Master of Justice
1.5 years or 3 years part-time equivalent
Duration
Course overview
Lead, innovate, impact
Prepare to excel in fields responding to critical justice issues with a Master of Justice at QUT Online. Students have the option to major in Policy and Governance, Investigations and Intelligence, Domestic Violence Responses, or Prevention and Responses to Sexual Violence.
This course is designed to ensure graduates meet the selection criteria for roles in government, community and/or private sector organisations. Aimed at professionals aspiring to senior positions, this course cultivates the ability to work independently and manage complex and sensitive projects.
Upon completing this course, you may be eligible to apply for entry to a PhD or Master of Philosophy.

Why this course
The Master of Justice provides a holistic approach to critical justice issues, allowing you to gain the full spectrum of skills you will need to drive change. From understanding contextual factors to developing critical policy skills, you will graduate ready to make a difference in settings like government or private sector organisations.
Flexible study
Part-time or full-time study available to suit your study needs
Rankings
We are ranked in the top 50 universities in the world for employer-student connections
Study on your time
Available to you anywhere at any time
Course units
Students must complete a total of 144 credits comprised of:
- Core units – 36 credit points
- Major – 48 credit points
- Complementary studies – 60 credit points (comprised of 24 credit points of Justice unit options; PLUS an additional 36 credit points of Justice units or of university-wide unit options (see below).
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
60 credit points (comprised of 24 credit points of Justice unit options as outlined above; PLUS an additional 36 credit points of Justice units (see above) OR of university-wide unit options (see below).
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
12 credit points
Entry requirements
You can gain entry into the Master of Justice with:
1.5-year program
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (Level 7) or higher qualification in a cognate discipline*
or
- A completed recognised bachelor degree (Level 7) in any other discipline and 1 year full-time (or equivalent) relevant professional experience in the public sector and/or justice professions.
- *Policy, politics, social science, humanities, sociology, psychology, gender studies, criminology, police studies, anthropology, philosophy, security studies, public health, social work, law, intelligence, investigations, health, information technology, business, and education.
1-year program*
- A completed recognised bachelor honours degree (Level 8) in a cognate discipline
or
- A completed recognised bachelor honours degree (Level 8) or higher in any discipline and 1 year full-time (or equivalent) relevant experience in the public sector and/or justice professions
or
- A completed recognised bachelor degree in a cognate discipline** and 2 years full-time time (or equivalent) relevant experience in the public sector and/or justice professions
or
- Completion of QUT Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses (JQ12) *With 48 credit points of advanced standing
or
- Completion of QUT Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance (JQ23) *With 48 credit points of advanced standing
or
- Completion of QUT Graduate Certificate in Investigations and Intelligence (JQ20) *With 48 credit points of advanced standing
or
- Completion of QUT Graduate Certificate in Prevention and Responses to Sexual Violence (JQ25) *With 48 credit points of advanced standing
6-month program*
*With 96 credit points of advanced standing
- Completion of the QUT Graduate Diploma in Responses to Gendered Violence (JQ35).
**Policy, politics, social science, humanities, sociology, psychology, gender studies, criminology, police studies, anthropology, philosophy, security studies, public health, social work, law, intelligence, investigations, health, information technology, business, education.
Course outcomes
Graduates of this course will be equipped to analyse research, data, and evidence in justice contexts, design inclusive approaches for diverse stakeholders, and evaluate complex justice issues to inform evidence-based responses. You will develop strong communication skills to convey critical information professionally and strategically while considering the impact of ethics, intersectionality, and social contexts. Additionally, you will be prepared to conduct independent, ethical research to inform justice practices, policy development, and community engagement.

Skills and tools in this course
- Develop your abilities in critical thinking
- Increase your understanding of how to manage complex and sensitive projects
- Conduct independent research
- Grow specialist knowledge in your subject area
- Enhance your skills in writing and critical analysis
Potential career opportunities
Social worker
Work with individuals, families and groups to enhance well-being and address injustices.
-
Average Salary
$95,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+23.2%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Policy adviser
Effect change through regulatory and policy transformations.
-
Average Salary
$103,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4.5/5
-
Industry Growth
+8.7%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Police officer
Be a first responder and serve to protect public life and property.
-
Average Salary
$75,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
3/5
-
Industry Growth
+7.8%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025
Project manager
Research, analyse and advise on issues related to social justice
-
Average Salary
$145,000
-
Industry Job Satisfaction of
4/5
-
Industry Growth
+9.3%
Projected job growth in next 5 years
, 2025

Advanced standing
Graduates of the QUT Online Graduate Certificate in Domestic Violence Responses, Policy and Governance, Investigations and Intellingce or Prevention and Responses to Sexual Violence may be eligible to enrol in the Master’s program with recognition of prior learning (RPL), enabling you to complete the degree in 1 year instead of 1.5 years.
Graduates of the QUT Online Graduate Diploma in Gendered Violence may be eligible to enrol in the Master’s program with recognition of prior learning (RPL), enabling them to complete the degree in 6 months instead of 1.5 years.

How online study works
Learn in your own way
Experience the unwavering support of our university as you embark on your online learning journey.
- Flexible and supportive options for your lifestyle
- The easy application and enrolment process
- Alignment with career aspirations
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out an application form, or speak to a course consultant on 1300 104 196.
Justice

How to prevent and respond to domestic violence
Supporting and working with victim-survivors of domestic violence requires specialist skills and strategies. Learn how you can prevent and respond to domestic violence.

Industry outlook: a real-world case study in policy and governance
QUT Online’s Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance will open career pathways. Develop frameworks for approaching important issues with a Graduate Certificate in Policy and Governance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, the units you have completed can be credited to your Masters degree.
Yes, in Research Methods (JSQ301), Capstone Project 1 (JSQ302-1) and Capstone Project 2 (JSQ302-2) you will be supervised in developing an independent research project in the subject area of your major.
Upon successful completion of this course, you may be eligible to apply for entry to a PhD or Master of Philosophy, studying on campus.
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If you’re not ready to apply or want to know more before you submit your application, you can request more information by calling us on 1300 104 196 or by completing our enquiry form.
Ready to apply?
Apply online by filling out our application form or speak to a Course Consultant on 1300 104 196.
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