The Graduate Certificate provides students with a general understanding of key concepts and issues realting to criminal justice from a law enforcement perspective. Students undertaking this short and concentrated program of study will develop valuable skills of analysis and critique. The Certificate may also be used as an entry point into the Institute's Graduate Diploma in Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement), and may provide a pathway to a future higher degree by qualifying graduates for entry into programs such as Masters at various universities.

Objectives
Depending on the choice of subjects, students who complete the Graduate Certificate will gain a general understanding of:

• key concepts, issues, approaches and debates in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement;
• the functions of relevant institutions including police (state and federal), other regulatory authorities and the courts; and
• methods and strategies to assess the objectives and effectiveness of relevant policies, strategies and programs.

Credit Points and EFTSL Value
50 credit points must be successfully undertaken to complete the Graduate Certificate. Each semester long subject (or unit of study) is worth 12.5 credit points, except the tertiary skills program which has no credit point or EFTSL value, but is a hurdle subject.
Each unit of study has an EFTSL (Equivalent Full-time Study Load) of 0.125. The EFTSL value of the Graduate Certificate is 0.5.

Study Load
A full-time study load comprises 4 subjects per semester.


Course Structure

4 subjects (1 semester full-time or up to 4 semesters part-time)
1 core (compulsory) subject + the Tertiary Skills Program
3 electives
A maximum of one level one and one level two electives.

Core Subject

GCJC4101 - Current Issues in Criminal Justice (offered in semester 1)

Electives (see below for subject summaries)

Semester 1
GDCC1214 - Drugs and Crime (level 1)
GICC1120 - Introduction to Criminal Justice I (level 1)
GCLC2108 - Criminal Law I (level 2)
GPLE4427 - Police and Enforcement Studies (level 3)
GFLE4418 - Federal Crime (level 3)
GCTE4407 - Corporate Crime (level 3)


Semester 2
GCPC1209 - Criminal Procedure (level 1)
GEVC3227 - Evidence (level 3)
GSOE4435 - Deviance (Level 3)
GVIC3239 - Victimology (level 3)
GINE4423 - Investigations (level 3)


Tertiary Skills
All students enrolled in the Graduate Certificate must undertake a short course in Tertiary Skills to prepare them for writing and presenting essays, note taking and preparing for and sitting examinations at tertiary level. This subject will be conducted by distance learning and it is a prerequisite for all other subjects in the course.


Subject Descriptions

Corporate Crime
Corporate or "white-collar" crime as it is known introduces the student to crimes that constitute this problem and its varying impacts. The various investigatory and regulatory bodies that are involved within this broad field will be examined together with the individual civil remedies that may be available for victims of such crimes. A number of guest presenters from various authorities provide a practical basis for this subject.

Criminal Law I
This subject introduces the student to basic concepts of criminal law by considering its development and aims. The course addresses the elements of a criminal offence and attention is given to the basis of strict and absolute liability. The course also reviews the more common serious offences such as homicide with a number of practical workshops.

Criminal Procedure
The student will examine and analyse the hierarchy and responsibility of courts in exercising criminal jurisdiction at both State and Federal levels. The subject will then consider the jurisdiction applicable over persons and other entities, and the manner upon which proceedings in the field of criminal justice are conducted.

Current Issues in Criminal Justice
This introductory subject provides students with specific knowledge regarding important contemporary issues in criminal justice, and includes examination of critical perspectives on criminal justice philosophies and strategies and a critical review of current developments within Victoria, nationally and abroad. Students will conduct an investigation into a key area of contemporary criminal justice and present a case study critique.

Deviance
This subject introduces the student to a range of explanations for deviant behaviour, including criminal behaviour in society, and examines the underlying assumptions of major explanatory models and charts their policy implications. A number of practical tutorials will be conducted.

Drugs and Crime
This subject demonstrates the complex individual and social issues involving drugs and criminal behaviour. Students critically examine how drug use/abuse can be viewed as a social, political, legal, health, economic and/or welfare problem. Students also investigate the range of illicit drugs commonly available underground and will critically review contemporary practices such as harm minimisation.

Evidence
This subject examines the application of rules of evidence and how these rules apply within a common law jurisdiction. Areas covered by the course include privilege, hearsay, opinion and expert evidence, and the competence and compellability of persons to give evidence. A number of case studies are conducted including moot court sessions.

Federal Criminal Law
This unit introduces the student to the principal sources and significance of federal criminal law in Australia. On successful completion of this unit, students will understand the sources and nature of federal criminal law, understand and evaluate the functions, role and effectiveness of the principal federal investigatory and prosecutorial agencies, understand and evaluate the involvement of federal investigatory agencies in the identification and investigation of organised crime, including organised revenue fraud, recognise and critically evaluate federal legislation and principles relating to significant federal offences, including drug, money laundering and revenue offences and understand the sentencing structures and sanctions available for federal offences.

Introduction to Criminal Justice
This subject introduces students to the criminal justice system as it exists within the Australian context. The subject allows the student to appreciate the historical development of criminal justice and to understand the principles and policies that are relevant to Australian Criminal Justice. The subject also identifies operational parameters including a critical analysis of the various approaches taken by key agencies.

Investigations
The student will be introduced to the dynamics of investigation including investigatory practices within legal parameters for both public and private bodies. Theories of investigation and the balancing of public interest, individual rights and privacy will be considered. Specific focus will be on the application and influences of technology including surveillance devices and the various statutory requirements that impact upon the investigatory process.

Police and Law Enforcement Studies
This subject will address historical and contemporary issues relative to policing and law enforcement by other statutory bodies. The concept of culture will be analysed and in the context of law enforcement agencies, including the potential impact of culture upon issues such as corruption, officer discretion, and various enforcement methods. Issues regarding use of force, police shootings, and public/private enforcement strategies will be addressed.

Victimology
This subject examines the trends and initiatives that impact upon victims with particular reference to those within the criminal justice system. A number of theories will be considered together with recent legislative changes that increase the opportunity for victims to become active participants within the criminal justice system including concepts for the introduction of victim impact statements and influences at the sentencing stage of proceedings.