Students 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.
- # Prerequisites: South Bank only: successful completion of Diploma of Justice Studies or a Diploma of Justice Studies (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) 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 5 required introductory level (100 coded) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete 7 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory level (100 coded) courses, including the core course.
- 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 your Faculty.
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
Introductory courses (5)
COR109
INT140
JST101
JST102
SCS110
Advanced courses (12)
6 required Justice Studies courses:
JST201
JST202
JST203
JST205
SCS211
SCS235
4 required Legal Studies courses:
Elective courses (7)
Select 7 elective courses, 2 must be advanced level (200/300 coded) courses.
Up to 4 electives may be from either faculty (Arts and Business or Science, Health, Education and Engineering
TOTAL UNITS 288