A day in the life

Meet D’Arcy, who shares a day in her life as a double degree justice and psychology student at QUT.

'Immerse yourself in university life and engage with as many activities as you can so it makes your time at university worthwhile.'

D'Arcy Ertel

Real student experience

Victoria Harris talks about studying psychology at QUT and moving from a regional area.


Overseas experience

‘QUT has prepared me for the challenges of the real world by providing both a theoretical and practical foundation of learning. At QUT, it isn’t about sitting in the lecture hall and memorising information, it’s about real-life experiences. The Faculty of Law sponsored me to participate in a United Nations Youth conference at Harvard University. I was one of 20 students representing Australia.’

Michelle Ringrose

Accreditation

Full accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council means that this course is accredited by a national and international accreditation authority, giving you a highly recognised qualification. This course is part of a sequence that can lead to eligibility for registration as a psychologist. APAC is the only Australian entity with the authority to accredit courses that will be recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia.


Overseas opportunities

As part of my degree I travelled to Vanuatu, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations in Thailand. Taking my degree overseas allowed me to contextualise my studies and deepened my knowledge of topics such as global security, human rights and international relations. These experiences opened my eyes to the diverse career opportunities available in the international sphere and gave me insight into the contribution that young leaders can make in the world.

D’Arcy Ertel
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A day in the life

Meet D’Arcy, who shares a day in her life as a double degree justice and psychology student at QUT.

'Immerse yourself in university life and engage with as many activities as you can so it makes your time at university worthwhile.'

D'Arcy Ertel

Real student experience

Victoria Harris talks about studying psychology at QUT and moving from a regional area.


Overseas experience

‘QUT has prepared me for the challenges of the real world by providing both a theoretical and practical foundation of learning. At QUT, it isn’t about sitting in the lecture hall and memorising information, it’s about real-life experiences. The Faculty of Law sponsored me to participate in a United Nations Youth conference at Harvard University. I was one of 20 students representing Australia.’

Michelle Ringrose

Accreditation

Full accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council means that this course is accredited by a national and international accreditation authority, giving you a highly recognised qualification. This course is part of a sequence that can lead to eligibility for registration as a psychologist. APAC is the only Australian entity with the authority to accredit courses that will be recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia.


Overseas opportunities

As part of my degree I travelled to Vanuatu, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations in Thailand. Taking my degree overseas allowed me to contextualise my studies and deepened my knowledge of topics such as global security, human rights and international relations. These experiences opened my eyes to the diverse career opportunities available in the international sphere and gave me insight into the contribution that young leaders can make in the world.

D’Arcy Ertel

A day in the life

Meet D’Arcy, who shares a day in her life as a double degree justice and psychology student at QUT.

'Immerse yourself in university life and engage with as many activities as you can so it makes your time at university worthwhile.'

D'Arcy Ertel

Real student experience

Victoria Harris talks about studying psychology at QUT and moving from a regional area.


Overseas experience

‘QUT has prepared me for the challenges of the real world by providing both a theoretical and practical foundation of learning. At QUT, it isn’t about sitting in the lecture hall and memorising information, it’s about real-life experiences. The Faculty of Law sponsored me to participate in a United Nations Youth conference at Harvard University. I was one of 20 students representing Australia.’

Michelle Ringrose

Accreditation

Full accreditation with the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council means that this course is accredited by a national and international accreditation authority, giving you a highly recognised qualification. This course is part of a sequence that can lead to eligibility for registration as a psychologist. APAC is the only Australian entity with the authority to accredit courses that will be recognised by the Psychology Board of Australia.


Overseas opportunities

As part of my degree I travelled to Vanuatu, the Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Nations in Thailand. Taking my degree overseas allowed me to contextualise my studies and deepened my knowledge of topics such as global security, human rights and international relations. These experiences opened my eyes to the diverse career opportunities available in the international sphere and gave me insight into the contribution that young leaders can make in the world.

D’Arcy Ertel

Highlights

  • This double degree integrates two highly sought after areas.
  • Explore fascinating topics including: crimes of violence, cyber crime, domestic violence, official corruption, death investigation and transnational crime.
  • Learn how to understand human behaviours, and apply your skills in challenging situations where knowledge of the human response is essential.

 

Highlights

  • This double degree integrates two highly sought after areas.
  • Explore fascinating topics including: crimes of violence, cyber crime, domestic violence, official corruption, death investigation and transnational crime.
  • Learn how to understand human behaviours, and apply your skills in challenging situations where knowledge of the human response is essential.
  • This course is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

 

Don’t wait. Apply now.
Start study in July

Shape the future, sooner, with mid-year entry.

Apply for mid-year entry

Don’t wait. Apply now
Start study in July

Shape the future, sooner, with mid-year entry.

Apply for mid-year entry

Why choose this course?

This double degree integrates two highly sought-after areas. You will learn how to understand human behaviours and apply your skills in challenging situations. You can combine justice, criminology, policing, policy, politics and psychology in one package, and explore topics including crimes of violence, cyber crime, official corruption, youth justice, crime prevention, intelligence and security, drugs and crime, domestic violence, sex and crime, organised crime, terrorism and death investigation. In the justice component, you can choose a major in either policy and politics or criminology and policing. In the psychology degree, you can take the first step towards a career as a registered psychologist. The two degrees have many related study areas such as addictive behaviours, forensic psychology and traffic psychology.

In the justice degree, choose from two majors—policy and politics or criminology and policing. The policy and politics 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.

Explore this course

What to expect

It’s not easy to look a repeat youth offender in the eye and try to help them—it takes conviction. This double degree will equip you with the kind of thinking you need to work in youth justice, probation, community justice, outreach or policing—careers with heart. If you want to make a difference and pursue a career where no two days are the same, this is the course for you. The possibilities are endless, for building a stimulating career in the community.

Flexible delivery

All the justice lectures are recorded and study materials available online so you can access resources at any time and fit study into your lifestyle.

Careers and outcomes

Careers and outcomes

You will have the unique ability to apply psychological principles to the field of justice. With an understanding of the most recent theory and practice of social justice, and skills in social, developmental, cognitive and abnormal psychology, you will have a pathway to careers in public policy development, criminal justice institutions such as police, security and intelligence agencies, corrections, rehabilitation services, and family services.

Justice offers extensive career paths in areas that make a real difference in our community. Career pathways include policing, customs, community outreach, forensic investigation, 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 non-government organisations. Others have become criminologists, contributed to women’s, youth and children’s advocacy, or worked in the areas of human rights and antidiscrimination.

Careers and outcomes

You will have the unique ability to apply psychological principles to the field of justice. With an understanding of the most recent theory and practice of social justice, and skills in social, developmental, cognitive and abnormal psychology, you will have a pathway to careers in public policy development, criminal justice institutions such as police, security and intelligence agencies, corrections, rehabilitation services, and family services.

Justice offers extensive career paths in areas that make a real difference in our community. Career pathways include policing, customs, community outreach, forensic investigation, 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, and customs, and have worked on social and justice policies for government and non-government organisations. Others have become criminologists, contributed to women’s, youth and children’s advocacy, or worked in the areas of human rights and antidiscrimination.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). To pursue a career in a professional area of psychology, you will need to undertake further study to gain registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Possible careers

  • Case manager
  • Change manager
  • Child and family counsellor
  • Child protection officer
  • Clinical psychologist
  • Community corrections officer
  • Community worker
  • Corrective services officer
  • Counsellor
  • Criminologist
  • Customs officer
  • Developmental psychologist
  • Face to face counsellor
  • Family services officer
  • Forensic psychologist
  • Guidance officer
  • Health psychologist
  • Police officer (australian federal)
  • Police officer (state)
  • Policy analyst
  • Policy officer
  • Psychologist
  • Public health officer
  • School counsellor
  • School psychologist
  • Youth worker

Details and units

Students must complete a total of 384 credit points consisting of three components:

Behavioural Science (Psychology) component requires a total of 180 credit points as follows:

  • 168 credit points of core units
  • 12 credit points of psychology electives*

*Students wishing to undertake the Psychology Honours course must complete PYB350 Advanced Statistical Analysis as one of their elective units. PYB350 is compulsory for entry to fourth year psychology programs.


Justice component requires a total of 180 credit points as follows:

  • 84 credit points of core units 
  • 96 credit points of Study Area A (8 units = 96 credit points) (Select either Criminology and Policing or Policy and Politics major)


QUT You component is comprised of 24 credit points of QUT You units.

 

First year comprises foundation units to give you a solid overview of each area. You will study introductory psychology, criminology and policing, interpersonal processes and skills, justice and society, and professional academic skills.

In second year you will expand your knowledge in social and organisational psychology, research analysis, social ethics, developmental psychology and counselling. You will also develop an understanding of the criminal justice system, and learn about forensic psychology and how it relates to law.

During the third year you will complete compulsory and elective psychology units,  select your chosen justice major and complete the relevant justice major core units.

In fourth year combine four compulsory units with the other four units of your choice. Compulsory units include physiological psychology, psychopathology and Advanced Statistical Analysis . You will complete two core units from your Justice majors and select two major elective units.

 

Students must complete a total of 384 credit points consisting of three components:

Behavioural Science (Psychology) component requires a total of 180 credit points as follows:

  • 168 credit points of core units
  • 12 credit points of psychology electives*

*Students wishing to undertake the Psychology Honours course must complete PYB350 Advanced Statistical Analysis as one of their elective units. PYB350 is compulsory for entry to fourth year psychology programs.


Justice component requires a total of 180 credit points as follows:

  • 84 credit points of core units 
  • 96 credit points of Study Area A (8 units = 96 credit points) (Select either Criminology and Policing or Policy and Politics major)


QUT You component is comprised of 24 credit points of QUT You units.

 

First year comprises foundation units to give you a solid overview of each area. You will study introductory psychology, criminology and policing, interpersonal processes and skills, justice and society, and professional academic skills.

In second year you will expand your knowledge in social and organisational psychology, research analysis, social ethics, developmental psychology and counselling. You will also develop an understanding of the criminal justice system, and learn about forensic psychology and how it relates to law.

During the third year you will complete compulsory and elective psychology units, select your chosen justice major and complete the relevant justice major core units.

In fourth year combine four compulsory units with the other four units of your choice. Compulsory units include physiological psychology, psychopathology and Advanced Statistical Analysis . You will complete two core units from your Justice majors and select two major elective units.

Requirements

ATAR/selection rank threshold
70.00

These thresholds are the lowest adjusted scores to which QUT made an offer in Semester 1, 2025.

Don't have a ATAR/selection rank?

Find out other ways you can apply

Course code
IX77
QTAC code
409752
CRICOS code
076302B
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Delivery
  • Kelvin Grove
Duration
4 years full-time
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry
February and July
Entry
February and July
Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

Assumed knowledge

Before you start this course, we assume you have sound knowledge of the subject/s listed below. If you don't have the subject knowledge, you can still apply for the course but we strongly encourage you to undertake bridging studies to gain the knowledge:

  • English, or Literature, or English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 & 4, C)

More about assumed knowledge

Year 12 early offer scheme

If you're a current Queensland Year 12 student, you may be eligible to receive an offer for this course on the last day of Queensland Year 12, before receiving your ATAR or selection rank.

Find out more about the QUT Year 12 Early Offer Scheme

Offer guarantee

If you achieve an ATAR or selection rank of 74.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, 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.

More about advanced standing

Deferment

You can defer your offer and postpone the start of your course for one year.

More about deferring your offer

Adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank

Any adjustments you receive to your ATAR or selection rank will be applied to this course.

Find out if you’re eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or selection rank

Offers we made to school leavers in Semester 1, 2024

The figures listed in the tables below reflect the offers that were made to recent ATAR students. The entry thresholds box at the top of this page shows the lowest adjusted ATAR/selection rank required to receive an offer for all applicants for the most recent January QTAC offer round.

Excluding adjustments Including adjustments
Highest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 95.30
Selection rank 99.95
Median ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 82.05
Selection rank 83.95
Lowest ATAR/selection rank
to receive an offer
Selection rank 70.50
Selection rank 72.50

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).

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

ATAR/selection rank
70.00
Offer guarantee

If you completed secondary school in Australia and achieve an ATAR/selection rank of 74.00 or higher (including any adjustments) and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

VET guarantee

If you have completed an AQF certificate IV, diploma or higher, and satisfy all other admission requirements, you are guaranteed an offer for this course.

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, 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 undertaken in a secure test centre. Tests must be taken no more than 2 years prior to the QUT course commencement.

English Test
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake
Overall 6.5
Listening 6
Reading 6
Writing 6
Speaking 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website.
Overall 176
Listening 169
Reading 169
Writing 169
Speaking 169
PTE Academic
Overall 58
Listening 50
Reading 50
Writing 50
Speaking 50
TOEFL iBT
Overall 79
Listening 16
Reading 16
Writing 21
Speaking 18
English Test Overall Listening Reading Writing Speaking
IELTS Academic / One Skill Retake 6.5 6 6 6 6
Cambridge English Score
You must share your results with QUT through the Candidate Results Online website. 		176 169 169 169 169
PTE Academic 58 50 50 50 50
TOEFL iBT 79 16 16 21 18

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.

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Applying for this course

Applicants with recent secondary education

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Applicants with higher education study

Applicants with work and life experience

Find out more if you are an international applicant

Fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. We review fees annually, and they may be subject to increases.

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from October

2026 fees

2026: Fee available from July

2025 fees

2025: CSP $12,500 per year full-time (96 credit points)

2025 fees

2025: $36,500 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.

Find out more about government loans

Scholarships

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

Browse all scholarships

QUT Excellence Scholarship (Academic)

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding academic achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

Equity scholarships scheme

A scholarship for low-income students studying in any faculty.

Scholarship eligibility
Struggling financially

QUT Elite Sport Scholarship

QUT's premier offering for students with outstanding sporting achievement.

Scholarship eligibility
Sporting excellence

International Merit Scholarship

A high achievement scholarship for future international undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

QUT Real World International Scholarship

A scholarship to cover tuition fees, with eligibility based on your prior academic achievements.

Scholarship eligibility
Academic performance

You may also be eligible for

Centrelink payments

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