Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Psychology)/Bachelor of Justice

In the behavioural science degree, you can take the first step towards a career as a registered psychologist. In the justice degree, choose from three majors—criminology and violence prevention, intelligence and investigations, or policy, politics and social reform.  

• The criminology and violence prevention major delves into the current state of the criminal justice system and other government systems, while also teaching how to prevent family violence and how to help protect children and work in a trauma-informed way.   
• In the investigations and intelligence major, students will learn how to use intelligence to conduct ethical and culturally competent investigations. 
• The policy, politics and social reform 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. 

Combine psychology with the above majors and obtain enhanced skills when conducting investigations or understand the reasons behind human behaviour, and how people can be supported. 

As part of your practical experience, you MAY be required to undergo additional checks: 

• Working with children check (Blue card) 
• Queensland's Disability Worker Screening 
• Police Check (Criminal History Check)

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 areas that make a real difference in our community.  

Studying justice alongside behavioural science provides a richer understanding of the causes and consequences of crime which will lead you to unique career opportunities. Work in agencies like: 

• Australian Federal Police, ASIC, or child protection,
• conduct investigations for government departments, the private sector, or regulatory bodies, or  
• work with NGOs or international bodies on justice and equality issues.  

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 as a registered psychologist, you must be registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. Currently this involves completing a fourth year of study in psychology, followed by further study and supervised work experience.

Please refer to Pathways to Registration as a Psychologist on the APAC website.