Judith Bessant is a Professor at RMIT University. She researches and writes in the fields of politics, youth studies, policy, sociology, media-technology studies and history.
Professor Bessant has a particular interest in questions about justice, age, youth studies, economics, politics and history. She is widely published with a number of books and refereed journal papers.
Spiritually, she is an aspiring anthropologist committed to trying to better understand how we strange humans think, value, make and do things. Her favourite activities are hanging out with her family and friends. She has a zero tolerance for hypocrisy and avoids grumpy people. Prior to becoming an academic, Judith was a secondary school teacher. She really enjoys supervising post-graduate students.
Professor Bessant was appointed to the first Chair of Youth Studies and Sociology in Australia in 2004 at RMIT University. She has also performed a number of university governance roles as Research Director, member of School Executives, University Research Committees, Chair of University Approval and Examination Research Committees and she was appointed as the Vice Chancellor's Representative on the RMIT University Academic Board. At other universities, she has served in similar roles and on the University Senate. Professor Bessant has also established and consolidated research centres and worked to found and consolidate a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
She also advises governments and non-government organizations.
In 2017, Professor Bessant was awarded an 'Order of Australia' (AM) for her significant service to education as a social scientist, advocate and academic specialising in youth studies research.
Please direct all mail to her RMIT address. Professor Bessant's CV is available from her on request.
Supervisor projects
De Radicalization Efforts in the Contemporary Era, a Case Study of Reforming Madrassas Education in Pakistan since 9/11
10 Aug 2023
Neighbourhood Connections of Iranian Migrants in Melbourne, Australia
3 Jun 2021
What is Good Professional Judgment in Child Protection?
19 Jun 2017
Teaching interests
Supervisor interests
Youth studies, policy, education, social theory and social history
Research interests
Sociology, Political Science, Policy and Administration, Social Work, Law, Education Systems
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.