security agencies, the private sector (e.g. fraud and cybersecurity specialisms) and throughout the criminal justice system.

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Key information

Study Locations:Hamilton, Online
Papers offered differ by location. The Catalogue of Papers has full location info.
Area of Study:

Career opportunities

  • Crime Prevention
  • Law Enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Crime Analyst
  • Policy Analyst
  • Fraud Analyst
  • Government Researcher
  • Data Scientist
  • Cybersecurity Professional

Study in Tauranga

Tauranga students can study via the online options.


100 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CRSCI101Introduction to Security and Crime Science15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
This paper is an introduction to topics, approaches and disciplines that help to define Security and Crime Science's approach to reducing and preventing crimes before they happen, thus helping to create safer communities.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CRSCI201Understanding Crime Events15.023B (Hamilton) & 23B (Online)
The focus of this paper is on crime as a potentially preventable event. Crimes occur in a patterned way that is partly determined by situational factors and people's decision-making. This paper introduces students to theories about crime events, and approaches to analysing these events.
FPSYC201Psychology and Crime15.023A (Hamilton) & 23A (Online)
Crime is a result of how people think, feel, and behave within their ecological context, making psychology one of the core disciplines in understanding, explaining and addressing problems associated with crime.
GEOGY228Introduction to Geographical Information Systems and Big Data15.023A (Hamilton)
GIS and big data are revolutionising the application of Geography in the job market. This paper provides foundational knowledge in digital Geography and Geographical Information Systems, which are used at level 3 and postgraduate level. Students will develop confidence in the use of GIS, cartography, and data handling techniques.

300 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
IRSST331Cyber Security and the Global Politics of the Internet15.023B (Online)
This course explores the global politics of cyber security and the internet. It covers the major political/strategic/theoretical debates around enhancing the security of computer systems and how states and non-state actors are responding.

To complete a minor in Crime Science, students must complete 60 points from CRSCI101 CRSCI201, GEOGY228FPSYC201 or IRSST331.

For more information about subject requirements please refer to the Catalogue of Papers for the most up to date information.

If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080 or email: [email protected]


Scholarships and prizes

New to Waikato? The International Excellence Scholarship is worth up to $10,000.

Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships

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Contacts

If you have any questions and need more advice contact one of our friendly student advisors phone: 
Phone: 0800 800 145 or +64 7 838 4080
Email: [email protected]

or check out Te Puna Haumaru New Zealand Institute for Security and Crime Science

Contact:  Lisa Thomson [email protected] at NZISCS