Gain insight into social problems that relate to law, justice and crime, and examine the social impact of the criminal justice system.
Studies combine key elements of criminology, social justice and law to lead to a career in justice-related fields. The justice studies component includes courses in policies of crime prevention, international justice and human rights, issues in crime and criminal justice and green and social justice. The legal studies component includes studies in criminal law, family law and employment and industrial law.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- # Students must have successfully completed a Diploma of Justice Studies through a nationally recognised training organisation within the last 10 years.
Studies combine key elements of criminology, social justice and law to lead to a career in justice-related fields. The justice studies component includes courses in policies of crime prevention, international justice and human rights, issues in crime and criminal justice and green and social justice. The legal studies component includes studies in criminal law, family law and employment and industrial law.
Career opportunities
Police and corrective services, court system, advocacy, legal administration, community legal services, policy development, paralegal.
Program structure
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 2 core courses.
- Complete 5 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 11 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 6 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level courses, including core courses.
- Complete no more than 6 courses from the School of Business or Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering.
- Register any selected Majors or Minors with Student Administration.
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses).
- The electives can be used to complete an additional minor.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods.
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to participate in the Global Opportunities (GO) Program to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider. It is advisable to contact your Program Advisor to discuss timing and course issues.
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on a Student Visa.
- When enrolling, refer to the Study Plan.
Program structure
Core courses (2)
Select 2 core courses from:
COR109 Photographic Practice IV
COR110 Communication and Thought
COR111 Introduction to Psychology B
Introductory courses (5)
5 required courses:
BUS103 Introduction to Psychology A
INT140 Communication and Thought
JST101 Biodiversity and Ecology
JST102 Chemistry
SCS110 Science Research Methods
Advanced courses (11)
1 required course:
CMN213 Earth's Surface Processes
6 required Justice Studies courses:
JST201 Terrestrial Vertebrate Diversity and Ecology
JST202 Soil Properties, Processes and Rehabilitation
JST203 Introduction to Weather and Climate
JST205 Statistics with Teeth: Understanding Ecological Data
SCS211 Advanced Research Methods and Statistics
SCS235 Plant Diversity and Ecology
4 required Legal Studies courses:
CMN228 An Introduction to Geographic Information Science and Technology
HRM221 Hydrology and Geomorphology
LGL201 Coastal Geomorphology
LGL202 K'gari-Fraser Island Field Studies
Elective courses (6)
Select 6 elective courses, 3 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering
TOTAL UNITS 288