Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Commerce

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Edith Cowan University

Program Overview

At Edith Cowan University (Joondalup Campus, Western Australia), the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce is a double degree designed for students who want to combine strong legal expertise with commercial, financial, and business decision-making skills. It suits students who are interested in corporate law, business strategy, accounting, governance, and working in roles where law and commerce intersect in real-world industries.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and business through introductory units such as Introduction to Law and Legal Systems, Principles of Business, and Academic Skills for Law and Commerce. These units focus on understanding legal frameworks, basic commercial principles, and essential academic and analytical skills needed for advanced study. Students also begin developing critical thinking and communication skills through case-based learning and business problem-solving activities.

Year 2:
In the second year, students move into core disciplinary subjects such as Contract Law, Business Communications, and Financial Accounting. This stage strengthens their understanding of legal obligations in commercial environments while also building technical business and financial literacy. Students begin applying legal reasoning and commercial analysis to structured case studies and early-stage industry-relevant scenarios.

Year 3:
In the third year, students progress to more advanced subjects including Torts Law, Corporate Law, and Economics for Business Decision Making. These units develop deeper knowledge of liability, corporate regulation, and economic systems that influence business operations. Students also engage in more complex problem-solving tasks that integrate legal and commercial thinking.

Year 4:
In the fourth year, students study specialised units such as Equity and Trusts, Business Analytics, and Taxation Law. At this stage, learning becomes more applied, focusing on how legal and financial systems interact in corporate environments. Students also participate in research-based assessments and practical case analyses relevant to modern business and legal practice.

Year 5:
In the final year, students complete advanced and capstone-level units such as Corporate Governance and Compliance, Legal Practice and Procedure, and Strategic Management. This year focuses on integrating legal and business knowledge into professional decision-making, preparing students for complex workplace challenges and leadership roles in law and commerce.

Focus areas:

Corporate law, commercial law, financial accounting, taxation, business strategy, governance, compliance, economic decision-making, legal practice readiness

Learning outcomes:

Graduates will be able to interpret and apply legal principles in commercial contexts, analyse financial and business data, and provide strategic advice in corporate environments. They will develop strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills suited to both legal practice and business leadership roles.

Professional alignment (accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The commerce component aligns with industry expectations in accounting, business management, and corporate governance roles.

Reputation (employability rankings):

Edith Cowan University is recognised for strong teaching quality and graduate employability outcomes in Western Australia, with a focus on practical, industry-connected learning and work-integrated education (official ECU graduate outcomes reporting and national student experience surveys).

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Edith Cowan University, the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce focuses heavily on applied, career-ready learning where students actively build legal and business skills through real-world simulations, industry projects, and professional practice experiences. You won’t just study law and commerce side by side — you’ll learn how they interact in real corporate environments, using case-based learning, group consultancy projects, and industry-informed scenarios that reflect what professionals actually do in legal and business settings.

Experiential learning at ECU is designed to help you transition smoothly into the workplace through hands-on practice, professional tools, and industry engagement:

Moot court and advocacy training: Develop courtroom-style legal argument skills through simulated hearings that build confidence in legal reasoning, public speaking, and litigation technique
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities: Gain exposure to real workplaces through internships, industry projects, and professional placements across legal firms, corporate organisations, and government sectors
Business consulting and group projects: Work in teams on real-world business problems involving strategy, finance, marketing, and organisational decision-making, simulating professional consulting environments
Legal problem-solving workshops: Engage with case-based learning activities that train you to interpret legislation, analyse contracts, and apply legal principles to complex scenarios
Digital learning and research tools: Use ECU’s online learning platforms and legal/business research databases to develop skills in academic research, data interpretation, and professional reporting
Industry engagement activities: Participate in guest lectures, networking sessions, and employer-led workshops with professionals from law firms, accounting practices, and corporate organisations
Library and academic support services: Access ECU’s extensive library resources, including legal databases, business journals, and study support tools to strengthen both legal and commerce research skills
Collaborative learning environments: Work in structured group settings that reflect real workplace teamwork in legal practice, corporate advisory, and business analysis roles

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Edith Cowan University, the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce prepares graduates for careers that combine legal expertise with strong business, financial, and strategic decision-making skills. This dual degree is ideal for students who want to work at the intersection of law, corporate governance, accounting, and commercial operations. Typical career pathways include: commercial lawyer, corporate advisor, compliance and risk manager, business analyst: where understanding both legal frameworks and business strategy creates a strong competitive advantage.

Progression & Future Opportunities: ECU supports students with a strong focus on employability, practical learning, and industry engagement to ensure graduates are work-ready across both legal and commercial sectors.

ECU Careers and Employability Service: Provides personalised career counselling, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate job opportunities across law, business, finance, and government sectors
Work-integrated learning (WIL) opportunities: Students apply legal and commercial knowledge through real-world case studies, industry projects, and professionally aligned learning experiences
Strong industry connections: ECU maintains engagement with legal firms, accounting bodies, financial institutions, corporate organisations, and government agencies, supporting exposure to real professional environments
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). The commerce component supports pathways into professional business and accounting careers
Graduate outcomes (career readiness focus): Graduates develop strong skills in legal reasoning, financial analysis, business strategy, negotiation, and problem-solving, making them highly employable across multiple sectors
Typical graduate salary range (indicative): Graduates entering law, commerce, and corporate advisory roles typically earn approximately AUD 75,000 – 120,000+, with higher earning potential as they progress into senior legal or executive positions
Strong career versatility: The combination of law and commerce opens pathways into corporate law, taxation advisory, auditing support roles, financial services, governance, and management consulting

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce, 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 Professional Accounting, Master of Finance, or a PhD, allowing graduates to specialise in corporate law, taxation, finance, governance, or business leadership.