Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Psychological Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University is a five-year double degree designed for students who want to understand both the legal system and human behaviour. Campus Location: Bundoora (Melbourne) provides access to modern law facilities, psychology labs, and real-world learning environments that support both disciplines.

This program is ideal for students interested in criminal justice, mental health, advocacy, policy, or legal practice involving human behaviour. It combines rigorous legal training with psychological theory, research methods, and applied practice to develop highly analytical and people-focused professionals.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and psychology through core units such as Foundations of Law and Legal Practice, Introduction to Psychological Science, and Criminal Law Principles. This year focuses on understanding legal systems, human cognition, and behaviour while developing critical thinking and academic writing skills essential for advanced study.

Year 2:
In Year 2, students deepen their understanding through subjects like Torts, Contract Law, and Developmental Psychology. They also begin learning research methods in psychology and legal reasoning, allowing them to connect behavioural science with legal frameworks and real-world case analysis.

Year 3:
In Year 3, students study advanced units such as Constitutional Law, Psychopathology, and Cognitive Psychology. This stage emphasises applying legal principles and psychological theories to complex issues such as crime, mental health, and justice system decision-making.

Year 4–5:
In the final years, students complete advanced law electives such as Administrative Law, Criminal Procedure, and Evidence, alongside psychology units including Forensic Psychology and Research Thesis in Psychological Science. These years focus on professional readiness, research capability, and integrating law with psychological insight.

Focus Areas:

Law, Criminal Justice, Psychological Science, Forensic Psychology, Mental Health, Legal Reasoning, Behavioural Analysis, Research Methods.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to analyse legal and psychological problems, apply evidence-based reasoning, understand human behaviour in legal contexts, and demonstrate advanced research, communication, and advocacy skills suitable for professional practice in law, psychology-informed roles, and public service.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), meeting the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. The Psychological Science component aligns with foundational training in psychology and supports further study toward professional psychology pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

La Trobe University is internationally recognised and consistently ranked in global university rankings such as QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education, reflecting strong graduate employability, research impact, and teaching quality in law and psychological sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University is designed to give students a strong balance of legal training and psychological insight through hands-on, practical learning experiences. Students don’t just study theory—they actively apply legal reasoning, psychological assessment techniques, and research methods in real-world contexts. Learning is supported by modern teaching facilities, specialist psychology labs, and legal practice environments that help students build professional confidence from early in the degree. Through interactive workshops, case-based learning, and supervised practical experiences, students develop the skills needed for both legal and psychological careers.

This practical learning is further strengthened through direct engagement with industry tools, research environments, and professional placement opportunities:

  • La Trobe Law Clinic: Students gain real legal experience by working on supervised cases, client interviews, and legal problem-solving in a professional setting.
  • Psychology Research Laboratories: Access to dedicated psychology labs for cognitive, behavioural, and experimental research using industry-standard equipment and software.
  • Simulated Courtrooms (Moot Court Facilities): Students participate in advocacy training, mock trials, and legal argument development in realistic courtroom environments.
  • Psychological Assessment Tools & Software: Training in research methods and psychological testing using academic and industry-standard tools such as statistical and behavioural analysis software.
  • Industry Placements & Internships: Opportunities to engage with legal firms, community legal centres, healthcare services, and psychological practice environments.
  • Research Projects & Honours Training: Students undertake supervised research projects in both law and psychology, developing strong analytical and evidence-based decision-making skills.
  • Collaborative Group Work: Case studies, legal problem-solving tasks, and psychology research projects are completed in teams to build communication and professional collaboration skills.
  • University Library & Digital Resources: Access to extensive legal databases, psychology journals, research archives, and digital learning platforms supporting both disciplines.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Psychological Science at La Trobe University prepares graduates for careers that bridge law, human behaviour, mental health, and the justice system. Students develop strong skills in legal reasoning, psychological assessment, critical thinking, and communication, enabling them to understand both how laws are applied and why people behave the way they do. This powerful combination creates graduates who are highly valued in legal practice, mental health services, criminal justice, and policy environments.

Typical career outcomes include: Solicitor, Criminal Psychologist (with further study), Policy Adviser, Human Services Officer.

Career Support & Graduate Success:

  • Career Ready Program: La Trobe’s Career Ready initiative supports students with career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking events, employer mentoring, internship pathways, and employability workshops designed to improve job readiness.
  • Practical Experience Opportunities: Students gain real-world exposure through the La Trobe Law Clinic, psychology labs, supervised placements, and industry-based learning opportunities in legal and mental health settings.
  • Employment Outcomes: Graduates are well positioned for careers across law firms, courts, mental health services, correctional services, government agencies, and community organisations due to their interdisciplinary skill set.
  • Median Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles with salaries ranging from approximately AUD $65,000–$90,000+ per year, with higher earning potential as they specialise in legal or psychological practice pathways.
  • University–Industry Partnerships: La Trobe has strong links with legal services, community legal centres, mental health organisations, hospitals, government departments, and justice agencies, providing valuable placement and networking opportunities.
  • Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB), meeting requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. The Psychological Science component also provides a strong foundation for further accredited study in psychology pathways.
  • Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in legal practice, criminal justice, mental health support, human services, policy development, corrections, advocacy, and community support services.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Psychological Science, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a lawyer in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or continue in psychology through an Honours year in Psychology, followed by a Master of Professional Psychology or other accredited psychology training pathways. Graduates can also pursue research-focused study such as a Master by Research or PhD in law, psychology, or interdisciplinary fields combining both disciplines.

Program Key Stats

$43,600
$13,548

Mar Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.5
33
85

1250
26
6.5
79
91

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Solicitor
  • Barrister
  • Criminal Lawyer
  • Family Lawyer
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Victim Support Officer
  • Policy Analyst
  • Court Liaison Officer
  • Legal Consultant

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