Students

CRIM8021 – Criminology in Practice

2026 – Session 2, Online-flexible

General Information

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Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Abbie Hartman
abbie.hartman@mq.edu.au
Consuelo Martinez Reyes
consuelo.martinezreyes@mq.edu.au
Credit points Credit points
10
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Admission to MCrim
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description

We study criminology not just to understand crime, but to shape how we respond to it. This unit bridges the gap between academic insight and professional practice, preparing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings where critical thinking, ethical judgment, and practical skills matter most. This unit adopts an experiential, practice-based approach. Students will apply their criminological skills in settings that foster collaboration, critical reflection, and engagement with contemporary justice challenges. Students will engage with contemporary justice challenges through scenario-based learning and collaborative problem-solving. They will explore how criminological insights are used to inform decision-making and drive innovation in practice. Emphasis is placed on building connections with leading stakeholders and experts across the sector, and on developing the skills to contribute meaningfully to ethical, effective, and forward-thinking justice solutions. Students will gain confidence and experience in applying criminological theory to practice, developing the skills to navigate complex justice environments, engage with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to ethical, evidence-informed decision-making.

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • ULO1: Apply criminological knowledge and theory to real-world contexts.
  • ULO2: Collaborate with peers, practitioners and stakeholders to address contemporary criminal justice challenges.
  • ULO3: Communicate complex and evidence-based criminological understandings to diverse audiences.
  • ULO4: Critically reflect on your role, values, and impact in professional justice settings.
  • ULO5: Propose practical and ethically informed responses to address contemporary societal challenges.

General Assessment Information

Rubrics and indicative samples are provided in iLearn as additional guidance on standards of achievement for different assessment types. Submission of most tasks is via iLearn, but there maybe use of other submission platforms, such as an e-book. All assessment tasks are compulsory and must be submitted on time. Assignment tasks handed in early will not be marked and returned before the due date. Late Assessment Submission Penalty Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a mark of ‘0’ (zero) will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11.55pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical issue. This late penalty will apply to non-timed sensitive assessment (incl essays, reports, posters, portfolios, journals, recordings etc). Late submission of time sensitive tasks (such as tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, scheduled practical assessments/labs etc) will only be addressed by the unit convenor in a Special Consideration application. Special Consideration outcome may result in a new question or topic. The granting of extensions is subject to the university’s Special Consideration Policy. Extensions will not be granted by unit conveners or tutors, but must be lodged through Special Consideration: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/my-study-program/special-consideration Reassessment of Assignments during the semester Macquarie University operates a Grade Appeal Policy in cases where students feel their work was graded inappropriately: http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html In accordance with the Grade Appeal Policy, individual works are not subject to regrading.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due Groupwork/Individual Short Extension AI Approach
Practice Reflections 50% No 08/11/2026 Individual Yes Open
Criminal Justice Innovation Pitch 50% No Exam period Individual No Observed

Practice Reflections

Assessment Type 1: Reflection task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: 08/11/2026
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: Yes
AI Approach: Open

Students will create a portfolio to reflect on their experiences, values, and learning in relation to criminological practice. (8 x 250 words)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Apply criminological knowledge and theory to real-world contexts.
  • Critically reflect on your role, values, and impact in professional justice settings.

Criminal Justice Innovation Pitch

Assessment Type 1: Presentation task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 30 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 50%
Groupwork/Individual: Individual
Short extension 3: No
AI Approach: Observed

Students will collaboratively propose a practical justice innovation to address a contemporary challenge. (10 mins)
On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Collaborate with peers, practitioners and stakeholders to address contemporary criminal justice challenges.
  • Communicate complex and evidence-based criminological understandings to diverse audiences.
  • Propose practical and ethically informed responses to address contemporary societal challenges.

1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:

  • the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
  • Academic Success for academic skills support.

2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation.

3 An automatic short extension is available for some assessments. Apply through the Service Connect Portal.

Delivery and Resources

All unit lectures and readings are online. All other unit content, including the simulations for this unit, will be delivered online.

Policies and Procedures

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct

Results

Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit connect.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au

Academic Integrity

At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Academic Success

Academic Success provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.

The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources. 

Student Services and Support

Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:

Student Enquiries

Got a question? Ask us via the Service Connect Portal, or contact Service Connect.

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit https://students.mq.edu.au/support/technology/service-desk. 

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Unit information based on version 2026.11 of the Handbook