Studying a Criminology double degree

Meet Olivia – she is a student in the Bachelor of Criminology / Bachelor of Cyber Security course and shares some of her experience of studying at Deakin University.

Olivia

Why did you choose your particular course?

Olivia: I’ve always been fascinated by crime shows like Hawaii 5-O and NCIS, and for a long time, I dreamt of becoming a detective. That early interest led me to pursue criminology as I wanted to understand the complexities of crime and justice. I realised I was more drawn to the behind-the-scenes work— understanding cybercrime, why it happens, and how it’s executed. That’s when I knew I wanted to focus on the intersection of criminology and cybersecurity. Deakin’s program stood out to me because it not only offered a broad criminology curriculum but also gave me the opportunity to explore cybercrime in depth. The beautiful campus and welcoming environment were just icing on the cake.

Tell us about your experiences in your course.

Olivia: My experience in the criminology and cybersecurity course at Deakin has been eye-opening. In my very first criminology class during my first year, my perspective on crime and criminals shifted completely. I had always thought that the world of criminology was very black and white—good versus bad—but I quickly learned that it’s far more complex than that. The way crime is understood, the factors that lead to it, and the responses to it are filled with grey areas that require critical thinking and empathy. This revelation has been one of the most inspiring aspects of my studies.

One of the key lessons I’ve learned is that there are rarely simple yes or no answers—everything is layered and often, there are multiple factors that contribute to any given situation. This has taught me to approach problems with a more critical and analytical mindset, which I know will be invaluable in my future roles.

Olivia: One key thing I’ll take away from Deakin is the belief that growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Every challenge, every new skill, and every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and evolve. Deakin has shown me that success isn’t just about what you know, but about being open to change, embracing the unknown, and always striving to be better. In my future, I’ll carry with me the idea that progress happens when you’re not afraid to push your boundaries.

Olivia is studying the Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Cyber Security at Deakin University.