Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Justice

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) combines the scientific study of human behaviour with a deep understanding of justice systems, crime, policy and social issues. Delivered at QUT Kelvin Grove Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, this four-year double degree is ideal for students interested in psychology, criminology, investigations, public policy and social justice, while building the knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact in communities and justice-related professions.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both psychology and justice. You will study introductory areas such as Introductory Psychology, Criminology and Policing, Justice and Society, and Interpersonal Processes and Skills, developing an understanding of human behaviour, crime, justice systems and professional communication. These subjects provide the essential knowledge required for advanced study in later years.

Year 2:
The second year expands your understanding of psychological theory and justice practice. You will explore areas such as Social and Organisational Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Research Analysis, Counselling, and Forensic Psychology, while gaining deeper insights into the criminal justice system and the relationship between psychology and law. This year strengthens both analytical and research skills through evidence-based learning.

Year 3:
During third year, you undertake advanced psychology studies while selecting a justice major in Criminology and Violence Prevention, Investigations and Intelligence, or Policy, Politics and Social Reform. Students complete major-specific units alongside psychology electives, allowing them to develop specialised expertise aligned with their career interests while applying psychological concepts to contemporary justice challenges.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on advanced disciplinary knowledge and professional preparation. Students complete higher-level psychology units including Physiological Psychology, Psychopathology, and Advanced Statistical Analysis, while undertaking advanced units within their chosen justice major. This combination enables graduates to integrate psychological science with justice practice and policy development.

Focus Areas:

Psychology, criminology, violence prevention, investigations and intelligence, policy analysis, social justice, forensic psychology, human behaviour, crime prevention, rehabilitation, security and public policy.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced knowledge of human behaviour and psychological processes; analyse crime, justice and social issues using evidence-based approaches; apply research and analytical skills to real-world challenges; evaluate policy and justice interventions; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders; and understand ethical, culturally responsive and trauma-informed professional practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology) component is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). The degree forms part of the approved pathway toward registration as a psychologist, subject to completion of further accredited study and professional requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

QUT is ranked among the top 200 universities globally for Psychology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 and is recognised for its strong industry engagement, practical learning opportunities and graduate employability outcomes. Students benefit from industry projects, work placements and authentic learning experiences developed with real-world partners.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) gain practical experience by combining psychological theory with real-world justice applications. Throughout the degree, students work on authentic industry projects, analyse real case scenarios, develop research and investigation skills, and learn how psychological principles can be applied to criminal justice, intelligence, policy and community settings. The program places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, professional practice and industry engagement, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready from day one. As students progress through the degree, they benefit from specialised facilities, research-focused learning environments and opportunities to engage directly with justice and psychology professionals:

Industry Projects & Real-World Challenges: Students work on industry projects and authentic challenges developed with input from real clients, allowing them to apply psychological and justice concepts to practical situations.
Work Placements: The justice component includes opportunities for professional work placements and work-integrated learning experiences, helping students gain firsthand exposure to justice agencies, community organisations and government sectors.
Psychology Research Training: Students develop advanced research capabilities through units in research analysis, social and organisational psychology, developmental psychology, counselling and advanced statistical analysis. Research methods and evidence-based practice are embedded throughout the degree.
Statistical & Data Analysis Tools: Students learn quantitative research and statistical analysis techniques through dedicated psychology research units, including Advanced Statistical Analysis, preparing them to interpret behavioural data and conduct professional research.
Justice Capstone Experience: Students complete justice capstone units that integrate theory with professional practice, allowing them to address contemporary justice challenges and develop solutions informed by research and policy.
Specialised Psychology Learning Areas: Students study specialised fields including forensic psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, social psychology and counselling, providing practical insights into human behaviour across justice contexts.
Professional Placement Elective: Psychology students have the option to undertake a placement elective in a professional environment aligned with their career goals, gaining valuable workplace experience before graduation.
Research Institutes & Academic Expertise: Students learn from active researchers whose work contributes to mental health interventions, addiction treatment, resilience research, community psychology, health communication and behavioural science innovation.
Libraries & Learning Spaces: Students have access to QUT Library facilities across campuses, including extensive psychology and justice collections, collaborative study areas, digital learning resources and research support services that assist throughout the degree.
Professional Accreditation Pathway: The psychology component is fully accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), ensuring students develop industry-recognised competencies and are prepared for further professional psychology training.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) gain a unique understanding of human behaviour, mental processes and justice systems, making them highly valuable across both human services and justice-related professions. The degree prepares students for careers such as Youth Justice Officer, Policy Analyst, Case Manager and Behavioural Research Assistant, while developing strong skills in communication, critical thinking, research and evidence-based decision-making. By combining psychology with justice studies, graduates are equipped to address complex social challenges and contribute to positive community outcomes:

Career Support Services: QUT's Careers and Employability team supports students through career planning consultations, résumé and interview workshops, employer networking events, mentoring opportunities and job-search assistance. Students also benefit from work-integrated learning experiences, industry projects and practical placements that help build professional networks and workplace-ready skills before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Median Salary: QUT graduates are recognised for their strong employment outcomes across psychology, justice and human services sectors. Graduates entering areas such as youth justice, community services, policy development, corrections and behavioural research typically earn a median salary of approximately AUD $65,000–$85,000 per year, with salaries increasing as graduates progress into specialist or leadership roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: QUT maintains strong partnerships with government departments, justice agencies, community organisations and human services providers. Through industry engagement, professional placements and applied learning opportunities, students gain valuable experience working on real-world social and justice issues while developing industry connections.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The psychology component is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing graduates with a recognised pathway toward further psychology training and professional registration. Combined with justice studies, this creates a highly respected qualification that is relevant across multiple professional sectors.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in youth justice, corrections, community services, policy development, advocacy, behavioural research, crime prevention and government agencies. The degree develops expertise in human behaviour, psychological assessment, justice systems, research methods and intervention strategies, enabling graduates to work effectively with diverse individuals and communities.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this double degree, graduates can continue their studies through an Honours year in Psychology, followed by postgraduate programs such as a Master of Psychology, Master of Clinical Psychology, Master of Educational and Developmental Psychology, Master of Justice, Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy or research-based qualifications including a Master of Research or PhD. These pathways can lead to specialist practice, leadership and research careers across psychology, justice and community services sectors.