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.
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
Core course (1)
1 core course:
COR109 Communication and Thought
Introductory courses (4)
4 required courses:
INT140 An Introduction to Australian Politics: The Makings of a Republic?
JST101 Justice and the Australian Legal System
JST102 Foundations of Criminology
SCS110 Introduction to Sociology: Society, Culture and Change
Advanced courses (12)
2 required course:
BUS203 Business Law and Ethics
CMN213 Editing for the Communications Professional
6 required Justice Studies courses:
JST201 Policies of Crime Prevention
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
JST203 Issues in Crime and Criminal Justice
JST205 The Administration of Justice: Issues in Policing
SCS211 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
SCS235 Social Justice, Welfare and the State
4 required Legal Studies courses:
CMN228 The Writer and the Law
HRM221 Employment and Industrial Law
LGL201 Criminal Law: An Introduction
LGL202 Family Law: Legal Frameworks and Issues
Elective courses (7)
Select 7 elective courses, 2 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
Total units: 288
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Complete 1 core course.
- Complete 4 required introductory (100 level) courses.
- Complete 12 required advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete 7 elective courses, 2 must be advanced (200/300 level) courses.
- Complete no more than 10 introductory (100 level) 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 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.