Security and Crime Science (2024)

Crime Science uses evidence-based information together with scientific approaches and methods to reduce crime and threats to security. Security and Crime Science is a multidisciplinary subject and draws upon such subjects as Computer Science, Geographic Information Systems, Political Studies, Population Studies, Psychology and Statistics.


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  • Prescriptions for the PGCert(SCS), PGDip(SCS) and MSCS[1]

    To complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Security and Crime Science PGCert(SCS), Postgraduate Diploma in Security and Crime Science PGDip(SCS), or Master of Security and Crime Science (MSCS), students must complete CRSCI501 and CRSCI502.

    Students completing a PGCert(SCS), will need to complete an additional 30 points from the 500 level papers listed for Security and Crime Science, excluding the 60 point dissertation.

    Students completing a PGDip(SCS), will need to complete an additional 90 points from the 500 level papers listed for Security and Crime Science, excluding the 60 point dissertation.

    Students enrolled in a 180 point MSCS will take the compulsory papers and additional papers to a total of 120 points from the 500 level papers listed for Security and Crime Science, including CRSCI592 or CRSCI594.

    Depending on previous study, students who have an honours degree or a postgraduate diploma in a subject other than Security and Crime Science may be given a waiver of 15 points of the taught papers required for the MSCS, except for the compulsory papers.

    [1] The MSCS will not be offered in 2023.

  • Prescriptions for the PhD

    The Doctor of Philosophy is a three year research-based degree in which students undertake a programme of approved and supervised research that leads to a thesis which critically investigates an approved topic of substance and significance, demonstrates expertise in the methods of research and scholarship, displays intellectual independence and makes a substantial original contribution to the subject area concerned, and is of publishable quality.

  • 500 Level

    Code Paper Title Points Occurrence / Location
    COMPX502Cryptography15.0No occurrences
    An introduction to cryptographic methods.
    COMPX518Cyber Security15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper introduces the key topics in the important field of cyber security. It will cover various aspects of defensive, offensive and preventative security. Selective topics from a wide range, such as security vulnerabilities, secure software, intrusion detection and prevention, cryptography, applied cryptography, authentication...
    COMPX521Machine Learning Algorithms15.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper exposes students to selected machine learning algorithms and includes assignments that require the implementation of these algorithms.
    COMPX532Information Visualisation15.024A (Hamilton)
    This paper aims to provide an awareness of the potential offered by information visualisation techniques, a familiarity with the underlying concepts, and an understanding and ability to effectively design and apply information visualisations in a given context.
    CRSCI501Foundations of Security and Crime Science 115.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Online)
    This paper introduces the topics, theories, and approaches that make up Crime Science. The central focus is on understanding crime.
    CRSCI502Foundations of Security and Crime Science 215.024B (Hamilton) & 24B (Online)
    The focus of this paper is on crime as a potentially preventable event. Crimes occur in a patterned way that is partly determined by situational factors and people's decision-making. This paper introduces students to theories about crime events, and approaches to analysing these events.
    GEOGY538Automated Spatial Analysis using Geographic Information Systems15.024X (Block)
    Automated GIS, using programming or scripts, are extremely powerful compared to the 'point and click' environment, and are the most practical method for the spatial analysis of large data sets. GIS professionals are expected have the skills to write their own scripts, as well as execute and manipulate existing scripts. In this pape...
    GEOGY558Applied Geographic Information Systems for Research and Planning15.024A (Hamilton)
    GIS is used widely in a range of industries and government agencies, and graduates competent in GIS are sort after for employment. This paper is designed as an introduction to GIS for graduate students and is co-taught with GEOGY328. It covers all aspects of GIS analysis, including remote sensing and model building. ArcGIS Pro is u...
    IRSST506International Relations and Global Security30.024B (Hamilton)
    This paper teaches and utilises major international relations theories to consider pressing global issues. This includes the causes of war and peace, globalisation, the Cold War, the widening security agenda, terrorism, the environment, inequality, new technologies, and international institutions.
    IRSST507Cyber Security and Cyber Warfare15.024B (Online)
    This course examines the political, strategic, legal and economic debates around cyber security and cyber warfare. Particular emphasis is placed on how militaries, national security agencies, and law enforcement are adapting to online threats and incorporating cyber in their strategic planning.
    LEGAL501Advanced Evidence Law30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues in Evidence Law. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    LEGAL526Legal Aspects of Cyber Security30.024A (Hamilton) & 24A (Tauranga)
    This research seminar paper provides an advanced-level examination of critical issues regarding the legal aspects of Cyber Security. Students complete a supervised research project of up to 12,500 words.
    PSYCH575Kaupapa Māori Psychology15.024A (Hamilton)
    Students develop a critical understanding of Kaupapa Maori psychology, and how it is sensitive to context, conscious of history and responsive to multiple ways of knowing and being in the world. This paper will cover topics relevant to students who wish to work and research as psychologists in applied settings. Topics covered inclu...
    PSYCH580The Psychology of Criminal Conduct15.024B (Hamilton)
    Over recent years correctional psychology has been developing into a specialised discipline with strong career paths for clinicians and researchers. This paper is designed to introduce individuals to the theory and practice of psychology applied to the analysis, prevention, assessment, and treatment of criminal behaviour.

2024 Catalogue of Papers information current as of : 22 September 2023 8:09pm

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