Bachelor of Justice Studies

Upon completion of this degree, the student should be able to:

1. Communicate independently, by written, oral and technology supported modes, to demonstrate comprehension of the social, environmental, legal, ethical and political issues affecting justice policy and practice
2. Demonstrate judgement and intellectual independence in identifying and solving problems, applying knowledge, analytical and technical skills as a basis for decision-making and planning across key justice issues locally, nationally and internationally
3. Critically analyse, evaluate and synthesise complex factual scenarios and make evidence based, professional and ethical conclusions
4. Apply disciplinary knowledge and skills with flexibility and creativity to investigate justice issues, and to create new ways of understanding the world and addressing perceived injustice

The world needs passionate change leaders, now more than ever. Whether you choose to protect natural resources, protect the world’s most vulnerable, lead emergency response teams or participate in foreign aid, becoming a ‘justice practitioner’ starts with a Bachelor of Justice Studies.

Learn about justice issues affecting the places where you live, work, play and study and how they connect to wider regional, national and international concerns. You will be exposed to interdisciplinary expertise and world leading experts in a unique course that will provide you with the skills and knowledge to improve justice policy and practice. Prepare yourself to address perceived injustice issues that cross a range of societal, criminal, indigenous and environmental areas.

Discover the nature of justice, harm and morality, and consider the efficacy of formal (laws, regulation, policing) and informal (organised protest, community, non-profit and volunteer organisations, online platforms) channels for achieving justice. 

Turn your passion into action with research-led learning experiences across different justice scenarios. Learn to interrogate a range of complex justice issues including domestic and international crime, environmental threats such as climate change, domestic violence, international terror, humanitarian crises, and species extinction. 

Throughout the degree you will be asked to consider ethical issues related to the representation of Indigenous communities, histories and events. You will explore issues important to Indigenous people and produce analytical and fair work that pursues social justice for all Indigenous experiences, both in terms of how these experiences are represented in and by criminal and social justice.

In an environment where government and non-government organisations are now partnering together to overcome justice problems, as a graduate you will be prepared for a diverse choice of career options. Gain experience and network through work-integrated learning opportunities and exchange programs across more than 100 locations globally. Develop your skills to work in and across national government agencies, international government and non-government organisations, and the non-profit volunteer and community sector.

Imagine working for an international organisation like the United Nations, Amnesty International, Australian Human Rights Commission, and Australian Red Cross, within the Police, Department of Justice or Correctional Services. 

Develop your research, analytical and communication skills through presentations, essays and report writing. You will be able to assess justice scenarios such as IRAQ reports and community resilience audits and reflect on the learnings of work-placed activities with offenders and in the juvenile justice settings.

Recommended study pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended. If students are undertaking part-time study, we recommend that students complete all first year compulsory subjects prior to completing elective subjects to maximise success.

Year 1. 8 subjects in first year including:

• 6 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-HGA101 Sociology: Understanding the Social World
  • TAS-HGA107 Crime and Criminal Justice
  • TAS-HIR101 Introduction to International Relations
  • TAS-HPP102 Justice in Practice
  • TAS-HPP103 Justice in Theory
  • TAS-HSP101 Introduction to Emergency Management
• 2 UTAS electives

Year 2. 8 subjects in second year including:

• 6 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-HGA259 Crime and Deviance
  • TAS-HGA280 Social Research
  • TAS-HPP216 Key Concepts in Social Justice
  • TAS-HPP217 Critical Indigenous Policy
  • TAS-HPP222 Modern Political Ideologies
  • TAS-HSP235 Emergency Management Cycle
• 2 UTAS electives

Year 3. 8 subjects in third year including:

• 4 compulsory subjects:
  • TAS-HAB308 Indigenous Justice Issues
  • TAS-HGA332 Working with Offenders
  • TAS-HGA344 Green Criminology and Environmental Crime
  • TAS-HIR304 Order, Violence and Justice
• 4 UTAS electives

Award requirements

Successful completion of 24 subjects as outlined in the recommended study pattern.

Exit points

Students who are unable to complete the degree may exit from the Bachelor of Justice Studies with a Diploma of Arts, where the requirements of the Diploma have been met. 

Degrees are usually made up of core subjects and electives. Some degrees include a choice of majors, so you can focus your studies on a specialisation.

This list is a general overview. Download the full Degree Guide for more information.

• Year 1 core subjects

• Year 2 core subjects

• Year 3 core subjects

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $43,488

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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Applicants with previous higher education study

• Completed UTAS University Preparation Program or an equivalent enabling program offered by another Australian university; OR
• Completed course at Diploma level or above at any Australian higher education provider (or equivalent overseas qualification); OR
• Partially completed a course at Associate Degree level or higher at any Australian higher education provider (or have partially completed an equivalent overseas qualification).

Applicants must have completed the equivalent of at least two units of study (equivalent to 25 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any units, the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made.

Applicants with previous VET / TAFE study

Completed Certificate IV or above.

Applications on the basis of work or life experience

This course does accept applications based on work or life experience.