AUT – Knowledge that Works is one of New Zealand’s leading modern universities, internationally recognised for practical learning, industry engagement, research excellence, and strong graduate employability.

Located in Auckland, AUT offers:

• industry-connected education,
• modern campuses and research facilities,
• multicultural student support,
• applied and research-led learning,
• flexible postgraduate study opportunities

Why Study Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice at AUT?

The programme is designed for students who want to:

• critically analyse criminal justice systems,
• understand the causes and impacts of crime,
• explore youth justice and social harm,
• examine indigenous and human rights perspectives,
• build advanced research and policy skills,
• contribute to justice-sector reform and social change.

AUT’s programme strongly focuses on:

• M?ori and Pacific community perspectives,
• vulnerable populations,
• children and youth justice,
• colonisation and justice systems,
• social justice and human rights,
• evidence-based criminal justice approaches.

Students learn how:

• ethnicity,
• social class,
• gender,
• age,
• and colonisation

Topics and Areas of Study

The programme explores:

• criminological theory,
• social justice,
• youth justice,
• prisons and policing,
• human rights,
• indigenous justice perspectives,
• criminal justice policy,
• criminological research methods,
• social harm and control,
• children and legal systems,
• colonisation and justice structures.

Students critically examine:

• myths surrounding crime,
• effectiveness of criminal justice systems,
• global and local approaches to policing and incarceration,
• vulnerable populations within justice systems.

Disciplines and Specialisations

The programme itself is a specialised postgraduate qualification focused on:

• Criminology,
• Criminal Justice,
• Social Justice,
• Human Rights perspectives,
• Youth Justice studies.

It also provides preparation for:

• doctoral research,
• advanced policy work,
• justice-sector leadership roles.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• criminal justice agencies,
• corrections,
• youth justice,
• public policy,
• human rights organisations,
• social services,
• law enforcement support,
• community advocacy,
• criminological research.

Potential Employers

• Department of Corrections
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Social Development
• Local authorities
• National and international human rights organisations
• New Zealand Customs
• New Zealand Police
• Community and non-government organisations

Possible Career Roles

• Criminal Justice Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• Youth Justice Specialist
• Corrections Programme Coordinator
• Human Rights Advocate
• Community Development Officer
• Criminology Researcher
• Social Policy Consultant
• Justice Sector Analyst

Highlights of the Programme

• Advanced Level 9 master’s qualification
• Strong focus on social justice and reform
• Indigenous and Pacific justice perspectives
• Research-intensive postgraduate learning
• Thesis or dissertation pathway
• Flexible part-time study option
• Human rights research integration
• Pathway toward doctoral study
• Industry-relevant and socially impactful curriculum

Student and Community Insights

Student discussions about AUT frequently describe the university as:

• practical and applied,
• supportive,
• less theory-heavy than some traditional universities,
• focused on student engagement and real-world learning.

Criminology students particularly highlight:

• supportive tutors,
• practical learning approaches,
• interactive teaching styles.

Latest Updates and Special Notes

• The programme is currently not open to new students.
• Research supervision availability may affect future admissions.
• The programme strongly emphasises M?ori, Pacific, and vulnerable-community perspectives.
• Students interested in criminology may wish to enquire about alternative AUT postgraduate pathways in social sciences and public policy.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• a valid New Zealand student visa,
• an Offer of Place from AUT,
• proof of tuition fee payment,
• evidence of sufficient living funds,
• valid passport,
• medical insurance,
• English language evidence,
• health and character documentation.