Auckland University of Technology (AUT) is one of New Zealand’s leading modern universities, recognised internationally for practical education, research excellence, industry engagement, and career-focused learning.

AUT is especially known for:

• applied teaching methods,
• strong graduate employability,
• interdisciplinary learning,
• supportive international student services,
• modern campuses and research facilities.

Why Study Postgraduate Diploma in Criminology and Criminal Justice at AUT?

This programme is designed for students who want to:

• deepen their understanding of crime and justice systems,
• critically analyse criminal justice policies,
• develop advanced research skills,
• explore youth justice and human rights issues,
• build careers in justice, corrections, policing, or social policy.

The programme focuses on:

• critical thinking,
• research capability,
• communication skills,
• analytical problem-solving,
• understanding social harm and justice systems.

Students explore:

• policing and prisons,
• youth crime,
• indigenous and Pacific perspectives,
• children’s rights,
• criminal justice policy,
• criminological research methods.

Programme Structure and Subjects

Students complete 120 points through specialised criminology and criminal justice courses.

Core Courses

• CRIM800 – Social Harm, (De)criminalisation, Discourse and Power
• CRIM801 – Police and Prisons: Local and Global Perspectives of Social Control
• CRIM802 – Youth Crime, Youth Justice and Indigenous/Pacific Perspectives
• CRIM803 – Children, Teens, and the Law
• CRIM804 – Approaches to Criminological and Criminal Justice Enquiry
• SOSC806 – Human Rights Research Methods

Topics and Areas of Study

The programme explores:

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

Students also examine:

• myths surrounding crime,
• effectiveness of criminal justice approaches,
• community responses to offending,
• global and local justice systems.

Disciplines and Specialisations

The programme itself is a specialised postgraduate qualification focused entirely on:

• Criminology,
• Criminal Justice,
• Human Rights and Social Justice perspectives.

It also acts as a pathway into:

• Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue careers in:

• criminal justice agencies,
• policing and corrections,
• youth justice,
• public policy,
• social services,
• human rights organisations,
• community advocacy,
• justice-sector research.

Potential Employers

• Department of Corrections
• Ministry of Justice
• Ministry of Social Development
• New Zealand Police
• New Zealand Customs
• Human rights organisations
• Local government agencies
• Community and non-government organisations

Possible Career Roles

• Corrections Officer
• Criminal Justice Advisor
• Policy Analyst
• Youth Justice Worker
• Community Development Officer
• Human Rights Advocate
• Research Analyst
• Crime Prevention Specialist
• Social Policy Consultant

Highlights of the Programme

• Advanced Level 8 postgraduate qualification
• Strong focus on social justice and criminology
• Research-oriented learning
• Flexible part-time study options
• Weekend block-course structure
• Indigenous and Pacific justice perspectives
• Human rights research integration
• Pathway to Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Industry-relevant and socially focused curriculum

Latest Updates and Special Notes

• The programme is currently not open to new students.
• Weekend block courses provide flexibility for working professionals.
• The programme emphasises M?ori, Pacific, and vulnerable community perspectives in justice systems.
• Students interested in advanced study may consider AUT’s Master of Criminology and Criminal Justice as an alternative pathway.

Visa Requirements for International Students

International students generally require:

• Valid New Zealand student visa
• 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