Bachelor of Commerce(Accounting)/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University is a five-year double degree designed for students who want to combine professional accounting expertise with comprehensive legal knowledge. This program is ideal for ambitious students seeking careers in corporate law, commercial law, accounting, taxation, compliance, consulting, or business advisory, while developing the commercial awareness increasingly valued by employers.

Campus Location: Burwood (Melbourne), Victoria, Australia and Waterfront (Geelong), Victoria, Australia. The program is available on campus at both locations, providing access to Deakin’s industry-connected learning environment and practical legal experiences.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in both business and law. In accounting and commerce studies, they explore units such as Accounting for Decision Making (MAA103), Economic Principles (MAE101), and Fundamentals of Finance (MAF101), developing essential financial and economic literacy. Alongside this, students begin legal studies through Legal Research and Statutory Interpretation (MLL110) and Resolving Disputes and Legal Communication (MLL113), learning how legal systems operate and how to communicate legal arguments effectively.

Year 2:
The second year introduces students to core legal principles and analytical business skills. Through units such as Business Analytics (MIS171), Marketing Fundamentals (MMK101), and Management (MMM132), students develop a broader understanding of organisational decision-making. Legal studies progress into Criminal Law (MLP114), Contract A (MLP119), and Misleading Conduct and Economic Torts (MLP117), providing a solid grounding in legal rights, obligations, and dispute resolution.

Year 3:
Students begin their Accounting major while advancing through more complex legal subjects. Accounting-focused studies deepen through specialised accounting units within the major sequence, while law units such as Contract B (MLP219), Criminal Procedure (MLP218), and Legal Practice and Ethics (MLP235) help students understand professional legal responsibilities and procedural law. This combination strengthens both technical accounting knowledge and legal reasoning skills.

Year 4:
The fourth year focuses on commercial and corporate applications of law and accounting. Students undertake advanced law subjects including Corporate Law (MLP331), Constitutional Law (MLP323), and Property (MLP327) while continuing higher-level accounting studies. These subjects develop expertise in corporate governance, business regulation, and the legal framework that underpins commercial activities.

Year 5:
In the final year, students consolidate their professional capabilities through advanced legal and accounting studies. Key law units include Evidence (MLP334), Administrative Law (MLP424), Equity and Trusts (MLP405), and the capstone Advanced Legal Problem Solving and Persuasion (MLL427). Students may also undertake practical experiences such as the Deakin Law Clinic, Community Legal Internship, or Mooting and Advocacy, applying their knowledge in real-world professional settings.

Focus Areas: Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Contract Law, Legal Research, Business Analytics, Corporate Governance, Ethics, Compliance, Dispute Resolution.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced accounting and financial analysis skills; apply legal reasoning to complex commercial issues; interpret legislation and legal principles; communicate effectively with legal and business stakeholders; solve business and legal problems using analytical and evidence-based approaches; demonstrate ethical, professional, and global perspectives in both accounting and legal practice.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia through completion of the prescribed Priestley 11 knowledge areas. The Accounting major is designed as a pathway toward professional accounting recognition and membership requirements of relevant accounting bodies.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Deakin promotes strong graduate employability through industry-connected learning, work-integrated experiences, and practical legal training opportunities. The combination of commerce and law provides graduates with a competitive advantage by combining commercial expertise with legal qualifications sought across corporate, government, consulting, and professional services sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University is designed to give students practical experience in both accounting and legal practice while they study. Students develop commercial, analytical, and professional skills through industry-focused coursework, real-world legal experiences, work-integrated learning opportunities, and practical accounting projects. The program combines business analytics, accounting decision-making, legal problem-solving, and professional communication, ensuring graduates are prepared for both corporate and legal careers. Students learn from academics and industry professionals while accessing Deakin’s specialist business and law learning environments.

This practical focus is strengthened through a range of experiential learning opportunities:

Campus Location : Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), and Online.
Accounting Major Training : Students complete accounting-focused studies including Accounting for Decision Making, Business Analytics, Finance, and other commerce subjects that develop professional accounting and commercial skills.
Business Analytics & Digital Tools : Students use business analytics and digital technologies to identify, evaluate, analyse, and communicate business information, helping build data-driven decision-making capabilities.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) : The degree includes opportunities to undertake work-integrated learning units, allowing students to gain professional industry experience before graduation.
Deakin Law Clinic : Students can work on real community legal matters under the supervision of qualified solicitors, gaining hands-on legal experience with real clients and cases.
Community Legal Internship : Students may complete a Community Legal Internship, providing practical exposure to legal practice and client engagement.
Mooting and Advocacy : Students can participate in simulated court proceedings, legal arguments, advocacy exercises, and professional legal presentations that mirror real courtroom environments.
Legal Professional Practice Unit : Students gain practical training in professional legal work, ethics, legal drafting, and client-focused legal services.
Capstone Learning : The Advanced Legal Problem Solving and Persuasion capstone unit allows students to apply accumulated legal knowledge to complex professional scenarios.
Commercial Law Focus : Students develop expertise in areas such as Corporate Law, Business Tax Law, Financial Services Regulation, Corporate Governance, Commercial Law, and International Commercial Law.
Professional Industry Insights : Commerce students complete Professional Insight studies that strengthen workplace readiness, communication, teamwork, and professional development skills.
Research & Learning Facilities : Students have access to Deakin’s business and law learning resources, digital libraries, legal research materials, academic databases, collaborative study spaces, and industry-informed teaching environments.
International Study Opportunities : Law students may undertake international study experiences through selected study tour opportunities that provide global legal and commercial perspectives.
Group Projects & Team-Based Learning : Students regularly collaborate with peers on business and legal problem-solving activities, developing teamwork and professional communication skills highly valued by employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) / Bachelor of Laws at Deakin University equips graduates with a powerful combination of accounting expertise and legal knowledge, opening doors across both business and legal sectors. Graduates develop strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and professional legal capabilities that are highly valued by employers. Typical career pathways include Corporate Lawyer, Accountant, Auditor, Legal Adviser, Compliance Officer, Policy Adviser, and Commercial Consultant.

Future Progression & Opportunities:

Campus Location: Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong), and Online. Students can study at Deakin's modern campuses while accessing extensive business and law learning facilities.
University Services That Support Employability: Deakin provides extensive Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, including the Deakin Law Clinic, Community Legal Internship, Legal Professional Practice, and Mooting and Advocacy programs. These experiences allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world legal and commercial situations before graduation.
Employment Statistics & Salary: Deakin reports being the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, helping graduates transition successfully into professional careers. Graduates entering accounting, compliance, business advisory, and legal-related roles can typically expect a median starting salary range of AUD $65,000–$90,000 per year, depending on role, location, and employer.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from strong industry engagement through the Deakin Law Clinic, practical legal training opportunities, community legal partnerships, and Work Integrated Learning programs that connect students with employers and industry professionals.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Victoria through the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). The accounting major also provides pathways toward professional recognition with organizations such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, Institute of Public Accountants, and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Additionally, Deakin Business School holds prestigious AACSB and EQUIS accreditations, recognized globally for business education excellence.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are well positioned for careers in corporate law, accounting, auditing, taxation, compliance, risk management, government, consulting, and financial services. The combination of legal and accounting expertise is particularly valuable for commercial law, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, taxation, and regulatory compliance roles.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates may continue their studies through Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner. Students may also pursue advanced qualifications such as the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), specialized master's degrees in law, accounting, finance, taxation, or business, as well as professional programs including the CA Program, CPA Program, and other industry-recognized postgraduate certifications.