Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminology

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Victoria University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology at Victoria University combines professional legal training with a deep understanding of crime, criminal justice, policing, and social responses to offending. Designed for students interested in both the legal system and the causes, consequences, and prevention of crime, this double degree prepares graduates for careers across law, criminal justice, government, policy, and law enforcement. Campus Location: Melbourne City Campus, Victoria, Australia. The program satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria while providing specialist criminology expertise.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both law and criminology. They examine the structure of the Australian legal system through Australian Legal System in Context, develop legal research skills in Legal Research Methods, and gain insight into criminal behaviour through Introduction to Criminology and Policing and Offending. Students also begin studying core legal principles through Criminal Law, Contracts 1, and Torts.

Year 2

The second year expands students' understanding of criminal justice systems and legal institutions. Through subjects such as Crime and Inequality, Corporate Crime, and Criminological Theory, students explore the social and economic factors influencing crime. Legal studies progress with Constitutional Law, Corporations Law, Legal Writing and Drafting, and Legal Interpretation, helping students strengthen their professional legal skills.

Year 3

During the third year, students analyse emerging and international crime issues while advancing their legal expertise. Units including Digital Criminology, Contemporary Issues in Criminology, and Crime Across Borders investigate modern criminal challenges. At the same time, students study key legal disciplines such as Commercial Law, Equity and Trusts, and Lawyers' Ethics and Professional Responsibility, developing the ethical and practical capabilities expected of legal professionals.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced criminological research and legal practice. Students examine justice processes through Victims, Justice and the Law, undertake Crime Research and Methods, and complete a Research Project. Professional legal preparation is strengthened through Civil Procedure, Australian Administrative Law, Interviewing and Advocacy, and Internships and Law Practice, providing valuable exposure to real-world legal environments.

Year 5 (Final Semester)

In the final stage of the program, students complete Evidence and select advanced law electives that align with their career goals. Elective options include Family Law in Society, Public International Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Australian Migration Law, and Mooting Competition, allowing students to tailor their expertise and prepare for specialised legal careers. Eligible students may also transition into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) pathway.

Focus Areas:

Criminal law, criminal investigation, criminological theory, policing and offending, crime prevention, corporate crime, digital criminology, criminal justice systems, advocacy, legal research, constitutional law, administrative law, ethics, dispute resolution, international crime, and justice policy.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the ability to critically analyse legal and criminological issues, apply legal reasoning to complex problems, evaluate crime and justice policies, conduct professional legal and criminological research, communicate persuasive legal arguments, demonstrate ethical professional judgement, and operate effectively in diverse legal and justice environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. Graduates can proceed to Practical Legal Training (PLT) as part of the pathway to becoming an Australian lawyer.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Victoria University ranks among the top 2% of universities worldwide.
VU is recognised as #1 in Australia for skills development through the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT).
Students benefit from more than 4,000 industry connections, supporting employability and professional networking opportunities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology at Victoria University combines legal education with an in-depth understanding of crime, justice, policing, and criminal behaviour. Students develop practical skills through simulated legal environments, criminological case analysis, dispute resolution activities, and professional legal exercises that mirror real workplace scenarios. Located in Melbourne's legal precinct, the program gives students access to specialist law facilities, industry-connected learning opportunities, and exposure to professionals working across the legal and justice sectors.

This hands-on learning approach is supported by a range of specialised facilities, experiences, and professional opportunities:

Moot Court Program – Students can participate in Victoria University's renowned mooting program, where they develop advocacy, legal argument, and courtroom presentation skills in a dedicated state-of-the-art moot court facility. Students may also compete in local and international mooting competitions.
Court Internship Opportunities – The program offers access to highly regarded Supreme Court and County Court internship programs, providing valuable exposure to real legal proceedings and judicial processes.
Industry Placements – Students may undertake placement opportunities with organisations including Victoria Police and Victoria Legal Aid, allowing them to gain first-hand experience within the criminal justice and legal systems.
Simulated Legal Practice – Practical learning activities include:
- Advising clients
- Resolving disputes
- Mediation exercises
- Using principled persuasion techniques
- Professional legal problem-solving scenarios.
Criminology Case Studies – Students examine real-world crime and justice issues through applied case studies, evidence-based policy analysis, criminal investigation topics, victimology, crime prevention, digital criminology, and justice reform projects.
Queen Street Law Hub – Students study at Victoria University's dedicated law precinct in Melbourne's legal district, providing direct exposure to the professional legal environment and opportunities to build industry connections.
Specialised Law Library – The law school features a dedicated specialised law library with extensive legal resources, research materials, and study support services specifically for law students.
Legal Research Centres – Students have access to legal research facilities, including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, supporting advanced legal research and policy analysis.
Computer Laboratories and Digital Resources – Dedicated computer labs and digital learning resources support legal research, case analysis, academic projects, and criminological investigations.
Learning from Leading Legal Professionals – Students are taught by experienced academics and adjunct professors, including distinguished judges, barristers, criminal law specialists, and legal practitioners who bring contemporary industry insights into the classroom.
Collaborative and Team-Based Learning – The program incorporates teamwork, legal research projects, professional presentations, and collaborative problem-solving activities that reflect modern legal and justice-sector workplaces.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology at Victoria University combines professional legal training with a deep understanding of crime, justice, policing, and social policy. Graduates develop specialised knowledge of both the legal system and criminological theory, preparing them for careers across legal practice, criminal justice agencies, government, and community organisations. Typical career outcomes include Solicitor, Criminal Lawyer, Policy Adviser, Corrections Officer, and Intelligence or Crime Analyst.

This strong career preparation is supported by several important advantages:

Career Development and Employability Services – Victoria University's Careers and Employability team assists students through career planning consultations, resume reviews, interview preparation, employer networking events, career workshops, and job-search support to help graduates transition confidently into professional employment.
Industry Engagement and Practical Learning – Students benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities, practical legal training activities, and exposure to real-world justice and legal issues throughout the degree.
Industry Partnerships – Victoria University maintains connections with legal practitioners, courts, community legal centres, government departments, justice agencies, and industry professionals, helping students build valuable professional networks and gain insights into current industry practice.
Professional Accreditation – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. This accreditation provides long-term professional recognition and a direct pathway towards becoming a practising lawyer.
Broad Graduate Employment Opportunities – Graduates are well positioned for employment in legal firms, courts, police and law-enforcement agencies, corrections services, government departments, regulatory agencies, policy organisations, community legal centres, and criminal justice institutions.
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, criminology, and justice-related professions typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $100,000 per year, with salaries increasing substantially as graduates gain experience, professional accreditation, or move into specialised legal and justice roles.
Specialised Skill Development – Students graduate with expertise in legal research, advocacy, criminal justice analysis, policy evaluation, dispute resolution, investigation techniques, and critical problem-solving skills that are highly valued across both legal and justice sectors.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – The combination of law and criminology provides graduates with a distinctive skill set that allows them to pursue careers across multiple sectors while responding to contemporary challenges in crime prevention, justice reform, and legal practice.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminology, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to meet the requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students wishing to specialise further may pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas including criminal law, international law, human rights law, or dispute resolution. The criminology component also provides pathways into advanced studies in criminology, criminal justice, policing, intelligence analysis, public policy, or forensic studies. Graduates interested in research, academia, or policy development may continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, while those seeking leadership positions can pursue postgraduate studies in governance, public administration, law enforcement management, or related professional disciplines.