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Highlights
- Offers career paths in law enforcement, government and private sector intelligence and security agencies, crime prevention agencies, and in criminal and social justice industries.
- Course is highly regarded by investigative and regulatory agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service.
- Undertake work placements in a range of community and government organisations to gain real justice industry connections.
- Learn from the best with lecturers from industry and regular guest lecturers.
- International study opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, during your studies.
- Undertake combined studies in criminology, policing, policy and governance along with additional studies in law, psychology, forensic sciences, management and Indigenous knowledges.
- Access to a range of scholarships and support to assist you with your studies, life at uni and preparation for your career.
Highlights
- Offers career paths in law enforcement, government and private sector intelligence and security agencies, crime prevention agencies, and in criminal and social justice industries.
- Course is highly regarded by investigative and regulatory agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and Queensland Police Service.
- Undertake work placements in a range of community and government organisations to gain real justice industry connections.
- Learn from the best with lecturers from industry and regular guest lecturers.
- International study opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, during your studies.
- Undertake combined studies in criminology, policing, policy and governance along with additional studies in law, psychology, forensic sciences, management and Indigenous knowledges.
- Access to a range of scholarships and support to assist you with your studies, life at uni and preparation for your career.
Why choose this course?
If you want to make a difference and pursue a career where no two days are the same, this course is the right choice for you. The possibilities are endless for building a stimulating career in the community—not just behind a desk. You will graduate job ready by exploring the most recent theory and practice of social justice, and gain problem-solving, analytical and applied computer skills that are relevant to the workplace. The program adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon criminology, policing, policy, governance, intelligence, sociology, law, psychology and ethics.
The course is consistently refreshed to meet the needs of the community, government and police agencies for skilled staff. You will also benefit from academic staff who have worked in these areas and bring real-life examples and experience to your learning. At a theoretical level, you will engage with the concepts of social justice, human rights and equality to understand the way in which society defines, polices and punishes criminal behaviours.
Real-world learning
You will have the chance to form industry links in a professional placement unit, undertaking a project at an external organisation. Previously students worked with Queensland Corrections, completed a project in the Office of the State Coroner and gained experience in the Office of the Information Commissioner. Many placements are funded to cover flights and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Explore this course
Choose from two majors—policy and politics or criminology and policing. Expand your interests with secondary majors in law and psychology. Minors in forensic science and management are also available, with both policy and politics, and criminology and policing available as a secondary major and minor as well. The study areas are relevant and applied, and include topics such as crimes of violence, eco crime, official corruption, youth justice, crime prevention, intelligence and security, drugs and crime, organised and transnational crime, political violence and terrorism, and death investigation. You also have the option to pick electives from another discipline.
The policy and politics major offers you the opportunity to learn policy analysis and the intricacies of how government officers research, analyse, recommend and develop policies in the justice sphere. Particularly, it gives you an insight into how policy is implemented and critiqued, and evolves through government and its departments.
The criminology and policing major details punishment and penal policy as well as crime research methods with your choice of units in eco crime, sex crime, death investigation, crime in pop culture, drugs and intelligence, among others.
Flexible delivery
The Bachelor of Justice is offered on campus and externally, all the lectures are recorded and study materials available online so you can access resources at any time and fit study into your lifestyle.
Double degrees
Combine two bachelor degrees into a single course of study. A double degree allows you to specialise in two fields and pursue different interest areas, gaining a broader range of skills and knowledge, and giving you a competitive advantage and greater career flexibility.
Consider the following double degrees with a Bachelor of Justice:
Careers and outcomes
Justice offers extensive career paths in areas that make a real difference in our community. Career pathways include policing, customs, community outreach, child and family services, correctional rehabilitation, mediation, outreach programs, intelligence, defence, insurance and banking investigation, youth justice, Indigenous justice, community legal services, and policy and adviser roles within a range of state and federal government departments.
Past graduates have developed successful careers in state and federal law enforcement, correctional services, private security, defence services, foreign aid programs, customs, Australian Security Intelligence Organisation and Scotland Yard, and have worked on social and justice policies for government and nongovernment organisations. Others have become criminologists, contributed to women’s, youth and children’s advocacy, or worked in the areas of human rights and antidiscrimination.
Research pathways
After completing the Bachelor of Justice, you may want to continue with the one year honours program. See the Bachelor of Justice (Honours) course page for more details.
Possible careers
- Academic
- Aid Work Manager
- Community Corrections Officer
- Community Worker
- Corrective Services Officer
- Criminologist
- Customs Officer
- Diplomat
- Disability Services Worker
- Family Services Officer
- Government Officer
- Health Policy Officer
- Health Privacy Officer
- Information Officer
- Ministerial policy adviser
- Police Officer (Australian Federal)
- Police Officer (State)
- Policy Officer
- Policy analyst
- Program Leader
- Program Manager
- Senior policy officer
- Youth Worker
The Bachelor of Justice is made up of three parts:
- Core Units - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point core units)
- Study Area A (Major) - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units). Choose between Criminology and Policing or Policy and Politics
- Complementary Studies - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units)
Complimentary Studies can be made up of the following combinations:
- Study Area B (Justice or uni wide second major) - 72 credit points and 24 credit pionts of any Justice option units or university wide option units
- Combination of one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points of any Justice option units or university wide option units
- 2 university wide minors (48 credit points each)
- 96 credit points of any Justice option units or university wide option units
The Bachelor of Justice is made up of three parts:
- Core Units - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point core units)
- Study Area A (Major) - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units). Choose between Criminology and Policing or Policy and Politics
- Complementary Studies - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units).
Complimentary Studies can be made up of the following combinations:
- Study Area B (Justice or uni wide second major) - 72 credit points and 24 credit pionts of any Justice option units or university wide option units
- Combination of one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points of any Justice option units or university wide option units
- 2 university wide minors (48 credit points each)
- 96 credit points of any Justice option units or university wide option units
- Selection rank
- 70.00
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2021.
Don't have a selection rank?
Starting uni in 2021?
There are some changes to subjects and the qualifications we’ll consider for entry to QUT from 2021 and beyond. Make sure you’re prepared to apply.
The selection rank is a good indication of the equivalent ATAR.
- Course code
- JS34
- QTAC code
- 417301
- CRICOS code
- 006117E
-
- External
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
- English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)
Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:
QUT year 12 early offer scheme
If you’re a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on 20 November, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.
Offer guarantee
If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 75.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Advanced standing
If you have prior studies or work experience, you may be eligible for advanced standing (credit). You can apply for advanced standing once you've been accepted to QUT. If you're in your first semester of study, you must apply for advanced standing within 10 days of receiving your offer.
Not confident about your OP or rank? Consider TAFE as a pathway. Students who complete the six-month TAFE Diploma of Crime and Justice may be entitled to advanced standing (credit) in the justice single degree at QUT, meaning you could complete the Bachelor of Justice at QUT in 2.5 years instead of three.
Deferment
You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.
More about deferring your offer
Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2020
The scores listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent school leavers. If you are not a school leaver, take a look at the entry thresholds box at the top of this page to see the lowest adjusted scores required overall to receive an offer.
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP | Selection rank | OP | Selection rank | |
| Highest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
4
|
Selection rank
94.00
|
OP
2
|
Selection rank
97.00
|
| Median OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
12
|
Selection rank
75.00
|
OP
11
|
Selection rank
77.00
|
| Lowest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
17
|
Selection rank
65.00
|
OP
14
|
Selection rank
70.00
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
Other admission options
If you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent, you may be eligible for admission through our Centralised Assessment Selection Process (CASP).
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide to the grades you need to apply for this course.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
I completed secondary school in Australia
- ATAR/selection rank
- 70.00
Offer guarantee
If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 75.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.
Minimum English language requirements
Select the country where you completed your studies to see a guide on meeting QUT’s English language requirements.
Your scores and prior qualifications in English-speaking countries are considered. Approved English-speaking countries are Australia, Canada, England, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, United States of America and Wales.
If your country or qualification is not listed, you can still apply for this course and we will assess your eligibility.
We accept English language proficiency scores from the following tests.
| English Test | Overall | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
Cambridge English Score
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement. You must provide your Candidate ID and Candidate Secret Number, these are printed on your Cambridge English Confirmation of Entry. |
176 | 169 | 169 | 169 | 169 |
|
IELTS Academic
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement date. |
79 | 16 | 16 | 21 | 18 |
Don't have the English language score you need? We can help!
We offer English language programs to improve your English and help you gain entry to this course.
When you apply for this course, we will recommend which English course you should enrol in.
Haven't completed an English language test? We can help!
If you have not completed an English language test, you can sit the IELTS test at our IELTS test centre
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2022 fees
2022: TBA
2022 fees
2022: TBA
2021 fees
2021: CSP $14,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2021 fees
2021: $31,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
Student services and amenities fees
You may need to pay student services and amenities (SA) fees as part of your course costs.
Find out more about undergraduate course fees
HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay for your course fees
You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
Follow your interests
Through networking within the QUT justice community, I connected with mentors who told me about the Australian Federal Police and helped me with the application process. I now work within the Criminal Assets Confiscation Taskforce where I identify proceeds of crime and restrain assets purchased with those proceeds. Often the proceeds are from criminal activities such as drug importation, fraud and money laundering.
Graduate ready
QUT prepared me with real-life skills such as communicating, networking and working with a range of people. I now work at the Department of Social Services, whose aim is to improve the wellbeing of individuals and families in Australian communities. Looking back, the work experience I participated in during my course gave me the necessary tools and skills that I use every day at work.
Gain a unique perspective
I really enjoyed the socio-legal perspective of the justice degree as it enabled me to critically think about the wider social implications of the law. The practical aspect of the course has also been really beneficial. This includes participating in the Vacation Research Experience Scheme, undertaking a professional placement with organisations like Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, attending national conferences and undertaking international experiences.
Graduate with experience
'On one of my practical placements I explored the program delivery aspect of Queensland Corrective Services. I participated in and shadowed the programs for convicted sexual offenders and drug offenders reintegrating into society through more prosocial avenues. I gained employment with Queensland Corrective Services in the first semester of my final year of study, giving me eight months of experience before I graduated.'
Gain experience and connections
'As part of my justice course I completed a placement at the fraud integrity unit at Suncorp. I put the skills I had learnt during my course into a corporate environment and got to network and make meaningful connections. Doing this placement has given me a better understanding of financial crime and opened up a pathway to my current position.'
A day in the life
Meet D’Arcy, who shares a day in her life as a double degree justice and psychology student at QUT.
'Immerse yourself in university life and engage with as many activities as you can so it makes your time at university worthwhile.'
Phenomenal course
‘My undergraduate course was absolutely phenomenal. I majored in criminology and policing, but I also did units from the policy and governance major. One of things I loved was that it gave me a really good understanding of the breadth of issues under the justice umbrella. I’m now working with an international non-government organisation based in Indonesia.’
Rhodes Scholar
Real graduate
'My work assists the Department of Justice and the Attorney-General to develop culturally responsive approaches to reducing the over-representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in the criminal justice system. While at QUT I received scholarships from the Oodgeroo Unit scholarships and Equity. They assisted with my basic needs and without these scholarships and the support of the Oodgeroo Unit I would not have been able to complete my studies.'
Make a real difference
'One of the most important things about studying justice was learning about the stark injustices in the community and figuring out where my help was most needed. It’s estimated that one in three women are affected by domestic violence. If I can help a woman separate safely from a violent relationship and help her to negotiate her way through the legal system, then I get a real sense of satisfaction. It really is my dream job.'
Real graduate
‘Policing offers a different challenge every day and the opportunity to help people often when they need it most. Within the Queensland Police Service there are so many different rewarding careers. While at QUT I was involved in a placement at Drug Arm in their Policy, Research and Practice Division. It was a great opportunity to put the skills I’d learnt into practice.’
Real learning
Head of School Kerry Carrington and key researcher Matthew Ball talk about what the School of Justice can offer you in criminology, security, and policing studies.
