Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a unique double degree that blends the scientific study of human behaviour with comprehensive legal training. It is designed for students interested in understanding how people think, behave, and interact within legal systems, making it ideal for careers in law, justice, psychology-related fields, policy, and human services. Campus Location: Melbourne (St Patrick’s Campus), Victoria, a central campus offering strong access to legal institutions, courts, hospitals, community organisations, and professional networks.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both psychology and law. Core psychology units such as Introduction to Psychology A & B and Research Methods in Psychology develop an understanding of human behaviour and scientific research methods. On the law side, students study Foundations of Law and Legal Research and Legal Institutions and Processes, gaining an introduction to the Australian legal system and how laws are created and applied.

Year 2

In the second year, students begin exploring core psychological theories alongside essential legal subjects. Psychology units such as Developmental Psychology and Social Psychology examine how individuals grow, think, and interact in social environments. Legal studies progress with units like Criminal Law and Procedure and Contract Law, building a strong understanding of criminal justice and commercial legal principles.

Year 3

In the third year, students deepen their understanding of psychological science and legal reasoning. Psychology subjects such as Cognitive Psychology and Biological Psychology explore memory, perception, brain function, and behaviour. Law units such as Torts Law and Constitutional Law strengthen students’ understanding of liability, rights, and government structure.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced study and application. Students undertake psychology units like Abnormal Psychology and Psychological Assessment, while also completing law subjects such as Equity and Trusts and Administrative Law. This year develops analytical, ethical, and professional skills required for both legal and behavioural practice contexts.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced and professional-focused learning. Psychology studies may include Advanced Research Project in Psychology, while law units such as Evidence and Legal Practice and Ethics prepare students for real-world legal environments. This year also strengthens research, advocacy, and professional decision-making skills across both disciplines.

Focus Areas:

Human Behaviour, Cognitive Psychology, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Legal Ethics, Research Methods, Psychological Assessment, Social Psychology, Legal Practice, Justice Systems, Human Development, Evidence Law.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to analyse human behaviour using scientific methods, apply legal principles to complex cases, conduct psychological and legal research, demonstrate ethical reasoning, communicate effectively in professional settings, and integrate psychological insight into legal and justice contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by Australian legal admission authorities (including Victorian Legal Admissions Board requirements) and provides a pathway to legal practice following completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Australian Catholic University is recognised for strong graduate employment outcomes and industry-focused learning, with 95% graduate employment outcomes reported across the university. ACU is also ranked among the top 10 Catholic universities globally, reflecting its international reputation for teaching quality, ethics-based education, and professional preparation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to ensure students gain hands-on, practical experience alongside strong academic foundations in both psychology and law. Throughout the degree, students engage in applied legal training, psychological research methods, and real-world problem-solving activities that mirror professional practice. Learning is supported through industry-informed teaching, interactive workshops, and opportunities to apply theory in legal and behavioural contexts. Students also benefit from ACU’s strong focus on community engagement and ethical professional practice, preparing them for real client-facing environments in both disciplines.

This experiential learning is strengthened through access to specialised tools, facilities, and professional opportunities:

Moot Court Facilities – Students participate in simulated court environments where they develop advocacy, legal argumentation, and courtroom procedure skills essential for legal practice.
Psychology Laboratories – Dedicated labs support experimental psychology, cognitive testing, behavioural research, and data analysis using industry-standard research methods.
Legal Skills Training – Practical units develop skills in legal research, legal writing, case analysis, interviewing, and client communication using real-world legal scenarios.
Pro Bono Legal Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono work, applying legal knowledge in community legal settings and gaining exposure to real cases and clients.
Industry-Based Learning and Placements – Opportunities exist for engagement with legal organisations, community legal centres, and justice services, helping students build professional networks and workplace readiness.
Research Methods and Statistical Software – Psychology training includes the use of research tools and statistical analysis software used in behavioural science and academic research.
Case-Based and Group Learning – Students regularly work in collaborative groups to solve legal and psychological case studies, improving teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills.
Law and Psychology Integrated Learning – The program combines legal and behavioural sciences through interdisciplinary projects exploring human behaviour in legal contexts such as justice, decision-making, and criminal behaviour.
University Learning Resources and Library Access – Students have access to ACU’s extensive academic library, legal databases, psychology journals, and digital learning platforms supporting both disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares graduates with a powerful combination of legal expertise and psychological insight, enabling them to understand both human behaviour and the legal systems that shape society. This dual qualification develops strong skills in legal reasoning, psychological analysis, communication, and ethical decision-making, opening pathways to careers such as Solicitor, Policy Adviser, Human Resources Consultant, Court Liaison Officer, and Behavioural or Justice Support Officer within legal, government, and community sectors.

This strong career preparation is supported by several key advantages:

Excellent Graduate Employment Outcomes – ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, reflecting the university’s strong emphasis on career readiness, practical learning, and industry engagement.
Career Development Services – Students benefit from ACU’s dedicated employability support, including career counselling, mentoring, networking events, resume and interview workshops, internship guidance, and graduate employment support programs designed to enhance professional readiness.
Industry Partnerships and Community Connections – ACU collaborates with organisations such as AED Legal, JobWatch, Knowmore Legal Service, Refugee Legal, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Justice Reform Initiative, and Young Workers Centre, providing students with real-world exposure to legal practice and community services.
Practical Pro Bono Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono legal experience, gaining hands-on experience in legal service environments while contributing to access-to-justice initiatives and community support.
Long-Term Professional Accreditation Value – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited and recognised by legal admission authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, fulfilling the academic requirements required for admission to legal practice after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, psychology-related, policy, and human services roles typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on role, sector, and experience level. Salaries increase significantly with professional progression and additional qualifications.
Strong Interdisciplinary Career Pathways – Graduates are well prepared for careers across law, psychology, human resources, corrections, counselling support services, policy development, community services, and government agencies.
Transferable Professional Skills – Students graduate with advanced capabilities in legal analysis, behavioural understanding, communication, advocacy, research, ethical reasoning, and problem-solving, making them highly adaptable across multiple professional sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students interested in psychology pathways may progress into further APAC-accredited study such as an Honours year or postgraduate psychology qualifications, including a Master of Psychology (subject to meeting entry requirements and supervised practice pathways). Graduates may also pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as criminal law, human rights law, or dispute resolution, or advance into postgraduate study in psychology, criminology, public policy, or human services. Those interested in research, academia, or leadership roles can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, leading to careers in legal practice, psychological research, public policy, justice reform, and senior advisory positions across government and community sectors.