Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Global Studies at La Trobe University combines professional legal training with a deep understanding of global politics, diplomacy, international relations, human rights, and security issues. Offered at Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, this five-year double degree is ideal for students who want to build a legal career while developing expertise in global affairs, international policy, and cross-cultural engagement.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in both law and global studies. Core subjects such as Legal Institutions and Methods, Principles of Criminal Law, and Introduction to Global Studies introduce students to the Australian legal system while exploring major global challenges, international relations, and political systems. Students also study States, Security and International Relations, developing an understanding of global power structures and international security.

Year 2

The second year expands students’ legal reasoning and international awareness through subjects including Contract Law A, Contract Law B, and Principles of Constitutional Law. Alongside these legal studies, students examine global governance through International Law and Organisations, gaining insights into how international institutions influence diplomacy, law, and global cooperation.

Year 3

During the third year, students move into more advanced legal studies while strengthening analytical and policy skills. Subjects such as Civil Procedure, Foundations of Property Law, and Statutory Interpretation develop practical legal knowledge, while global studies majors allow students to specialise in areas such as conflict resolution, international relations, human rights, or government policy. Students also begin integrating theoretical learning with real-world global issues.

Year 4

In fourth year, students focus on specialised legal areas including Real Property Law, Evidence and Criminal Procedure, and Principles of Administrative Law. At the same time, advanced global studies subjects encourage deeper engagement with international policy, security challenges, diplomacy, and global governance. Students develop stronger research, advocacy, and policy analysis capabilities that prepare them for professional practice.

Year 5

The final year consolidates legal expertise through subjects such as Company Law and Principles of Equity and Trusts while completing advanced global studies electives and major requirements. Students may also undertake practical experiences through placements in legal centres, government agencies, courts, or international-focused organisations, applying both legal and global knowledge in professional environments.

Focus Areas:

International Relations, Human Rights, Conflict and Negotiation, Global Security, Diplomacy, International Law, Public Policy, Government and Political Systems, Legal Advocacy, Corporate and Public Law.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced knowledge of Australian legal systems and global political structures; analyse international and legal challenges using critical research methods; communicate effectively with legal and non-legal audiences; apply professional judgment to complex legal and global issues; demonstrate ethical awareness, leadership, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding in professional environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component includes all subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) to satisfy the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. Graduates can proceed to Practical Legal Training before applying for admission as an Australian lawyer.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

La Trobe University is recognised globally for its teaching quality, graduate employability, and industry-focused learning. The university provides students with opportunities for legal internships, practical placements, international experiences, law competitions, and industry engagement, helping graduates develop strong professional networks and workplace-ready skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Global Studies gives students the opportunity to build practical legal expertise while developing a strong understanding of international affairs, diplomacy, global policy, and cross-cultural communication. Throughout the program, students apply classroom knowledge to real-world legal and global challenges through internships, international experiences, legal clinics, and professional projects. The degree is designed to develop both professional legal skills and global leadership capabilities, helping students graduate with practical experience that extends beyond traditional classroom learning.

This hands-on learning approach is strengthened through a range of professional experiences and facilities:

Legal Clinical Programs: Students can participate in legal clinical education programs where they work on real legal matters under professional supervision, gaining practical experience in client interaction, legal research, case preparation, and advocacy.
Local and International Internships: The course includes opportunities for work-based learning through internships with legal organisations, government agencies, community organisations, and international institutions.
Mandatory Global Mobility Experience: A key component of the Global Studies degree is an overseas study experience. Students can study abroad at a Monash international campus or one of the university’s partner institutions around the world, gaining first-hand international exposure.
International Exchange Programs: Students can undertake international exchange and study-abroad opportunities that allow them to experience different legal systems, cultures, and global policy environments.
Language and Cultural Training: The Global Studies component includes language studies and intercultural learning, helping students develop communication skills needed for international careers and global collaboration.
Research and Legal Writing Projects: Law students complete advanced legal research and writing tasks, including an honours-level research project that strengthens analytical, investigative, and professional communication skills.
Moot Courts and Advocacy Training: Students develop courtroom, negotiation, and legal argument skills through practical advocacy exercises and simulated legal environments within the law program.
Collaborative Projects: Global Studies units involve multidisciplinary group projects focused on international challenges, leadership, policy development, and global problem-solving.
Law Library and Research Resources: Students have access to extensive legal databases, international relations resources, specialised law collections, digital research tools, and academic support facilities that strengthen professional and research capabilities.
Professional Networking Opportunities: Through industry engagement activities, guest lectures, legal professionals, policymakers, and international experts regularly contribute to student learning experiences

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Global Studies equips graduates with a powerful blend of legal expertise and international perspectives, preparing them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world. Students develop advanced skills in legal analysis, cross-cultural communication, global policy, negotiation, and research, making them highly attractive to employers across legal, government, international, and corporate sectors. Graduates are well positioned to work on complex global issues involving law, politics, trade, human rights, and international relations.

Typical career outcomes include: International Lawyer, Policy Adviser, Diplomatic Officer, Corporate Compliance Manager.

Career Support & Graduate Success:

Career Development Services: Students can access dedicated career counselling, resume and interview preparation, employability workshops, networking events, mentoring opportunities, and internship support to enhance their professional readiness.
Global Learning Opportunities: The program's international focus helps students build global networks and intercultural competencies through overseas study opportunities, international engagement programs, and globally focused coursework.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates possess a unique combination of legal and global expertise, enabling them to pursue opportunities across law firms, multinational corporations, government agencies, international organisations, and non-government organisations.
Median Salary Range: Graduates entering legal, policy, international affairs, and corporate sectors typically commence with salaries ranging from approximately AUD $65,000–$90,000+ per year, with significant long-term growth potential depending on specialisation and experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from professional engagement opportunities with legal practitioners, government agencies, community organisations, and industry partners through internships, placements, networking activities, and experiential learning initiatives.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, providing a recognised pathway toward becoming a qualified legal practitioner after completing practical legal training requirements.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in international law, foreign affairs, public policy, diplomacy, human rights advocacy, international business, government relations, compliance, and legal consulting. The combination of legal and global studies knowledge provides strong versatility across multiple sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Global Studies, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to pursue admission as a lawyer in Australia. Students may also continue with a Master of Laws (LLM), postgraduate qualifications in international relations, diplomacy, public policy, development studies, human rights, international business, or global governance. Those interested in research and academia can further their studies through a Master by Research or PhD, specialising in legal, political, or international studies disciplines.