Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Macquarie University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University is an interdisciplinary double degree that combines legal education with a strong understanding of society, politics, and human behaviour. Delivered at the Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde), it is designed for students who want to explore how law interacts with social systems, policy, and global communities while preparing for careers in law, government, policy, and social research.

Curriculum structure

First Year

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and social sciences, learning how legal systems operate alongside key concepts in society and governance. Core law units such as Foundations of Law and Contracts are studied alongside social science units like Introduction to Sociology and Politics and Governance, helping students understand law within broader social contexts.

Second Year

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of core legal areas while expanding knowledge in social analysis. Law units such as Criminal Law, Torts, and Constitutional Law are combined with social science subjects like Social Research Methods and Global Society and Change, enabling students to analyse legal systems and societal structures together.

Third Year

The third year focuses on more advanced legal study including Property Law, Administrative Law, and Equity, alongside social science electives in areas such as policy studies, human behaviour, and social inequality. Students begin applying interdisciplinary thinking to real-world issues involving law, society, and governance.

Fourth Year

In the fourth year, students engage with higher-level legal subjects such as Corporations Law, Evidence, and Jurisprudence, while also studying advanced social science topics like public policy analysis and social theory. This year strengthens analytical and critical thinking skills across both disciplines.

Fifth Year

The final year integrates advanced law electives with social science capstone studies, allowing students to specialise in areas such as public policy, human rights, or social justice law. Students complete advanced research projects that prepare them for professional or postgraduate pathways in law, policy, and social research.

Focus areas

Criminal law, constitutional law, social policy, sociology, public law, human rights, social research, administrative law, equity and trusts, governance, inequality studies, legal theory

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced legal reasoning and social analysis skills, understand the relationship between law and society, conduct interdisciplinary research, communicate effectively in professional contexts, demonstrate ethical and critical thinking, and apply legal and social science knowledge to real-world policy and justice issues.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The social sciences component prepares graduates for roles in policy, government, research, advocacy, and community organisations depending on chosen specialisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Macquarie University is internationally recognised for strong graduate employability and interdisciplinary teaching. It is consistently ranked in global systems such as the QS World University Rankings, with strong subject performance in Law & Legal Studies and Social Sciences.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning in the Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University is designed to help students actively apply legal knowledge alongside real-world social science research skills. Rather than learning theory in isolation, students engage with contemporary social issues, legal case analysis, and policy challenges using Macquarie’s research-informed teaching approach at the Wallumattagal Campus (North Ryde). This combination ensures graduates can interpret law within broader social, political, and cultural contexts while building practical, career-ready skills:

PACE (Professional and Community Engagement): Macquarie’s flagship program where students work with community organisations, government agencies, and industry partners on real projects involving law, policy, and social issues.
Law Moot Courts & Advocacy Training: Structured legal simulation exercises where students practise courtroom argument, negotiation, and legal reasoning in realistic environments.
Social Research Methods Training: Hands-on learning in qualitative and quantitative research tools used in social sciences, supporting policy analysis and evidence-based legal thinking.
Data & Analysis Tools: Exposure to social science research software and analytical methods used for policy evaluation, criminology, sociology, and public law research.
Macquarie Law Clinics & Practical Learning: Opportunities to engage with real or simulated legal problems under supervision, strengthening applied legal skills and client-focused thinking.
Industry and Government Engagement: Guest lectures, workshops, and networking sessions with policymakers, legal professionals, and social researchers working in government and NGOs.
Macquarie University Library & Digital Resources: Access to extensive legal databases, social science journals, government publications, and specialised research support services.
Collaborative Project-Based Learning: Group assignments and interdisciplinary case studies that explore social justice, public policy, and legal reform in real-world contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Sciences and Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University are well prepared for careers that combine legal expertise with deep understanding of society, policy, and human behaviour. This interdisciplinary skill set opens doors to roles in law, government, policy development, advocacy, and research where both analytical thinking and social insight are essential. Typical career pathways include policy analyst, legal officer, social researcher, community or advocacy advisor, and government or NGO roles:

Macquarie Careers and Employment Services: Provides personalised career coaching, internship support, employer networking events, resume and interview preparation, and access to graduate employment opportunities across law, government, and social policy sectors.
PACE (Professional and Community Engagement): A signature Macquarie program that connects students with real organisations to work on practical projects in government, community services, and industry, building professional experience before graduation.
Industry and Sector Engagement: Strong connections with government agencies, legal institutions, community organisations, and policy-focused organisations provide exposure to real-world social and legal challenges.
Long-term Accreditation Value: The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training), while the social sciences component strengthens pathways into policy, research, public service, and advocacy careers.
Graduation Outcomes: Students graduate with strong research, analytical, communication, and legal reasoning skills that are highly valued across public sector, legal, and social impact organisations.
Indicative Salary Range (Australia – Graduate Level): Early-career graduates in law and social science-related roles typically earn approximately AUD $65,000–$90,000 per year, with significant growth potential as they progress into specialised legal, policy, or advisory roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal practice in Australia. They can also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Social Work, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or research pathways including honours and PhD programs in law, sociology, political science, or related social sciences to further specialise their career direction.