Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Deakin University

Program Overview

This innovative double degree combines a professional legal education with deep knowledge of politics, philosophy, and economics, helping students understand how law, policy, ethics, and economic systems shape society. It is ideal for students who want to build a legal career while developing the analytical, leadership, and policy-making skills needed to influence government, business, international organisations, and social change. Deakin University – Burwood (Melbourne), Victoria, Australia,

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building Legal and Analytical Foundations

In the first year, students develop essential legal reasoning, research, and communication skills while gaining a strong introduction to political, philosophical, and economic thinking. Units such as Legal Research and Statutory Interpretation (MLL110), Resolving Disputes and Legal Communication (MLL113), and Introduction to Politics: Democracy, Power, Resistance and Change (AIP107) establish the foundations for understanding legal systems, governance, and public decision-making. Students also strengthen their analytical capabilities through Critical Thinking (ASP108).

Year 2 – Understanding Law, Society, and Economic Systems

The second year expands students’ understanding of substantive legal areas while introducing broader social and economic perspectives. Through units including Criminal Law (MLP114), Contract A (MLP119), and Money, Growth and the Economy (MAE120), students explore how laws regulate behaviour, markets, and institutions. They also begin examining how public policy and economic structures influence communities and governments.

Year 3 – Exploring Justice, Policy, and Legal Practice

Students move into more advanced legal and policy-focused study, connecting law with questions of justice, governance, and social change. Units such as Constitutional Law (MLP323), Legal Practice and Ethics (MLP235), and Policy and How It Shapes Us (AIP230) help students analyse legal institutions, professional responsibilities, and the development of public policy. Subjects including Justice and Equality: Liberalism to Decolonisation (ASP214) encourage critical engagement with contemporary political and ethical debates.

Year 4 – Specialisation and Interdisciplinary Perspectives

In the fourth year, students deepen their expertise through discipline streams in politics, philosophy, or economic policy while progressing through advanced law studies. Depending on their chosen pathway, students may study units such as Environmental Politics (AIP245), Minds in Action: Philosophy of Human and Artificial Intelligence (ASP299), or International Trade (MAE213). Alongside these, law units such as Corporate Law (MLP331) and Evidence (MLP334) strengthen professional legal knowledge.

Year 5 – Professional Practice and Career Preparation

The final year focuses on advanced legal problem-solving, professional experience, and workplace readiness. Students complete the capstone unit Advanced Legal Problem Solving and Persuasion (MLL427) while gaining practical exposure through opportunities such as Deakin Law Clinic (MLL420), Community Legal Internship (MLL351), Legal Professional Practice (MLL338), or Mooting and Advocacy (MLL460). This final stage prepares graduates to transition confidently into legal practice, policy development, consulting, government, or further study.

Focus Areas:

Legal systems and justice, public policy, political institutions, ethical decision-making, economic policy, governance, social inequality, international affairs, critical reasoning, leadership, law reform, and public sector strategy.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal knowledge and professional legal reasoning; analyse complex political, philosophical, and economic issues; communicate effectively with professional and public audiences; apply critical thinking to policy and legal challenges; utilise digital technologies for research and analysis; collaborate across multidisciplinary environments; and engage ethically with local and global issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The law component includes all Priestley 11 academic areas of knowledge required for admission to legal practice in Australia and satisfies the academic requirements prescribed for legal practice admission (subject to completing Practical Legal Training after graduation). The qualification is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 7).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Deakin Law School is ranked among the Top 3 law schools in Victoria according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025.
Deakin is ranked the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, highlighting strong employability outcomes and industry readiness for graduates.
The program combines legal expertise with policy, economics, and political analysis, creating strong career pathways across law, government, diplomacy, consulting, research, and public administration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Deakin University, this innovative double degree allows students to apply legal knowledge alongside political analysis, ethical reasoning, and economic decision-making in real-world contexts. Learning extends beyond lectures through practical legal experiences, policy-focused projects, professional placements, and industry engagement activities. Students benefit from purpose-built law facilities, extensive research resources, and digital learning platforms that help develop the analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills sought by employers in law, government, policy, and business sectors:

Deakin Law Clinic – gain supervised experience working on real legal matters, conducting legal research, preparing documents, and supporting community clients.
Moot Court facilities – practise advocacy, negotiation, legal argumentation, and courtroom procedures in a professional simulated court environment.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities through units such as Community Legal Internship, Legal Professional Practice, and other industry-engaged experiences.
Policy and public affairs projects that allow students to analyse contemporary political, legal, ethical, and economic challenges using interdisciplinary approaches.
Collaborative group projects and case studies that mirror the work of policy advisers, legal professionals, government analysts, and consultants.
CloudDeakin digital learning platform providing access to online collaboration tools, interactive learning materials, legal resources, and assessment systems.
Deakin Library services with extensive collections of legal databases, legislation resources, policy publications, economic datasets, journals, and international research materials.
Access to professional legal research databases used by legal practitioners and researchers for case law, legislation, and legal analysis.
Industry engagement activities including guest lectures, networking events, and seminars featuring legal professionals, economists, policymakers, and government representatives.
Research-informed teaching drawing on expertise from Deakin's law, politics, philosophy, and economics academics working on contemporary social, legal, and policy issues.
International learning opportunities through Deakin’s overseas exchange programs, enabling students to broaden their understanding of global legal, political, and economic systems.
Student competitions and mooting programs that develop advocacy, negotiation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills in competitive settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

This innovative double degree equips graduates with legal expertise alongside a deep understanding of public policy, political systems, ethical decision-making, and economic analysis. Graduates develop strong analytical, advocacy, and leadership skills that are highly valued across government, law, consulting, and policy sectors. Career opportunities include lawyer, policy adviser, government relations officer, political analyst, public affairs consultant, and regulatory specialist: creating a strong foundation for leadership roles in both the public and private sectors.

Future progression and career opportunities are enhanced through Deakin’s industry engagement, employability programs, and professional recognition:

Deakin Talent and Careers provides one-on-one career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, networking events, employer presentations, and access to graduate employment opportunities
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities within the law degree allow students to gain practical experience through professional placements, legal internships, the Deakin Law Clinic, and community legal programs
Deakin Law Clinic partnerships enable students to work alongside legal professionals and assist with real legal matters under supervision
Industry engagement with government agencies, public policy organisations, community legal centres, and advocacy groups helps students build professional networks before graduation
Graduates benefit from Deakin’s strong employment outcomes, with the university recognised as the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment
Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) accreditation ensures the law component satisfies the academic requirements needed for admission to legal practice in Victoria (subject to Practical Legal Training requirements)
Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) expertise is highly valued by employers seeking graduates who can evaluate complex legal, political, ethical, and economic challenges
Transferable leadership and analytical skills support careers across law firms, government departments, think tanks, regulatory agencies, international organisations, and corporate strategy teams
Global career flexibility through interdisciplinary training that combines legal reasoning, policy analysis, economics, and ethical decision-making

Employment & Salary Outcomes:

Graduate Lawyer / Legal Adviser: approximately AUD $75,000 – $110,000+
Policy Adviser / Public Policy Analyst: approximately AUD $85,000 – $130,000+
Government Relations or Regulatory Affairs Specialist: approximately AUD $90,000 – $140,000+
Management Consultant or Public Affairs Consultant: approximately AUD $95,000 – $150,000+

Estimated Median Salary Range:
Graduates from law and policy-related fields typically achieve a median salary of approximately AUD $90,000 – $120,000 as they establish themselves professionally, with significant growth potential in senior legal, government, regulatory, and consulting positions.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a solicitor in Australia. Students may also continue with postgraduate study such as a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or research-based master's and doctoral programs in law, political science, philosophy, economics, governance, or public administration. These pathways can lead to senior leadership roles in government, academia, international organisations, and legal practice.