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Comparative Criminal Justice Field School in Melbourne, Australia
Description
This field school compares and contrasts how Canada and Australia structure and administer their criminal justice systems, examining similarities and differences in law, policing, courts, corrections, and community-based justice. It also considers broader issues like globalization, surveillance, security, and social control, using comparative analysis to identify patterns and policy insights that deepen critical understanding of justice.
Using a comparative framework, the program highlights both similarities and key differences between the two countries. Canada and Australia share common law traditions and colonial histories, including ongoing challenges related to Indigenous overrepresentation in the justice system. These shared foundations provide a basis for critically analyzing how different policies and practices lead to distinct justice outcomes.
Through immersive learning experiences in Melbourne, students engage directly with justice institutions and community organizations. This hands-on approach allows them to observe systems in practice and draw informed comparisons.
Combining academic rigor with experiential learning, the field school helps students develop critical thinking, cross-cultural awareness, and a deeper understanding of how legal systems operate in different social contexts.
Courses
Students who complete the field school will be enrolled in the following two courses:
- CRJS 2011- Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (3 credits)
- CRJS 2012- International Criminal Justice Field School Part B (3 credits)
The prerequisite for both courses is CRJS 1003.
Interested students should confirm their ability to use both courses for credits with their academic advisor prior to joining the field school.
Program Dates
The field school will run for 14 days, plus travel days in the month of May 2027.
Pre-departure classes and preparation on campus will occur before travel during this time period.
Exact dates will be confirmed after the group is formed.
Information Sessions
For more information, please attend a scheduled information session.
| Wednesday, September 23 | 2:30 - 3:20 pm | EA 2034 |
| Wednesday, October 7 | 1:00 -1:50 pm | EA 2034 |
If you are unable to attend the information session, please contact Tanya Trussler or Harpreet Aulakh directly.
Application Deadline
Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
Application Process
Before applying for a field school, students should ensure they have familiarized themselves with the general field school requirements and policies.
To apply for the field school, submit the following form including (1) your unofficial mruGradU8 transcript and (2) Statement of Intent, by the deadline.
- Australia Field School Application Form (link when ready)
Program Costs
Australia Field School Program Fees - $3,222.00
The Australia Field School Program Fees include:
- Accommodation;
- All course-related excursions, visits, activities;
- Contingency funds;
- Faculty expenses and MRU administration fees.
Program fees are payable online or in person at the Office of the Registrar (A101), according to the payment deadlines outlined in the following table. Instructions for making the deposits will be provided directly to successful applicants:
| 1st deposit* | November 13, 2026 | $750 |
| 2nd deposit | January 22, 2027 | $1236 |
| 3rd deposit | March 19, 2027 | $1236 |
*Initial program fee deposit is non-refundable and secures the participant's place in the program. Possibility of refund of subsequent deposits due to withdrawal from the program will be assessed and determined at the time of withdrawal according to the field school refund policy. Program fees do not include course tuition or additional student expenses (see below).
MRU Tuition & General Fees
MRU tuition and fees for CRJS 2011 and 2012 are in addition to the program fees and will be assessed to each participant's student account in April, 2027. They are payable to MRU by the spring 2027 fee payment deadline.
Additional Student Expenses
Students are responsible for all additional expenses that are not included in the program fees such as: return airfare, trip cancellation & interruption insurance, meals & incidentals, Out of Country Travel Heath and Medical Insurance, passport & travel documents, travel essentials, personal spending including local transportation during fee time and emergency funds.
Estimates of additional student costs are available at the Information Sessions and from the instructors or International Education.
Financial Assistance
Australia field school participants will receive a $1,500 grant from the MRU International Mobility Award to use towards the costs associated with the field school. Further information about this grant, other grans, and student loan funding for field schools can be found here.
Contact Information
Tanya Trussler (Field School Instructor)
Harpreet Aulakh (Field School Instructor)
Trinda Guillet (International Education)