Bachelor of Justice Studies (13Q)

This course is in teach-out and is not accepting new admissions

Overview  2024

Entry Requirements

See entry requirements

Duration

Minimum 3 Years, up to a maximum of 7 Years

Duration

Duration refers to the minimum and maximum amounts of time in which this course can be completed. It will be affected by whether you choose to study full or part time, noting that some programs are only available part time.

Location

This course may not be available to international students. Please see the list of distance courses (i.e. online and taken outside Australia) that are offered to international students

The Bachelor of Justice Studies is currently in teach-out and no longer accepting applications.

If you are interested in social justice issues, our Bachelor of Arts offers a number of majors across gender, sustainability, criminology, politics and policy which may be of interest and a wide range of elective options from across the university.


The future of our planet and the environment relies on a fair and just society.

We're proud to offer Justice Studies as a comprehensive, stand-alone degree. In Tasmania, we have a long history of fighting for those who need a voice. The Bachelor of Justice Studies is built on the social and environmental justice issues in our state. This course will challenge you to explore and question justice issues affecting the places where you live, work, play and study.

Turn your passion into action with research-led learning experiences across different justice scenarios. We will support you to interrogate a range of complex justice issues including domestic and international crime, domestic violence, international terror, humanitarian crises, climate change, and species extinction. You’ll also gain deeper insights and connection to wider regional, national, and international concerns.

Throughout your degree you will have opportunities to design an elective program that suits your interests and career aspirations. Elective units can be selected from a wide range of options across the university. You can study electives to complete a second major or broaden your degree across business, creative arts or languages. Many students choose to study electives in complementary fields such as sustainability, environmental science, law, criminology and politics.

A ‘Justice Practitioner’ holds a diverse range of important skills in criminology, human rights, corrective services, forensic studies, sociology, international relations, social justice, environmental justice, Indigenous issues, and humanitarian disaster management. Graduates of this degree will be prepared for work across inter-agency justice contexts as well as broader networked non-government and community support organisations.

Delivered by the School of Social Sciences, this course is developed within an applied framework that develops your real world problem solving capabilities which can be applied in local, national, and global employment opportunities. Prepare yourself for criminal and social justice workplaces by learning independently and collaboratively about the theoretical, ethical, and practical issues related to crime and justice.

  • 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
  • Learn beyond the classroom

    Studying in Tasmania, our whole Island becomes your campus. Speak with your unit coordinator about how you can gain practical experience by volunteering in research initiatives, becoming an ambassador, or taking part in a work experience program.

    Study overseas at one of our partner institutions

    Our international exchange program offers opportunities to study at universities around the world, and it counts towards your degree. Exchange can allow you to have an affordable educational and cultural experience in a foreign country for a semester, or a full year. To facilitate this, we offer a range of scholarships and financial assistance. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP Loans or scholarship funding to assist with their airfares, accommodation and other expenses.

    Alternative Virtual Exchange Opportunities can be found on our Virtual Overseas Experiences tab here For more information please contact Global.Mobility@utas.edu.au

    Find out more about Student Exchange.

    Become a Student Ambassador

    Improve your communication, teamwork and leadership skills, meet new people, inspire and help others, and developing lasting friendships and networks as a student ambassador. Our ambassadors proudly represent the University throughout Tasmania in schools, at University and community events, and support a range of recruitment and engagement activities. Through the Student Ambassador Program you will have many opportunities for training and professional development, experience in real-world community engagement and outreach, networking, and public speaking, plus end up with a key point of distinction on your CV.

    The Bachelor of Justice Studies has been developed in consultation with industry experts to make sure that our graduates are experienced and job ready. Our elective options such as HSS305 Public policy internship get you in the door where important policy decisions are made. During this elective, you'll take part in a part-time placement with a public sector agency within the Tasmanian State Service, an NGO or within a Local Government Authority through the Local Government Association of Tasmania.

    The University of Tasmania is integrated into all areas of industry locally, nationally and internationally be it through research or work placement programs. Talk to your course coordinator about finding an opportunity to take part in a work experience, placement, or extracurricular activities during your degree.

    Career outcomes

    Olivia Hasler has always loved the environment and is passionate about that criminal aspect. She travelled from the US to combine these interests at the University of Tasmania.

    Olivia Hasler
    Justice Studies student

    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.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. You’ll graduate with skills to work in and across national government agencies, international government and non-government organisations, and the non-profit and community sectors.


    Our graduates pursue employment in a wide range of occupations such as:


    • Welfare Officers
    • Youth Workers or Advocates
    • Victim Support Workers
    • Human Rights Advocates
    • NGO campaigner
    • advise on environmental policy as a public servant
    • academic career by pursuing higher degree research

    In an ever-evolving sector, you’ll have the skills to find your niche.

    Course structure

    The Bachelor of Justice Studies requires the completion of 300 credit points, including:

    • 200 credit points of Core units and;
    • 100 credit points of Elective units or an elective major, such a major in Sustainability.

    In your core units you will complete 75 credit points at Introductory level, 75 credit points at Intermediate level and 50 credit points at Advanced level. The units forming your core can be found in the schedule below, and the sequence you can take them in the course planner.

    You may complete most units from across the University as an Elective. The elective space gives you flexibility to broaden your studies across multiple areas in the University, such as Sustainability, Business, Science and Creative Arts or specialise your course in areas closely related to justice studies, such as law, sustainability, environmental studies. There is also an opportunity to complete an entire major in your elective space. It is your choice.  

    The University is deeply committed to building sustainable futures which is why we've made our Sustainability major readily available in most of our courses. If you want to complete this major, you'll find it under your Electives options when you go to enrol, and you can add it to your study plan yourself. To find out more about the Sustainability major, check the Bachelor of Science.

    To select a major from another area, such as from the Bachelor of Business, Fine Arts or Science, you'll need to contact a Student Advisor via U Connect. They'll guide you through adding this to your study plan, and make sure it fits with the rest of your course plan.

    For help on how to find and choose your Elective units, see What are Elective units?

    Course Planner
    If you are starting in 2023 you can find your course planner here. Your course planner gives you a visual representation of your course and will help you plan which units to enrol in and when.

    For course planners from previous years, refer to the handbook entry for that year.

    Sociology is essential for understanding the turbulence, change, diversity and mobility of the modern world. Sociology offers a precise way to understand, track and assess how ever-changing aspirations, technologies and economies impact on our social relations and cultures. In Sociology…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    Cradle CoastSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    In this unit you will focus on sociological approaches to crime and the criminal justice system with the objective of understanding research and debates about: (i) the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections); (ii) patterns of crime (measuring crime victims…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    HIR101 provides students with an overview of the theory and practice of international relations. The unit is divided into two modules. In module one, you will learn about theoretical approaches to the study of IR including introductions to realist, liberal,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to enable students to contextualise justice in practice. The unit provides students with an opportunity to understand the challenges of being a justice practitioner and taking responsibility for ensuring that a just outcome is achieved. Upon…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    In this unit students will investigate different approaches to justice. The unit introduces students to theorists such (Plato, Socrates, Kant, Hobbes Locke, and Rawls) Through a justice discourse students will consider the nature and characteristics of justice. Students will also…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    Emergency management is when our communities, the public sector (government agencies), the private sector (businesses) and the not-for-profit sector (charities) work together to strengthen society’s capacity to withstand, plan for, respond to and recover from disasters. This unit will provide…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The unit offers a broad overview of the major theories and approaches to the study of crime and deviance. It provides a survey of diverse and competing interpretations of criminal and deviant acts, the situations and contexts within which crime…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    LauncestonSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit introduces students to the world of social research. It answers questions about how to understand, interpret, and collect data, and explores the research methods used to investigate and solve social problems. The unit covers a wide range of social…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    The unit explores the historically evolved norms and laws as they relate to atrocity crimes and global justice issues, including slavery, climate change, migration and refugees, and labour exploitation. The unit provides a framework by which to understand why the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    LauncestonSemester 2
    Cradle CoastSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit studies the processes that create and maintain indigenous disadvantage within society: locally, nationally and internationally. It introduces several critical theories to examine indigenous issues, to develop your analytical capacity through their application to a case study, or broad…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    This unit is currently unavailable.

    This unit introduces students to the study of political ideas focusing on some of the major ideological frameworks that have and continue to guide political action in the modern era. In the unit, students will consider liberal, conservative, Marxist, fascist,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit examines the application of general management principles to the particular context of emergency management where normal challenges are further complicated by system failures, inadequate information, complex multi-agency and whole of community approaches and a challenging political and social…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This interdisciplinary unit engages students in a detailed study of Indigenous experience of social and legal systems from invasion/colonisation to the present day. Beginning with the global historical context, the unit traces the ongoing struggle for Indigenous justice from the…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 1
    OnlineSemester 1

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is designed to introduce students to the issues and processes associated with working with offenders, particularly those in prisons or under the supervision of community corrections. The unit explores issues pertaining directly to how best to work with…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartWinter school
    LauncestonWinter school
    OnlineWinter school

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    Explores the nature of environmental crime and its social regulation. The unit has three main topical concerns: First, to investigate the nature of environmental crime from the point of view of legal, ecological and justice perspectives, with an emphasis on…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    This unit is concerned with the question of the changing/evolving nature of violence in the international realm. Part one of the unit will trace the emergence of modern thought about violence through theoretical 'traditions' and the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli,…

    Credit Points: 12.5

    LocationStudy periodAttendance optionsAvailable to
    HobartSemester 2
    OnlineSemester 2

    Key: On-campus    Off-Campus    International students    Domestic students

    You will complete 100 credit points of Elective units in the Bachelor of Justice Studies

    Entry requirements

    We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you’re not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

    Enquire online for advice on the application process and the available pathways to study at UTAS.

    Domestic Applicants Domestic Applicants who have recently completed secondary education

    Applicants are ranked by ATAR and offers made based on the number of places available. In 2022, the lowest ATAR to receive an offer into this course was 86.2. The lowest ATAR to receive an offer may change from year to year based on the number of applications we receive.

    Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

    For all other majors, please refer to Alternative entry pathways below.

    Domestic applicants with higher education study

    To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have:

    • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed 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; or
    • Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).
    Domestic applicants with VET / TAFE study

    To be eligible for an offer, applicants must have completed a Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

    Domestic applicants with work and life experience

    Applicants without senior secondary, tertiary or VET / TAFE study can complete a personal competency statement.

    Applicants may be eligible for an offer if they have relevant work and / or life experiences which demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this course.

    Special consideration

    If your ability to access or participate in education has been affected by circumstances beyond your control, you can apply for special consideration as part of your application. We will consider a range of factors, including economic hardship, serious medical condition or disability.

    We can only approve applications for special consideration where we are confident that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your studies. If your application is not approved, the UTAS admissions team will work with you to find the best alternative pathway to your chosen course. Special consideration is not available for international applicants.

    All international students will need to meet the minimum English Language Requirements, University General Entry Requirements and any course specific requirements such as pre-requisite subjects, if applicable.

    English Language Requirements

    This degree requires an IELTS (Academic) of 6.0, with no individual band less than 5.5, or a PTE Academic score of 50, with no score lower than 42 or equivalent.

    For students who do not meet the English Language Requirement through citizenship or prior studies in English in an approved country, evidence of an approved English language test completed within the last 2 years must be provided. See the English Language Requirements page for more information.

    General Entry Requirements

    Admission to undergraduate courses at the University of Tasmania requires the completion of qualifications equivalent to a 12th year of education in Australia.

    Please review the equivalent undergraduate entry requirements to see the minimum requirement relevant to your country. The ATAR information for this course is located in the “For Domestic Students” section of the entry requirements on this page.

    You can also meet the General Entry Requirement for this course with the following qualifications or prior studies:

    • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV or above
    • Complete or incomplete (minimum 25 credit points) of previous tertiary study at Bachelor level or higher

    If you do not meet the minimum requirements, we offer the Foundation Studies Program.

    Course Specific Requirements

    This course does not have any course specific requirements.

    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. Students who achieve a weighted average of 70% or higher in the 200 and 300 level units forming the Bachelor of Justice Studies major are eligible to apply for entry to the Bachelor of Justice Studies with Honours (R4D

    Detailed admissions information and advice for all undergraduate courses, including comprehensive, course-level student profiles, is available from UTAS Admissions.

    Fees & scholarships

    Domestic students

    Options for this course

    This is a full-fee course, which means you’ll need to pay the full amount for your studies. Commonwealth Supported Places are not available in this course. However, there are still support options available for eligible students to help you manage the cost of studying this course.

    You may be able to fund all or part of your tuition fees by accessing a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government. FEE-HELP is a loan scheme that assists domestic full-fee students to pay for University, which is repaid through the Australian Tax System once you earn above a repayment threshold. This means you’ll only have to start repaying the loan once you start earning above a specific amount

    Our scholarships and prizes program also offers more than 400 scholarships across all areas of study. You can even apply for multiple scholarships in one easy application.

    Further information

    Detailed fee information for domestic students is available at Scholarships, fees and costs, including additional information in relation to the compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF).

    Scholarships

    Domestic Students

    Each year, the University offers more than 900 awards including scholarships, bursaries and prizes to students from all walks of life, including those who have achieved high academic results; those from low socio-economic backgrounds; students with sporting ability; students undertaking overseas study; and students with a disability. Applications for most awards commencing in Semester 1 open at the beginning of August and close strictly on 31 October in the year prior to study.

    Find out more about Scholarships & Prizes available.

    International Students

    There are a large range of scholarships, bursaries and fee discounts available for international students studying at the University of Tasmania.

    Find out more about International Scholarships available.

    How can we help?

    Do you have any questions about choosing a course or applying? Get in touch.

    Domestic
    13 8827 (13 UTAS)
    International
    +61 3 6226 6200
    Email
    Course.Info@utas.edu.au
    Online
    Online enquiries

    Next steps