Bachelor's of Biomedical Science/Bachelor's of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is a unique double degree that combines scientific expertise with advanced legal knowledge, preparing students for careers at the intersection of healthcare, biotechnology, ethics, policy, and law. This five-year honours program is ideal for students interested in biomedical innovation, medical regulation, intellectual property, health law, and scientific research while developing strong analytical, communication, and legal reasoning skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in biomedical science and legal studies while developing research and critical thinking skills. Units such as Cells, Tissues and Regulation, Chemistry for the Life Sciences, and Legal Foundations introduce students to human biology, molecular science, legal systems, and the principles of professional communication and ethical reasoning.

Year 2

The second year focuses on developing deeper scientific understanding alongside core legal competencies. Through subjects including Medical Microbiology, Genetics and Evolution, and Torts and Negligence, students explore disease processes, laboratory science, civil liability, and legal responsibilities connected to healthcare and scientific practice.

Year 3

Students broaden their expertise in biomedical systems and legal analysis during the third year. Units such as Immunology, Biochemistry, and Contract Law help students understand biomedical innovation, healthcare challenges, and legal frameworks governing professional and commercial relationships.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students engage with advanced scientific and legal topics relevant to healthcare and biotechnology industries. Subjects including Biomedical Research Skills, Administrative Law, and Evidence and Criminal Procedure develop capabilities in scientific investigation, regulatory compliance, legal advocacy, and evidence-based analysis.

Year 5

The final honours year integrates biomedical science and legal expertise through specialised research and professional legal studies. Students undertake advanced units such as Law Honours Dissertation, alongside specialised electives related to health law, ethics, intellectual property, or biotechnology regulation, preparing graduates for complex legal and scientific environments.

Focus Areas

Biomedical science, health law, biotechnology regulation, medical ethics, genetics, immunology, legal research, healthcare policy, scientific innovation, intellectual property law.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced scientific and legal knowledge, analyse healthcare and legal issues critically, apply laboratory and legal research methods, communicate effectively in professional scientific and legal environments, evaluate ethical and regulatory challenges, and integrate biomedical expertise with legal reasoning and policy analysis.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a lawyer in Australia, subject to completion of practical legal training. The biomedical science component provides strong scientific preparation relevant to healthcare, biotechnology, medical research, and regulatory industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Queensland University of Technology is internationally recognised for practical education, industry engagement, and graduate employability. QUT’s law and science programs are highly regarded for producing graduates with strong analytical, research, communication, and interdisciplinary professional skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) gain practical experience through a combination of biomedical laboratory training, legal problem-solving activities, research projects, and professional legal learning environments. The program allows students to develop hands-on scientific investigation skills alongside legal analysis, advocacy, ethical reasoning, and regulatory understanding relevant to healthcare, biotechnology, and medical law sectors:

Biomedical Science Laboratories: Students participate in practical laboratory classes covering microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, genetics, and biochemistry using modern scientific equipment and laboratory technologies.
Moot Courts and Legal Practice Facilities: Law students develop advocacy and legal communication skills through simulated court environments, legal workshops, and case-based learning activities.
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI): Students benefit from exposure to QUT’s biomedical research environment and health innovation projects connected to healthcare and scientific advancement.
Legal Research and Digital Law Tools: Students use professional legal databases, online case law systems, digital legal research platforms, and academic legal resources to strengthen legal analysis and research skills.
Scientific Research Projects: Biomedical research activities help students apply laboratory theory to real scientific and healthcare challenges while developing analytical and evidence-based investigation skills.
Collaborative Group Work: Team-based scientific projects, legal case studies, and interdisciplinary discussions help students strengthen teamwork, leadership, and professional communication capabilities.
Ethics and Regulatory Learning: Students engage with real-world legal and ethical issues related to healthcare, biotechnology, intellectual property, and medical regulation.
Advanced Science and Law Facilities: Students have access to modern biomedical laboratories, collaborative legal learning spaces, research centres, and digital learning environments across QUT campuses.
QUT Library and Research Resources: Students can access extensive biomedical journals, legal databases, legislation resources, scientific publications, and academic research support services through QUT Library.
Industry-Relevant Learning Environment: Practical learning activities are designed to prepare students for careers in healthcare law, biotechnology regulation, medical policy, legal practice, and scientific industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Queensland University of Technology Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) are uniquely equipped for careers that combine scientific expertise with legal and regulatory knowledge. The program prepares students for opportunities across healthcare law, biotechnology regulation, intellectual property, medical policy, pharmaceutical industries, and scientific research environments. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as Health Lawyer, Biotechnology Policy Advisor, Clinical Research Compliance Officer, Intellectual Property Consultant, or Medical Regulatory Specialist:

QUT Careers and Employability Services: Students receive access to career mentoring, legal and professional networking opportunities, resume workshops, interview preparation, and employer engagement programs through QUT’s Careers and Employability team.
Professional Legal Qualification Pathway: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a lawyer in Australia, subject to completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Interdisciplinary Industry Skills: Graduates develop a rare combination of biomedical science knowledge and legal expertise, creating strong career opportunities in healthcare regulation, biotechnology governance, medical ethics, and pharmaceutical compliance.
Industry and Research Connections: Students benefit from QUT’s connections with healthcare organisations, legal firms, research institutes, government agencies, and biomedical innovation sectors.
Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI): Exposure to QUT’s biomedical research environment strengthens understanding of scientific innovation, healthcare policy, and regulatory frameworks relevant to legal and scientific industries.
Practical Research and Analytical Skills: Graduates build advanced capabilities in scientific investigation, legal reasoning, policy analysis, evidence evaluation, and professional communication.
Global Employability Reputation: QUT is internationally recognised for industry-focused learning, strong graduate employability outcomes, and professional education in both law and biomedical sciences.
Long-Term Professional Value: The interdisciplinary nature of the degree supports long-term career growth across legal practice, healthcare policy, biotechnology regulation, intellectual property law, and scientific consulting.
Typical Graduate Roles: Health Lawyer, Medical Policy Advisor, Biotechnology Regulatory Officer, Clinical Governance Specialist, Intellectual Property Consultant, Research Compliance Officer, or Healthcare Legal Advisor.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, graduates may continue into Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal practice in Australia. Students may also pursue postgraduate study in Health Law, Biotechnology, Public Health, Medical Ethics, Intellectual Property Law, Biomedical Research, or advanced legal and scientific research programs including master’s and doctoral degrees.