Breadcrumbs

Map NZ Map World

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.

Apply to enrol

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 Science15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
This paper introduces the topics, theories, and approaches that make up Crime Science. The central focus is on understanding crime.
DATAX111Statistics for Science15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Tauranga) & 24C (Hamilton Waikato College)
An introductory paper in statistics that uses Microsoft Excel. Topics include the collection and presentation of data, basic principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, regression and the analysis of categorical data.
DATAX121Introduction to Statistical Methods15.024A (Hamilton), 24A (Secondary School - Unistart) & 24X (Hainan University, Haikou, China)
An introduction to statistical data collection and analysis. Topics include general principles for statistical problem solving; some practical examples of statistical inference; and the study of relationships between variables using regression analysis.

200 Level

Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
CRSCI201Understanding Crime Events15.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (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.
DATAX201Practical Data Science15.024B (Hamilton), 24B (Online) & 24B (Tauranga)
This paper gives students practical experience for the entire data science process. It covers the data collection process, data cleaning and manipulation, and data visualisation and presentation.
DATAX221Statistical Data Analysis15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper introduces students to the R programming language which is used to investigate a collection of real data sets. Analysis of variance, multiple regression, non parametric methods and time series are covered.
ENVPL201Introduction to Resource Management15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper is designed to provide students with an introduction to law and policy relevant to the practice of environmental planning and management in Aotearoa-New Zealand.
ENVPL203Urban Development in Aotearoa New Zealand15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper will introduce students to the theory and practice of urban development in Aotearoa-New Zealand cities.
FPSYC201Psychology and Crime15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (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 Data15.024A (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
ENVPL300Planning in Aotearoa New Zealand15.024A (Hamilton)
This paper provides students with a practical understanding of the broad range of different types of contemporary urban planning which occurs in New Zealand cities, towns and regions.
ENVPL309Urban Spatial Analysis15.024B (Hamilton)
This paper will provide students with hands-on spatial analytical skills for environmental planning practice in an urban context. Students will develop quantitative problem solving and spatial thinking skills applied to real-world problems such as sea-level rise and housing inequality.
GEOGY328Geographical Information Systems15.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
GIS is used widely in a range of industries and government agencies, and graduates competent in GIS are sort after for employment. This paper is compulsory for the GIS minor and covers all aspects of GIS analysis, including remote sensing and model building. ArcGIS Pro is used in the labs and students have the opportunity to instal...
IRSST331Cyber Security and the Global Politics of the Internet15.024B (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

Find your scholarship



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