What prerequisites are required?
A minimum study score of 25 in English is required. VCE Legal Studies and Psychology are an advantage.

How many students are accepted into the course each year?
Approximately 400 students apply for the course, and we have 130 places for first year students. Although it is competitive to get a place we consider each application.

Are AIPS students all school leavers?
The majority of first year students come straight from VCE, but a number of students also currently work in the criminal justice, public safety or security systems and wish to enhance their knowledge, professional capacities and career prospects.

If I am accepted into the course, am I able to defer before I start?
Yes, you are permitted to defer for up to one year. Your place will be kept so there’s no need to reapply.

When can I visit the campus?
We have an Open Day on the second Sunday in August. You are also welcome to come and inspect the facilities at any time, by appointment with the Prospective Student Officer.

How can my parents find out more about the Institute?
Parents are most welcome to come to Open Day. They can phone at any time and talk to a Prospective Student Officer, or come and visit the Institute by appointment. We also have a Parent Information Evening for newly enrolled students.

How can my careers teacher find out more about the Institute?
The Institute holds a Careers Teachers Day in May each year. Careers Teachers are welcome to visit at any time or contact a Prospective Student Officer. Institute staff will gladly visit individual schools upon request. There is a Careers Teachers page on the website - www.aips.com.au.

Where is the Institute?
Port Phillip Arcade, 228-236 Flinders Street, Melbourne directly opposite Flinders Street Railway Station.

Can I study part-time?
Yes – but you must be aware that the degree will take at least twice as long to complete. Most part-time students attempt to study at least part of the course full time. Please note that part-time students will be required to attend daytime classes. Evening classes are not generally available until third year.

How long does the degree take and how many units do I study?
3 years full-time or 6 years part-time, assuming a normal study load is undertaken and all subjects are passed at the first attempt. The courses consist of 24 subjects: 21 core subjects and three electives. Eight subjects are studied each year.

What qualification do I end up with?
A Bachelor of Social Science Degree, majoring in Criminal Justice or Public Safety or a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Security.

Is the qualification equivalent to a degree from a university?
Yes, the degrees are accredited by the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and overseen by the Higher Education Board to ensure that the courses are of the same standard and quality as any university.

How many students are there at the Institute?
There are approximately 300 students across three year levels.

Are the degrees recognised in the field?
Yes, a large number of organisations hold career information sessions at the Institute.

Are Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) available?
No, because the Institute receives no government funding. However, eligible students may apply for a Commonwealth Government loan - FEE-HELP – whereby students will be offered a loan of the amount of the full tuition fee charged. This loan will be repaid to the Government through the taxation office once the student begins to earn over a certain amount.

How much do the courses cost?
For local students in 2007, tuition fees will be $780 per enrolled unit of study. A full-time study load comprises eight units of study per year, so the cost of studying at AIPS for the 2007 academic year will be $6240.
For international students in 2007, the tuition fees will be $10,500 per year.


Can I claim the Youth Allowance or Austudy while studying?
Yes, provided you meet Centrelink’s other criteria.

Can I get Student concessions on public transport?
Yes, bring the concession form in after your fees are paid, and the Institute will endorse it.

Is housing available?
The Institute does not have its own student housing. There is nearby student accommodation, which we can refer you to. Alternatively, students can share rental houses with others students, or board with families. For more information, look at the housing information section of our website.

Is car parking available?
No, but all forms of public transport are readily available.

How are students assessed during the program?
A range of assessment methods are used, including essays, exams, research projects, debates and class presentations.

Timetabling and Contact Hours
The academic year is divided into two 17 week semesters, including 13 weeks of classes per semester. Full-time students typically undertake four subjects per semester, which entails twelve contact hours per week. In the first half of semester 1 of first year, there are 5 subjects and 14 contact hours per week.
Contact is usually divided into a 2 hour lecture and a 1 hour tutorial or a 3 hour seminar per subject per week. Subjects are generally timetabled on four days of the week. Classes are generally scheduled during the day, between 9:00am and 5:00pm. Part time students also attend daytime classes.
Timetables change every semester.

Who will be teaching me?
The courses are taught by criminal justice experts with a wide range of current professional and academic experience, most of whom currently work in their area of expertise.
This means students are exposed to teaching staff who able to teach the theory as well as discuss current trends, practices and professional applications. For teaching staff profiles, click on the Staff Profiles button on the menu at the left of this page.

What type of teaching can I expect?
Mostly large formal lectures and smaller interactive tutorials as well as seminar style classes. Field trips, lectures by visiting experts, debates, practical workshops, class presentations and final year practical work placements are also incorporated into the teaching.

What else is available at the Institute to help with my studies?
First year students study an innovative and valuable subject, the Skills Enhancement Program, which is designed to teach many tertiary level skills such as academic writing.
The Institute has an excellent and well-resourced library, which is staffed by qualified librarians. The library has the most up to date books, journals and electronic resources, and computers with Internet access.

If I am having problems affecting my ability to study, where can I go for help?
The academic and student administration staff are happy to discuss any study-related problems you may be experiencing. For students who feel that their academic performance is being adversely affected by personal problems, a student counselling service is available, staffed by psychologists and social workers.