Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication at Murdoch University combines professional legal education with advanced communication expertise, preparing students to become persuasive advocates, strategic communicators, and industry-ready professionals. Designed for students who are interested in law, media, public affairs, journalism, and corporate communication, this double degree develops strong analytical, legal, writing, and presentation skills that are highly valued across many industries. Campus Location: Murdoch Campus, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both legal studies and communication. Law units such as Foundations of Law and Criminal Law and Procedure introduce the Australian legal system, legal reasoning, and criminal justice processes, while communication studies begin developing skills in media analysis, communication theory, and audience engagement. Students also start exploring how media and communication influence public opinion and society.

Year 2

The second year expands students' understanding of legal principles and communication practices. Through units such as Torts, Skills for Legal Practice, and Statutory Interpretation, students learn how legal rules are applied in real-world situations. Communication studies further develop professional writing, media production, and strategic communication capabilities, helping students communicate complex information effectively across different platforms.

Year 3

By the third year, students engage with more advanced legal and communication concepts. Legal studies may include areas such as Equity, refugee law, and family law, while communication units focus on topics including Media Audiences, Governance and Globalisation and communication of global issues. Students strengthen their research, critical thinking, and advocacy skills while examining the relationship between law, media, and society.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on practical application and specialisation. Students undertake advanced law electives while choosing a communication pathway in Journalism, Strategic Communication, or Global Media and Communication. They refine professional skills in media liaison, broadcasting, public affairs, advocacy, and legal communication, while gaining valuable industry exposure through Work Integrated Learning opportunities.

Year 5

In the final year, students consolidate their expertise through advanced legal studies, specialised communication projects, and professional experiences. Participation in Murdoch Law School’s mooting program, legal clinical opportunities, and industry-focused communication projects helps students graduate with practical experience, professional confidence, and a portfolio of work that demonstrates both legal and communication expertise.

Focus Areas:

Criminal Law and Procedure, Legal Practice, Refugee and Family Law, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Global Media and Communication, Media Audiences and Globalisation, Public Affairs, Advocacy, Digital Media Skills, Media Liaison, Communication Research.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal knowledge and reasoning skills; identify and analyse legal issues; conduct legal and communication research; communicate effectively with legal and non-legal audiences; apply ethical decision-making; utilise traditional and digital media professionally; engage diverse stakeholders through voice, text, sound, and image; demonstrate critical, creative, and collaborative problem-solving skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council. Students specialising in Strategic Communication may also benefit from accreditation recognition through the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Murdoch University is recognised for its industry-focused learning approach, Work Integrated Learning opportunities, award-winning legal clinic experience, and strong employer engagement. Students benefit from practical legal training, communication industry exposure, and internship opportunities with local and international organisations, enhancing graduate employability and professional readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication at Murdoch University develop practical legal, media, and communication skills through a combination of real-world legal training, industry engagement, creative media production, and professional work placements. The degree is designed to move beyond theory, giving students opportunities to apply their knowledge in authentic legal and communication settings. From working with real clients in a legal clinic to producing media content in professional-standard studios, students graduate with hands-on experience that employers value. These experiences are strengthened by access to Murdoch’s specialised media facilities, industry-focused learning environments, and Work Integrated Learning opportunities:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Complete internships with local and international organisations, allowing you to gain industry experience and build professional networks before graduation.
SCALES Law Clinic: Earn academic credit through Murdoch Law School’s award-winning legal clinic, where students gain practical legal training and exposure to real client matters under professional supervision.
Mooting Competitions: Participate in Murdoch Law School’s successful mooting program, developing advocacy, legal research, case analysis, negotiation, and courtroom presentation skills through simulated legal proceedings.
MESH Creative Consultancy: Gain real-world communication experience through Murdoch’s on-campus student creative consultancy, working on projects that mirror professional industry practice.
Media Arts Centre: Access Murdoch’s dedicated Media Arts Centre, which integrates television production, journalism, radio broadcasting, sound production, and graphic design facilities in a professional learning environment.
Broadcast-Quality TV Studios: Develop content production skills using industry-standard television studios, including digital production spaces, control rooms, multi-camera systems, lighting equipment, and video production technology.
Radio Broadcasting Studios: Build practical broadcasting and communication skills through hands-on work in dedicated radio studios used for audio production and media communication projects.
Journalism Production Facilities: Use professional journalism workspaces equipped with recording equipment for interviews, specialised news production software, computer laboratories, and media layout tools for digital, print, and multimedia storytelling.
Digital Media and Communication Projects: Develop practical skills in broadcasting, media liaison, public affairs, digital media production, content creation, advocacy, and professional communication across multiple media platforms.
Collaborative Learning and Group Work: Work independently and collaboratively on legal and communication projects, developing teamwork, professional communication, and stakeholder engagement skills required in both industries.
Industry-Focused Teaching: Learn from award-winning academics actively engaged across communication, media, and creative industries, ensuring learning remains connected to current professional practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication are uniquely positioned to succeed in careers that demand both legal expertise and outstanding communication skills. By combining professional legal training with advanced capabilities in media, public affairs, advocacy, and strategic communication, graduates develop a versatile skill set that is highly valued across a wide range of industries. Typical career pathways include Lawyer, Solicitor or Barrister, Corporate Communicator, and Public Policy or Government Adviser.

This strong combination of legal and communication expertise creates exciting professional opportunities:

Career and Employability Support: Murdoch’s Careers and Employability team helps students prepare for the workforce through career coaching, employability workshops, networking events, graduate recruitment opportunities, the myMurdoch Career portal, and the Boost Your Employability program designed to strengthen professional skills.
Industry Experience and Professional Networks: Students can participate in Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements and internships with local and international organisations. Murdoch communication students have completed internships with organisations such as Lifeline, RAC Arena, and The Salvation Army, while law students gain practical experience through Murdoch’s award-winning legal clinic and competitive mooting program.
University–Industry Partnerships: The Communication program’s Work Integrated Learning opportunities connect students directly with industry partners, while Murdoch’s MESH creative consultancy provides real-world project experience with external clients and organisations.
Salary Potential: Graduates entering legal, communication, corporate affairs, public relations, media, and government roles can typically expect starting salaries of approximately AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with experienced legal and corporate communication professionals often earning significantly higher salaries as they progress into senior positions.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council, providing graduates with a respected qualification and a pathway toward legal admission and professional practice.
Graduate Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for opportunities across law firms, government departments, media organisations, corporate communications teams, public affairs agencies, advocacy organisations, and international relations roles. The combination of legal reasoning and communication expertise offers strong career flexibility and long-term employability.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can continue their studies through postgraduate qualifications such as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (required for admission to legal practice in Australia), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Communication, Master of International Relations, or specialised master's degrees in media, public policy, and strategic communication. Students interested in research and academic careers may also progress to higher research degrees such as a Master by Research or PhD, enabling further specialisation and expanded career opportunities in both legal and communication fields.