Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Social Science School
This course explores the challenges that convicted offenders face through processes of rehabilitation, reentry, and reintegration. Through an exploration of a range of corrections topics, students will gain knowledge about current and past correctional management practices. Students will be exposed to evidence-based concepts, research and policy from experts in the field. Students will gain critical knowledge and skills that will help them to contribute as practitioners in the field.
Given dramatically rising imprisonment rates in Australia and other countries, it is necessary to increase our understanding of correctional practices and their contribution to the rehabilitation and re-entry of prisoners. This course enables students to explore evidence and research on correctional systems, rehabilitation practices and effective offender risk assessment, treatment, re-entry, and reintegration. The course examines research, policy and practice across different correctional domains and examines data on offending risks and rehabilitation programs. The course gives students the opportunity to learn about and apply skills and concepts necessary to work in a correctional practice setting.
The course involves weekly seminar activities that will help you to develop knowledge and skills in relation to correctional practice. The topics of the seminars vary and will include interaction with field practitioners who are expert in areas of offender risk assessment, rehabilitation and community-based corrections.
The course relies heavily on Blackboard in order to provide students with learning materials and activities relevant to each week’s learning module. Students are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with the course Blackboard site before the first week.ﾠ
Students are expected to spend at least 8 hours each week on this course. This time can be divided roughly into three contact hours, which comprise a combination of seminar discussion, recorded and/or live lectures, and Industry Partner presentations. The remaining five non-contact hours should be spent carefully reading and critically reflecting upon the required readings, as well as reviewing previous class materials and completing the assessment tasks.
Course requirements
Assumed background
For students who have not completed CRIM1019 Introduction to Criminal Justiceﾠand CRIM2100 Punishment & Society, it is strongly recommended that you contact the course coordinator about preparatory reading for this course.ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
CRIM1000 or CRIM1019
Course contact
School enquiries
Student Enquiries School of Social Science
Level 3, Michie Building (09), St Lucia campus, The University of Queensland.
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-4:00pm.
Course staff
Lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Students enrolled in CRIM3100 will meet on campus each week.
It is not possible to join the weekly seminar via Zoom.
Students are required to actively participate in seminars activities and submit a discussion worksheet to supplement their engagement with the seminar discussion.
See the "Assessment" section in the course profile for further details. Please refer to UQ Public Timetable for the most up-to-date timetable information.ﾠ
Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email the School of Social Science Administration Team at student.socsci@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details: full name, student ID, and course code.
Aims and outcomes
The aim of this course is to provide students with the ability to critically reflect on the current theoretical and evidence-based processes and practices of correctional work. Correctional practice and policy related to rehabilitation have changed in ways that affect both offenders and workforces. The intention of this course is to provide knowledge and critical-thinking and practical skills for students interested in the diverse and dynamic fields related to offender re-entry and corrections more broadly.ﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand core theories, principles, and practices of offender rehabilitation, re-entry and reintegration;
LO2.
Demonstrate enhanced skills of critical thinking and reflection in diverse contexts;
LO3.
Demonstrate enhanced communication employable in diverse settings; and
LO4.
Demonstrate capacity to review, evaluate and apply evidence for achieving best practice outcomes.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation |
Group presentation (includes verified secure assessment in class)
|
25% 25 percent of mark |
10/09/2025 5:00 pm
in-class presentation |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
HCR-20V3 risk assessment assignment
|
35% 35 percent of mark |
17/10/2025 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Offender rehabilitation plan
|
40% 40 percent of mark |
10/11/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Group presentation (includes verified secure assessment in class)
- Identity Verified
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Presentation
- Weight
- 25% 25 percent of mark
- Due date
10/09/2025 5:00 pm
in-class presentation
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
In week 7 the class will be set a group exercise to be completed in class time. The task will require students to work in groups (3-4 people), complete their allocated question relating to a correctional problem.
Presentations of answers only need to be 10 minutes. Groups should record a presentation. It should provide your answer and any examples and list references, or sources used to complete the problem. You can refer to websites and link to them during your presentation if you wish. The topics will be allocated at the beginning of class.
A short, recorded PowerPoint presentation must be prepared for submission.
· The exercise will relate to a correctional policy problem that will require students to present a range of policy recommendations.
· It is important all students actively participate in these group exercises.
· Group members will need to be allocated specific tasks during the sessions.
· The answers will be marked out of 25. All group members will be allocated the same mark.
If you miss the group exercise you must provide appropriate documentation and you will be required to complete the assessment at another arrangement time organised with the lecturer. You will also be allocated a new topic. This is only an option if you miss this in class assessment due to extenuating circumstances such as sickness. This is not an option if you have other commitments (e.g., work). If you do not provide acceptable documentation as per my.UQ, you will forfeit the 25 marks.
The aim of the assessment is for students to problem solve within strict time frames. It will teach you how to work under pressure and collaboratively.
The recorded presentation is to be submitted through Blackboard by 5.00pm on the day of the assessment. Only one member of the group needs to submit the presentation on behalf of the whole group.
Submission guidelines
The recorded presentation is to be submitted through Blackboard by 5.00pm on the day of the assessment. Only one member of the group needs to submit the presentation on behalf of the whole group.
To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
If you miss the group exercise you must provide appropriate documentation and you will be required to complete the assessment at another arrangement time organised with the lecturer. You will also be allocated a new topic. This is only an option if you miss this in class assessment due to extenuating circumstances such as sickness. This is not an option if you have other commitments (e.g., work). If you do not provide acceptable documentation as per my.UQ, you will forfeit the 25 marks.
Group issues, individual performance issues, or member illness are generally not considered sufficient grounds for an extension of a group assessment item. These issues should be actively managed by the group and the Course Coordinator, as appropriate (Applying for an assessment extension - my.UQ - University of Queensland). Extensions for group assessment may only be considered in exceptional circumstances: please see my.UQ for more information.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assignments submitted after the final due date will accrue a late penalty of 10% per calendar day (including weekends and public holidays) of the marks available for the assessment item. Late submissions of extension requests in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
HCR-20V3 risk assessment assignment
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35% 35 percent of mark
- Due date
17/10/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Students will complete a risk assessment on an offender profile, using the HCR-20 V3 risk assessment framework. You need to write up a case formulation and arrive at a final risk rating for the offender relating to their risk of violent offending based on the HCR-20 V3. Outline scenario planning to mitigate or reduce reoffending risk if the offender was to be released on parole. Your case formulation can be up to 1500 words maximum not including references. The report can be single spaced, and you should use headings to delineate key sections. You should provide a reference list at the end of your report.
Students will select ONE of two offender profiles. These profiles will be made available on the 13-10-2025 at 8.00 am and students will have until 2.00 pm 17-10-2025 to submit their risk assessment report. This assessment requires students to apply a risk assessment tool on a hypothetical offender profile and to complete a risk assessment within a specific time frame. This assessment reflects work integrated learning. Relevant materials for this assessment are on the course learning site (Blackboard).
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Offender rehabilitation plan
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40% 40 percent of mark
- Due date
10/11/2025 2:00 pm
- Other conditions
- Work integrated learning.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This is a work integrated learning assessment.
You will prepare a correctional rehabilitation plan for a hypothetical offender case supplied in the course. Students will draw on international research literature and course learnings to propose, explain and defend a treatment plan. The plan must also include a critical assessment of the value and limitations of the plan.
The plan will be 2,000 words in length (plus or minus 10% re length, excluding references).
Details about the topic and further instructions for the completion of the plan will be available on Blackboard. Marking criteria and/or marking rubrics are available in the ‘Assessment’ folder in Blackboard for this course.
You are required to draw upon existing scholarship and empirical and authentic evidence (including and beyond assigned course readings). Your paper must include proper citation and reference of sources. You must follow the APA 7th style of referencing, please refer to the guide available in the library. Appropriate sources include monographs, journal articles, and government reports. Publications that are available electronically (such as from the Trends and Issues series from the Australian Institute of Criminology, reports of the Crime and Misconduct Commission, or articles from journals available through the library’s electronic holdings) can be used.
Your research paper must be double-spaced and typed (in 12-point font), with each page numbered. Please ensure that you have proofread your paper.
Submission guidelines
You must submit your assignment electronically by the due time, on the due date.
Your assignment must be submitted via Turnitin on blackboard. To submit your assignment electronically log in to https://learn.uq.edu.au/ultra with your UQ username and password, then click on Course Code>>Assessment>>Assignments, and use the appropriate assignment submission link for each piece of assessment. No e-mailed submissions of assessments will be accepted.
By uploading your assignment via Turnitin, you are certifying that the work you submit is your own work except where correctly attributed to another source. Do not submit your assignment if it contains any work that is not your own.
You are required to retain proof of submission of your assessment. Your Digital Receipt is available for download from your Assignment Dashboard. If you cannot see your submission and download your digital receipt, your assessment has not been successfully submitted; please submit again.
If you are experiencing technical difficulties with Blackboard, please contact the ITS Support Team.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Please note that from Semester 2, 2025 the Assessment Procedure has changed. You must submit a request for an extension as soon as it becomes clear you need an extension. Your request should be submitted no later than the assessment item's due date and time.
The request must be accompanied by supporting documentation corroborating the reason for the request. A list of acceptable reasons for an extension and the evidence you must provide can be found here. Your request may be refused if you do not meet the acceptable reasons for an extension. The student submitting the request is fully responsible for all supporting documentation that is provided with the request and should ensure all documents are authentic.
Students who are registered with Student Support and Wellbeing Services may apply for an extension without providing documentation. This extension request must be the student’s first extension request for the assessment item. If you proceed with an extension request based on your SAP, you will be ineligible to use your discretionary extension for the same assessment item. In the School of Social Science, extensions on the basis of an approved Student Access Plan (SAP) can be approved for a maximum period of 7 calendar days. Subsequent extensions for a piece of assessment will require students to provide their SAP along with additional supporting documentation (e.g., a medical certificate or other supporting evidence listed on my.UQ).
A student is eligible for a discretionary extension for one assessment task per semester for a duration of 2 calendar days or less. A discretionary extension may only be used on a student’s first extension request for an assessment task.
A student may have a maximum of 3 extension requests approved for a single assessment task. If a third extension is necessary, you must submit an Assessment Management Plan in addition to your supporting documentation with your request. In exceptional circumstances, a fourth extension may be requested through the grievance and appeals process.
Extension requests exceeding the maximum extension period stated for a piece of assessment will only be considered under exceptional circumstances (circumstances outside of your control) with additional supporting documentation.
Late applications must include evidence of the reasons for the late request, detailing why you were unable to apply for an extension by the due date and time. The School of Social Science will not accept personal statements.
Extension requests are processed and managed by the School of Social Science Administration Team.
Extensions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Assignments submitted after the final due date will accrue a late penalty of 10% per calendar day (including weekends and public holidays) of the marks available for the assessment item. Please note that late submissions in your final semester of study could delay your graduation by up to one semester. Work will not be accepted if it is more than one week (7 calendar days) late without prior approval.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 1 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
See course blackboard site for the marking rubric.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Supplementary assessment is an additional opportunity to demonstrate that the learning requirements for an eligible course have been satisfied and that the graduate attributes for the course have been attained. Supplementary assessment may only be granted where Supplementary Assessment – procedures allow. A passing grade of 4 (or P) is the highest grade that can be awarded in a course where supplementary assessment has been granted. For further information on supplementary assessment please see my.UQ.
Additional assessment information
Academic Integrity: All students must complete the Academic Integrity Modules https://www.uq.edu.au/integrity/
School Guide for Written Assessments: School of Social Science Guide for Written Assessments
Release of Marks: The marks and feedback for assessments will be released to students in a timely manner, prior to the due date of the next assessment piece for the course. This is with the exception of the final piece of assessment. The marks and feedback for the final assessment item will only be made available to the student on the Finalisation of Grades date at the end of semester.
Assessment Re-mark: For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ: https://my.uq.edu.au/querying-result
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
For all course readings see the CRIM3100 Blackboard site.
UQ Assignment Writing Guide: Steps for writing assignments - my.UQ - University of Queensland
Zinsser, W. (2006). On Writing Well. 30th anniv. ed.
ﾠ
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Seminar |
Introduction: Course aims & dominant theoretical paradigms of offender rehabilitation: risk & desistance Aims of the course are explained and key concepts defined. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Seminar |
Current rehabilitation models and tools The RNR and Good Lives model of offender assessment and rehabilitation are covered. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
No class Ekka public holiday Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Seminar |
Week 4: Facilitating offender change (guest speaker). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Seminar |
Rehabilitative practices – common tools and programs Key approaches to offender rehabilitation are covered. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Seminar |
Working with offenders and additional support programs (VET, Arts, family contact). Supports and assistance to offenders are examined including VET, Art programs and the importance of family contact. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Problem-based learning |
In class presentations Class presentations Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03 |
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Seminar |
Risk assessment The practice of offender risk assessment is covered including various risk assessment tools. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Seminar |
Rehabilitation of violent offenders, drug offenders and sex offenders The treatment of various offender types are explored and effective programming examined. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
Mid-Semester Break Mid-semester break - no classes. |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Seminar |
1: Indigenous offenders; 2: Rehabilitation challenges This lecture is divided into two sections: 1: Covers rehabilitation and risk as it relates to Indigenous offenders; 2: Examines a range of rehabilitation challenges pertaining to engaging offenders and facilitating desistance. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
General contact hours |
Risk assessment assignment due – no class - Course coordinator available in class for consultation on risk assessment assignment Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Seminar |
Re-entry and working with offenders in the community Parole and community reintegration will be covered. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Seminar |
Parole boards and decisions to release or cancel a parole order The role of the parole board is covered, including parole board decision-making. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.