Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Justice

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) combines community support, social justice and justice system studies into a single four-year double degree, preparing graduates to create positive change for individuals, families and communities. Students develop practical skills in advocacy, case management, policy development and justice practice while gaining more than 500 hours of professional placement experience. Campus Location: Kelvin Grove Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in human services and justice studies while exploring contemporary social issues and the role of justice in society. Core units typically introduce areas such as Introduction to Human Services, Introduction to Justice, and Working with Individuals, Families and Communities, helping students understand human wellbeing, social justice and community support frameworks.

Year 2

During the second year, students develop professional skills in assessment, intervention and policy analysis while gaining deeper insight into justice systems and social disadvantage. Studies commonly include areas such as Case Management Practice, Social Policy Processes, and justice-focused subjects related to criminology, investigations or public policy, depending on the selected justice pathway.

Year 3

The third year focuses on advanced professional practice and specialised justice knowledge. Students strengthen their understanding of Community Development, Families and Relationships, and Advanced Communication and Team Practice, while also completing higher-level justice units in areas such as criminology and violence prevention, investigations and intelligence, or policy and social reform.

Year 4

In the final year, students apply their knowledge through extensive professional placements and capstone experiences. With more than 500 hours of work-integrated learning, students refine their practice framework, develop professional confidence and complete advanced justice capstone studies that prepare them for employment across government, community and justice sectors.

Focus Areas:

Human services practice, social justice, community development, case management, child and family services, disability services, Indigenous community work, criminology, investigations and intelligence, policy development, advocacy and justice reform.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the ability to support vulnerable individuals and communities, apply evidence-based intervention strategies, analyse justice and social policy issues, conduct ethical investigations, advocate for social change, and work effectively across human services and justice environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

Graduates are eligible to apply for membership with the Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA), providing professional recognition within the human services sector.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

QUT is recognised for its strong industry engagement, work-integrated learning opportunities and career-focused education. This degree includes more than 500 hours of professional placement, giving students valuable real-world experience and strong employment preparation across community, government and justice sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) develop practical skills through a strong combination of classroom learning, professional placements and real-world industry engagement. The degree is designed to prepare students for careers that support individuals, families and communities while addressing complex justice and social issues. Throughout the program, students apply theory to practice through supervised placements, case-based learning, policy analysis and community-focused projects, helping them build confidence and professional capabilities before graduation:

500+ Hours of Professional Placement: Students complete more than 500 hours of supervised professional experience as part of the Human Services component. Placement opportunities are available in community centres, corrections, homelessness and outreach services, youth services, child safety organisations, disability services, aged-care settings, and selected regional, rural and overseas locations. This allows students to develop assessment, intervention and case-management skills in real workplace environments.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The degree incorporates structured work-integrated learning experiences that connect students with industry professionals and organisations across the human services and justice sectors. Students gain firsthand experience applying professional practice frameworks and responding to real community challenges.
Social Justice Placement Unit: A dedicated Social Justice placement unit enables students to engage directly with organisations focused on advocacy, social inclusion, community wellbeing and justice outcomes, strengthening both professional skills and social impact awareness.
Industry-Relevant Justice Studies: Justice units draw upon criminology, policing, intelligence, investigations, public policy, governance, psychology, sociology, ethics and law, giving students exposure to contemporary justice practices and multidisciplinary problem-solving approaches.
Community-Based Learning Projects: Students undertake practical assessments involving case management, community development planning, policy evaluation, social advocacy and intervention strategies that mirror professional responsibilities in the sector.
Learning from Practitioner-Academics: Human services teaching staff include experienced practitioners, counsellors, social workers, advocates and researchers who bring current industry knowledge and real-world perspectives into the classroom.
Specialised Study Pathways: Students can tailor their Justice studies through majors in Criminology and Violence Prevention, Investigations and Intelligence, or Policy, Politics and Social Reform, allowing them to align practical learning with their career interests.
Libraries and Learning Resources: Students have access to QUT Library's extensive digital databases, research collections, study spaces, collaborative learning environments and academic support services that assist with research, policy analysis and evidence-based practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Human Services/Bachelor of Justice at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills to support individuals, families and communities while contributing to fair and effective justice systems. This interdisciplinary double degree prepares students for careers such as Human Services Practitioner, Youth Justice Officer, Community Development Officer and Policy Advisor, combining expertise in social support, advocacy and justice. Graduates are highly valued for their ability to work across government, non-profit and community sectors to address complex social challenges:

Career Support Services: QUT's Careers and Employability team provides personalised career coaching, résumé and interview support, employer networking events, mentoring programs and job-search resources. Students also benefit from extensive professional placements and work-integrated learning opportunities, gaining hands-on experience in community organisations, government agencies and human service settings before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary Figures: Graduates are well positioned for employment across human services, justice, community development and government sectors, which continue to experience strong demand for qualified professionals. Entry-level and early-career graduates typically earn salaries ranging from AUD $65,000–$85,000 per year, with opportunities for salary growth as they move into specialist, supervisory or leadership roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: QUT has strong partnerships with government departments, community organisations, human services agencies, justice institutions and advocacy groups. Through professional placements, industry projects and community engagement initiatives, students gain practical experience and build valuable professional networks throughout their studies.
Long-Term Qualification Value: This double degree provides graduates with a versatile and highly respected qualification that combines human services expertise with justice knowledge. The broad skill set developed throughout the program enables graduates to work across multiple sectors and adapt to evolving workforce needs throughout their careers.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates may pursue careers in youth justice, child and family services, community development, corrections, case management, policy development, advocacy and social support services. The degree develops strong capabilities in communication, case coordination, program development, conflict resolution, policy analysis and ethical decision-making.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this double degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Social Work (qualifying), Master of Justice, Master of Public Policy, Master of Human Services, Master of Criminology, Master of Public Health or research-based programs including a Master of Research or PhD. These pathways can lead to specialist practice, senior leadership roles and advanced research careers across human services, justice and community sectors.