Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/ Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra combines in-depth knowledge of global politics, public policy, and international affairs with a professionally accredited legal education. Students explore contemporary political challenges, national security, diplomacy, and legal problem-solving while developing the analytical, advocacy, and research skills needed for careers across government, law, international relations, and public policy. Campus Location: Bruce Campus, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by building strong foundations in both politics and law. Core units such as Introduction to Politics and Government, Introduction to Public Policy, and Foundations of Law and Justice introduce key political systems, policy-making processes, and legal principles. Students also develop essential academic and analytical skills through Investigating and Explaining Society and Lawyers and Professional Responsibility.

Year 2

The second year expands students’ understanding of legal frameworks and political institutions. Through units such as Constitutional Law, Contract Law, and Torts Law, students learn how laws are created, interpreted, and applied. At the same time, economics, governance, and policy-focused studies help students understand how political and legal decisions shape society and international relations.

Year 3

Students move into more specialised and applied learning. Subjects such as Property Law, Corporations Law, and Criminal Law and Procedure strengthen legal expertise, while advanced politics and international relations studies develop skills in analysing global issues, public policy, security challenges, and international governance. Students also have opportunities to participate in internships and practical experiences.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students tackle more complex legal and policy issues through units including Administrative Law, Legal Theory, and Professional Evidence (Government and Policy). Coursework focuses on critical analysis, legal reasoning, policy evaluation, and ethical decision-making while preparing students for professional practice and leadership roles.

Year 5

The final year emphasises professional readiness and advanced legal practice. Students complete units such as Evidence Law, Capstone Law and Justice, and Equity and Trusts Law, integrating their knowledge across both disciplines. Internship opportunities, practical legal experiences, and advanced electives allow students to tailor their studies toward their preferred career pathway.

Focus Areas

Politics and government, international relations, public policy, national security, diplomacy, constitutional law, commercial law, legal advocacy, legal research, governance, ethics, and policy development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of political systems, international relations, and legal principles; analyse domestic and global political issues; conduct complex legal and policy research; communicate effectively across professional and cultural contexts; solve legal and policy challenges; and apply ethical reasoning to real-world political and legal problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component is professionally accredited and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The program prepares graduates for careers in law, diplomacy, public policy, intelligence, government, international organisations, and advocacy.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Canberra benefits from its location in Australia's capital city, providing students with strong connections to government departments, law firms, public sector organisations, and non-government organisations. The program offers internship opportunities, overseas study options, and industry engagement through relationships with the National Centre for Corporate Law, the National Institute of Governance, public sector employers, and legal organisations, enhancing graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra gain practical experience by combining legal training with real-world political, policy, and international affairs learning. Located in Australia’s capital city, the program gives students direct exposure to government agencies, legal institutions, diplomatic organisations, and policy-making environments. Throughout the degree, students develop advocacy, legal research, policy analysis, negotiation, and communication skills while working on authentic legal and political challenges. The course is designed with strong industry input and includes opportunities to apply classroom knowledge through internships, international experiences, and workplace-based learning opportunities:

Law and Justice Internship: Students can complete a dedicated Law and Justice Internship, gaining hands-on experience within legal and justice-related organisations while building professional networks and workplace skills.
Government and Policy Internships: The degree includes opportunities to undertake Business, Government and Law (BGL) Internships and Government and Policy internship units, allowing students to work directly with organisations in Canberra’s public sector environment.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students participate in internships, workplace simulations, capstone projects, and professional practice experiences that have been developed with industry and employer input to enhance career readiness.
International Study Opportunities: Students may undertake international exchange programs and overseas study experiences, providing valuable global perspectives on law, politics, diplomacy, and international relations.
National Centre for Corporate Law: Students benefit from the University's connections with the National Centre for Corporate Law, supporting engagement with contemporary legal issues, research, and industry expertise.
National Institute of Governance: Access to the National Institute of Governance enhances learning in public administration, governance, policy development, and leadership within government environments.
Industry Connections in Canberra: Strong relationships with law firms, Commonwealth Government agencies, public sector organisations, and NGOs provide students with networking, placement, and employment opportunities unique to Australia's political centre.
Past Internship Hosts: Politics and International Relations students have previously undertaken placements with organisations such as the Australian Border Force, Australian Civil-Military Centre, Australian Institute of International Affairs, Centre of Defence and Strategic Studies, Citadel Group, and Aspen Medical.
Advocacy and Communication Training: Practical law units focus on advocacy, legal communication, dispute management, professional responsibility, and legal problem-solving, helping students build skills required for legal and policy careers.
Library and Digital Resources: Students have access to the University of Canberra Library’s extensive legal databases, policy resources, research collections, journals, and digital learning platforms that support advanced legal and political research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra equips graduates with a unique blend of legal expertise, political insight, and global awareness. Studying in Australia’s capital city places students at the centre of government, diplomacy, policy-making, and international affairs, providing exceptional opportunities to build professional networks and gain real-world experience. Graduates are well prepared for careers as Lawyers, Policy Advisors, Diplomatic Officers, and International Relations Analysts, with opportunities across government, international organisations, legal practice, and the private sector.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Dedicated employability support: UC’s award-winning Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program provides students with access to internships, industry projects, professional placements, mentoring opportunities, and networking events. UC Careers and Employability services also offer career coaching, CV development, interview preparation, and employer engagement programs to help students transition confidently into the workforce.
Industry partnerships and practical experience: The University of Canberra’s location in Canberra provides access to organisations such as the Australian Parliament, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australian Public Service agencies, Legal Aid ACT, ACT Government, community legal centres, embassies, and international organisations. These partnerships support internship opportunities, industry engagement, and workplace learning experiences.
Employment outcomes and salary potential: Graduates are highly competitive for positions in law, government, foreign affairs, policy development, intelligence, international organisations, and regulatory agencies. Early-career salaries typically range from approximately AUD $70,000 to $95,000 per year, with a median salary of around AUD $82,000 annually, depending on the role, organisation, and sector. Graduates entering legal practice, government leadership pathways, or international affairs roles may experience significant salary progression over time.
Long-term accreditation value: The law component of the degree is accredited by the Legal Admissions Consultative Committee (LACC) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The politics and international relations component provides specialised expertise in governance, diplomacy, public policy, and global affairs, creating long-term career flexibility.
Strong graduate outcomes: Graduates develop advanced skills in legal reasoning, policy analysis, negotiation, advocacy, research, communication, and strategic thinking. These highly transferable capabilities are valued across legal practice, diplomacy, public administration, international development, political consulting, and corporate affairs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/Bachelor of Laws, graduates can pursue a variety of postgraduate pathways depending on their career goals. Students seeking legal practice can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) before applying for admission as a lawyer. Graduates may also continue with advanced study through a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, Master of Diplomacy, Master of National Security Policy, or research-based postgraduate degrees. These qualifications enable students to specialise in areas such as international law, human rights, global governance, foreign policy, dispute resolution, or public administration, supporting progression into senior legal, diplomatic, policy, and leadership positions.