School of Justice

The School of Justice was established in 1991 as a response to the recommendation of the Fitzgerald Inquiry into Police Misconduct. A degree was established with government funding for police to undertake tertiary studies. Since then the course has expanded to include criminology, policy and research skills, forensic investigation and Indigenous justice to foster a wider career pathway for graduates.

Students prepare for careers in a variety of fields within the criminal justice system including federal and state law enforcement agencies, organisations with investigative and regulatory responsibilities and public sector careers involved in justice policy, criminology and correctional environment.

Why Justice at QUT?

Strong links to criminology, policing and justice professions

We are located in the Brisbane CBD, close to government departments, law enforcement departments and advocacy agencies. The school holds strong links with a wide range of justice professions and agencies. Our staff have practical backgrounds in the discipline areas into which they teach, and real life experiences as advisors to policing and criminal justice agencies.

Real-world applied focus

We focus on the knowledge, skills and professional values required for work as a justice professional. If you study with us, you will practise skills such as crime research, investigations, negotiation and advocacy and be encouraged to think critically about justice from different perspectives.

QUT is the only university on the eastern seaboard of Australia to offer Analyst Notebook in an undergraduate program. Analyst Notebook is used by various government and law enforcement agencies around the world.

The school has a Bachelor of Justice Advisory Committee comprised of industry representatives from the Department of Corrections, Queensland Police, Crime and Misconduct Commission, and the Crime and Justice Unit (Premier's Department) and other justice professions. This body provides advice about the course to foster continuous improvement in line with changes in the real world.

Our academic staff have real world expertise and work experience in many areas:

• Indigenous criminal justice issues
• ethics and official corruption
• crime prevention
• intelligence and security
• organised crime and corruption
• the criminal justice system
• crimes of violence
• sex and drug crimes
• youth justice
• transnational crime
• global justice
• human rights.

Real-world research

We undertake multi-disciplinary research in justice, which spans criminology, sociology, public policy and policing. The Justice School has international leaders in their field of research with significant success in undertaking research to address problems of crime, violence and security.  

Flexible study

The School of Justice offers full-time, part-time and distance learning. Our lectures are offered both in-person and online via podcasting.  We also use innovative technology, such as Blackboard and custom-made multi-media programs to create exciting and challenging learning experiences.

Choice of single or double degrees

You can choose to study a single Bachelor of Justice degree or double degree. Majors available under Bachelor of Justice include Criminology and Policing, Policy and Governance, Psychology, and Law; with minors in Indigenous Justice and Forensic Investigation.

Our double degrees combine Justice with Psychology, Human Services, Law or Corporate Systems Management. A double degree increases the employability of our graduates, who are already in high demand.

You can pursue an honours program in your undergraduate degree that gives you enhanced earning power and further career possibilities or a pathway to a research degree.  

Courses and study

Undergraduate courses

Postgraduate courses

PhDs and research degrees

Workplace learning

Towards the end of your justice degree, we offer an opportunity to engage in workplace learning in a justice organisation, government department or community organisation. You gain knowledge, skills and professional experience with your undergraduate degree.

Partnership with Singapore Police Force

The School of Justice has had a long-standing offshore program in conjunction with the Singapore Police force - spanning 10 years. The course offers Singapore Police Officers the opportunity to undertake a specially designed suite of specialist units delivered intensively by School of Justice staff in Singapore.