Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Criminology

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Criminology at Murdoch University combines advanced legal training with a deep understanding of crime, justice systems, and human behaviour, preparing graduates for careers across law, criminal justice, policy, and public service. This program is ideal for students who are analytical, socially aware, and interested in how law interacts with crime, society, and rehabilitation.
Campus Location: Murdoch University, Murdoch Campus, Perth, Western Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both legal principles and criminology theory. Core studies typically include introductory law and justice concepts such as Legal Foundations, Criminology Principles, and Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems. Students begin developing research, analytical thinking, and academic writing skills essential for advanced legal and criminology study.

Year 2:
The second year deepens understanding of how law operates within society and how crime is studied and addressed. Students explore subjects such as Criminal Law, Law of Torts, and Criminological Theories, while also engaging in early research-based criminology units. This year strengthens critical thinking and introduces real-world applications of law enforcement and justice systems.

Year 3:
In year three, students begin advanced legal and criminology coursework focused on practice and analysis. Units such as Constitutional Law, Evidence and Procedure, and Research Methods in Criminology develop technical legal knowledge alongside investigative and analytical skills. Students also start engaging in applied learning through case analysis and problem-solving tasks.

Year 4:
The fourth year focuses on advanced legal reasoning and criminology integration. Students study specialised law electives alongside criminology-focused units such as crime prevention, justice policy, and forensic studies. This year also includes preparation for honours-level research, where students begin developing independent legal or criminological research projects.

Year 5 (Honours Year):
The final honours year focuses on independent research and advanced analysis in law and criminology. Students complete a substantial research thesis under academic supervision while studying advanced electives that connect legal systems with criminological issues. This year strengthens academic depth, research capability, and professional readiness.

Focus Areas:

Law, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Legal Research, Constitutional Law, Crime Analysis, Justice Policy, Legal Practice, Social Justice, Forensic Studies

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop advanced legal reasoning, criminological analysis skills, research expertise, and the ability to evaluate crime, justice systems, and legal frameworks critically within real-world contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), providing a recognised pathway to legal practice in Australia. The criminology component aligns with industry needs in justice, law enforcement, and public policy sectors, supporting careers in both legal and criminal justice systems.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Murdoch University is recognised in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings, with strong graduate employability outcomes in law, justice, and social sciences. Its law programs are industry-connected and designed to support practical readiness through clinical learning and real-world legal training.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Murdoch University, the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Criminology is built around hands-on, practice-based learning where you don’t just study law and crime—you actively engage with real cases, research, and applied justice systems. You’ll develop legal reasoning, investigative skills, and criminological analysis through supervised practical experiences, industry-informed teaching, and access to professional legal and social science environments. Learning is supported by real-world legal practice settings, research-led teaching, and exposure to justice system operations:

Experiential learning opportunities and facilities include:

SCALES Community Legal Centre: Gain real client experience by working on supervised legal matters, assisting with legal advice, case preparation, and community justice services.
Moot Court & Advocacy Training: Build courtroom skills through simulated trials, legal argument practice, and structured advocacy exercises designed to mirror real legal proceedings.
Law Library & Legal Research Databases: Access extensive legal resources, case law collections, legislation databases, and research tools essential for advanced legal study and honours-level research.
Criminology Research Training: Engage in criminological investigations using qualitative and quantitative research methods, including crime analysis, behavioural studies, and justice system evaluation.
Social Science & Data Analysis Tools: Develop research skills using industry-standard analytical tools (such as statistical software used in social science research) for interpreting crime trends and justice data.
Industry-Informed Learning Projects: Work on case-based and research-led projects that reflect real challenges in policing, corrections, law reform, and criminal justice policy.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Gain exposure to justice-related organisations, legal institutions, and community services through applied learning and professional engagement activities.
Murdoch University Library & Learning Commons: Access dedicated academic support, legal writing assistance, and criminology research support services throughout your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Criminology at Murdoch University prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of law, justice, and crime analysis. This double degree builds strong legal expertise alongside a deep understanding of criminal behaviour, justice systems, and policy development, positioning graduates for impactful roles in both legal and criminal justice sectors. Typical career pathways include Solicitor, Criminal Lawyer, Policy Officer, and Criminologist:

With a strong focus on real-world justice issues, students graduate ready to work in courts, government agencies, and investigative or policy environments where law and criminology overlap:

Career Support Services: Murdoch’s Careers and Employability team offers the myMurdoch Career Portal, employer networking events, career coaching, CV and interview preparation, and access to graduate job opportunities and internships to support transition into employment.
Industry & Justice Sector Links: Students benefit from engagement with organisations such as the SCALES Community Legal Centre and justice-related learning partnerships that connect academic study with real legal and community justice practice.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), enabling graduates to progress toward admission as legal practitioners, while criminology studies provide strong preparation for roles in justice and policy sectors.
Graduation Outcomes & Skills Development: Graduates gain advanced legal research skills, criminal justice analysis capability, courtroom advocacy skills, and strong critical thinking, developed through mooting, research projects, and applied criminology learning.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles in law, government, and justice-related sectors with starting salaries in the range of approximately AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with higher earnings possible in legal practice, prosecution, or senior policy roles as experience grows.
Long-Term Career Value: This combination of law and criminology is highly relevant to evolving justice systems, preparing graduates for careers in criminal law, corrections, forensic analysis, rehabilitation services, intelligence, and public policy reform.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Criminology, or specialised qualifications in criminal justice, forensic studies, or public policy. For those interested in research or academic careers, progression to a PhD is also available, enabling deeper expertise in law, crime, and justice systems.