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- 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.
- Flexible study options. Choose from full-time or part-time, on-campus or online, or a combination of delivery options.
- Join our Career Mentor Scheme to be partnered with an industry contact for career advice and guidance.
- Undertake combined studies in criminology, policing, policy and governance along with additional studies in law, psychology, forensic sciences, management and Indigenous knowledges.
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 a 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
- Flexible study options. Choose from full-time or part-time, on-campus or online, or a combination of delivery options.
- Join our Career Mentor Scheme to be partnered with an industry contact for career advice and guidance.
- Undertake combined studies in criminology, policing, policy and governance along with additional studies in law, psychology, forensic sciences, management and Indigenous knowledges.
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
What to expect
Choose from two majors—policy and governance or criminology and policing. Expand your interests with secondary majors in law and psychology. Minors in Indigenous knowledges, forensic science and management are also available, with both policy and governance 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 governance 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
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.
Career outcomes
Career 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, social work, 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
- Social Worker
- Youth Worker
Details and 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 Governance.
- Complementary Studies - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units).
Complimentary Studies can be made up of the following combinations:
- Study Area B (second major) - 72 credit points and 24 credit pionts of any Justice elective or university wide option units.
- Combination of one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points of any Justice elective or university wide elective options
- 2 university wide minors (48 credit points each)
- 96 credit points of any Justice electives or university wide options
Year 1
You will complete a suite of core justice units in your first year. These units will provide you with an introduction to the central knowledge required of a justice professional. Other study areas include intelligence, sociology, law, psychology and ethics. In this year, you will begin to acquire problem-solving, analytical and professional skills to prepare you for your second year of tertiary study, and your chosen career. You will also begin to develop general attitudinal skills relating to social justice and critical awareness, and cognitive skills such as information and information technology literacy, research and communication.
Year 2
Further developing the knowledge and skills acquired in your first year, you will select your major either Criminology and Policing or Policy and Governance and complete four units from your major. You will also study four units from your other area of interest. These can be chosen from the secondary majors in either criminology and policing, policy and governance, law or psychology, undertaken with a combination of electives, which could include a minor in Indigenous Knowledges or Forensic Science. Electives can also be chosen from outside the School of Justice and pathways will be offered to you to enable specialisation in relevant disciplines. Some units will require collaboration in group work, and you will learn important research skills and abilities in critical analysis and practical application.
Year 3
Using the skills you have built in the first two years, the third year provides you with the opportunity to choose more specialised elective units from within and outside the School of Justice. In your third year you will also have the opportunity to hone your research skills in a major independent study, You will also have the chance to form industry links in a professional placement unit, undertaking a project at an external organisation. Third-year students may also take advantage of QUT’s Career Mentoring Scheme to help guide them and develop skills and industry links.
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 Governance.
- Complementary Studies - 96 credit points (8 x 12 credit point units).
Complimentary Studies can be made up of the following combinations:
- Study Area B (second major) - 72 credit points and 24 credit pionts of any Justice elective or university wide option units.
- Combination of one minor (48 credit points) and 48 credit points of any Justice elective or university wide elective options
- 2 university wide minors (48 credit points each)
- 96 credit points of any Justice electives or university wide options
Year 1
You will complete a suite of core justice units in your first year. These units will provide you with an introduction to the central knowledge required of a justice professional. Other study areas include intelligence, sociology, law, psychology and ethics. In this year, you will begin to acquire problem-solving, analytical and professional skills to prepare you for your second year of tertiary study, and your chosen career. You will also begin to develop general attitudinal skills relating to social justice and critical awareness, and cognitive skills such as information and information technology literacy, research and communication.
Year 2
Further developing the knowledge and skills acquired in your first year, you will select your major either Criminology and Policing or Policy and Governance and complete four units from your major. You will also study four units from your other area of interest. These can be chosen from the secondary majors in either criminology and policing, policy and governance, law or psychology, undertaken with a combination of electives, which could include a minor in Indigenous Knowledges or Forensic Science. Electives can also be chosen from outside the School of Justice and pathways will be offered to you to enable specialisation in relevant disciplines. Some units will require collaboration in group work, and you will learn important research skills and abilities in critical analysis and practical application.
Year 3
Using the skills you have built in the first two years, the third year provides you with the opportunity to choose more specialised elective units from within and outside the School of Justice. In your third year you will also have the opportunity to hone your research skills in a major independent study, You will also have the chance to form industry links in a professional placement unit, undertaking a project at an external organisation. Third-year students may also take advantage of QUT’s Career Mentoring Scheme to help guide them and develop skills and industry links.
Requirements
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2019.
Don't have an OP or 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.
- Course code
- JS34
- QTAC code
- 417301 Internal; 417305 External
- CRICOS code
- 006117E
- Delivery
-
- On-campus or external
-
- Gardens Point
-
- Gardens Point
- 3 years full-time
- 6 years part-time
- 3 years full-time
- February and July
- February and July
- OP Guarantee
- Yes
Assumed knowledge
Before you start this course we assume you have sound knowledge in these areas:
- English
We assume that you have knowledge equivalent to four semesters at high school level (Years 11 and 12) with sound achievement (4, SA).
Guaranteed entry
If you receive an adjusted OP 1-5 (or equivalent selection rank), 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 selection rank
Any adjustments you receive to your selection rank (or OP equivalent) will be applied to this course.
Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your selection rank
Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2018
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.
417305 Bachelor of Justice - external
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP | Selection rank | OP | Selection rank | |
| Highest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
5
|
Selection rank
91
|
OP
4
|
Selection rank
93
|
| Median OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
10
|
Selection rank
78
|
OP
10
|
Selection rank
78
|
| Lowest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
13
|
Selection rank
71
|
OP
12
|
Selection rank
73
|
You can find out more about your fellow students’ backgrounds with this course’s student profile.
417301 Bachelor of Justice - internal
| Excluding adjustments | Including adjustments | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OP | Selection rank | OP | Selection rank | |
| Highest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
3
|
Selection rank
95
|
OP
3
|
Selection rank
95
|
| Median OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
11
|
Selection rank
76
|
OP
10
|
Selection rank
78
|
| Lowest OP/selection rank to receive an offer |
OP
16
|
Selection rank
64
|
OP
12
|
Selection rank
73
|
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).
Minimum academic requirements
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
Guide to entry thresholds
These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2019.
- OP
- 13
- Rank
- 72
Did you get an OP 1-5?
If you completed secondary school in Australia and received an OP 1-5 or equivalent, and you meet the course prerequisites, you are guaranteed an offer for this course in the January offer round
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, Singapore, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cambridge Advanced English Score
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. You must provide your Cambridge English 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 within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
|
Pearson PTE (Academic)
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. Please assign your test to QUT in your Pearson profile. |
58 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
|
TOEFL iBT
Test must be taken within 2 years of commencement at QUT. |
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
Fees
Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.
2020 fees
2020 CSP $6,900 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2020 fees
2020: $31,400 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2019 fees
2019: CSP $6,700 per year full-time (96 credit points)
2019 fees
2019: $30,200 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.
Scholarships
You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.
QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)
A scholarship for future undergraduate students who want to study in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Academic performance
QUT Sport Scholarship (Elite Athlete)
A scholarship for future and current undergraduate students who want to study in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Sporting excellence
Equity scholarships scheme
A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.
- Scholarship eligibility
- Struggling financially
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.'
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.'
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.
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