Bachelor of Laws

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws at ECU prepares students to understand how law operates in Australia while developing the critical thinking and communication skills needed in legal and professional environments. It is ideal for students who want a structured pathway into legal practice, government, or corporate advisory roles.

Campus Location: Joondalup Campus, Perth, Western Australia

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students are introduced to the foundations of legal study, focusing on how law works in society and how legal systems are structured. Core units typically include Introduction to Legal Principles, Australian Legal System, and Legal Research and Writing, helping students build essential academic and analytical skills for advanced legal study.

Year 2:
This year builds core doctrinal knowledge, where students begin studying key areas of law such as Contract Law, Torts Law, and Criminal Law. These subjects develop your ability to interpret legislation, understand case law, and apply legal reasoning to real-world situations.

Year 3:
Students move into more complex legal areas including Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, and Property Law. This stage strengthens your understanding of how law interacts with government, business, and society, while developing advanced analytical and argumentation skills.

Year 4:
The final year focuses on professional readiness and advanced legal thinking. Students typically study Equity and Trusts, Legal Ethics, and complete capstone or research-based legal projects, preparing them for professional legal environments and postgraduate pathways.

Focus Areas:

Australian legal system, criminal and civil law, constitutional and administrative law, contract and tort law, property law, legal research and advocacy, professional legal ethics, and legal problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to analyse legal issues critically, apply statutory and case law to complex problems, communicate legal arguments effectively, and demonstrate ethical and professional judgement in legal contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Western Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT) as required by admitting authorities.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Edith Cowan University is recognised globally in rankings such as QS World University Rankings and is known for strong graduate employability outcomes, with ECU consistently focusing on industry-connected learning and practical education that prepares students for professional careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, the Bachelor of Laws is built around hands-on legal training that prepares you for real legal practice from early in your degree. Students don’t just learn legal theory — they actively apply it through simulations, advocacy exercises, and industry-connected learning. You’ll develop practical skills using professional legal research tools, participate in real-world style case work, and build confidence in courtroom-style environments designed to reflect actual legal settings. The program is supported by modern learning spaces, law-focused resources, and digital legal databases used in professional legal practice:

Experiential learning: students gain practical legal experience through simulated court environments, legal research platforms, industry exposure, and skills-based learning designed to reflect real legal work:

ECU Moot Court facilities: Practice courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and trial procedures in a simulated court environment used for mooting and skills development
Legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw-style platforms): Develop professional legal research skills using industry-standard digital legal information systems
ECU School of Business and Law learning spaces: Engage in collaborative legal workshops, problem-solving sessions, and interactive case-based learning activities
Law-focused assessment and simulation tasks: Work on real-world legal scenarios including contracts, criminal law problems, constitutional issues, and dispute resolution exercises
Industry engagement opportunities: Participate in internships, professional placements, and networking activities with legal professionals, courts, and government agencies
ECU Library and Law resources: Access extensive legal texts, journals, case law collections, and academic support tailored for law students
Group-based legal projects: Collaborate on case analyses, legal research assignments, and advocacy tasks that build teamwork and professional communication skills
Work-integrated learning experiences: Apply legal knowledge in structured practical settings designed to prepare students for legal practice and professional environments

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Edith Cowan University, the Bachelor of Laws is designed to prepare graduates for professional legal practice and a wide range of roles across government, corporate, and community sectors. You develop strong skills in legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, advocacy, and ethical decision-making, giving you the confidence to operate in complex real-world legal environments. Typical career pathways include: solicitor, legal advisor, policy officer, compliance and governance specialist: where strong analytical thinking and legal expertise are essential across multiple industries.

Progression & Future Opportunities: ECU focuses on employability through practical learning, industry engagement, and dedicated career development support that helps students transition into the legal profession.

ECU Careers and Employability Service: Provides personalised career guidance, resume and interview preparation, job search assistance, employer networking events, and access to graduate employment opportunities across legal, government, and corporate sectors
Work-integrated and practical learning approach: Students build applied legal skills through case-based learning, advocacy training, and research tasks aligned with real legal practice expectations
Strong industry engagement: ECU maintains connections with legal firms, courts, government departments, and community organisations, supporting exposure to professional legal environments and networking opportunities
Professional accreditation value: The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Graduate outcomes (career readiness focus): Graduates are equipped with transferable skills in legal analysis, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, enabling employment across law, government, and corporate sectors
Typical graduate salary range (indicative): Law graduates in Australia commonly earn approximately AUD 70,000 – 110,000+ in early career roles, with higher earning potential as they progress into specialised legal practice or senior advisory positions
Strong employability focus: ECU’s emphasis on practical and professionally aligned learning helps graduates transition smoothly into legal and compliance-related roles across multiple industries

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Laws, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Further study options include a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Criminology, Master of Public Policy, or a PhD, enabling specialisation in areas such as commercial law, criminal law, international law, or legal research and academia.