Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch University combines professional legal education with the broad perspectives of the humanities and social sciences, giving students a powerful combination of legal expertise, critical thinking, and communication skills. Designed for students who are interested in law while also exploring areas such as politics, international studies, languages, sociology, history, community development, or creative writing, this double degree prepares graduates for diverse careers across law, government, policy, business, and international sectors. Campus Location: Murdoch University Perth Campus, Murdoch, Western Australia, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building Legal and Academic Foundations

In the first year, students develop a strong understanding of Australia's legal system while establishing essential academic and communication skills. Core law units such as Australian Legal System and Legal Writing for Lawyers introduce legal reasoning, research, and professional writing, while Arts units begin building expertise within the student's chosen major.

Year 2: Understanding Law in Society

The second year expands students' understanding of private and public law while strengthening analytical and communication abilities. Students typically study units such as Contract Law, Criminal Law and Procedure, and Torts, alongside Arts subjects that deepen knowledge in their chosen discipline and encourage critical engagement with social and cultural issues.

Year 3: Expanding Legal Expertise and Interdisciplinary Knowledge

Students progress into more advanced legal concepts while continuing specialised Arts studies. Key law units include Property Law A, Property Law B, and Constitutional Law, helping students understand property rights, government powers, and constitutional principles, while Arts studies provide broader perspectives that complement legal analysis.

Year 4: Developing Professional and Practical Skills

The fourth year focuses on practical legal application and advanced disciplinary knowledge. Students undertake units such as Australian Administrative Law and Skills for Legal Practice, gaining insight into legal decision-making, professional responsibility, and the practical operation of legal systems while continuing advanced Arts coursework.

Year 5: Advanced Legal Practice and Specialisation

In the final year, students consolidate their legal expertise through advanced units including Corporations Law, Evidence, Trusts, Civil Procedure, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and Legal Theory and Research. Elective law units allow students to explore specialist areas of interest while completing the final components of their Arts major, preparing them for professional practice or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas: Criminal Law, Contract Law, Constitutional Law, Human Rights Law, Legal Research, Legal Advocacy, Public Policy, International Relations, Community Development, Languages, Sociology, History, Communication, Creative Thinking.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced legal knowledge, analyse complex legal and social issues, conduct independent research, communicate persuasively in written and verbal forms, apply ethical and professional judgement, solve real-world problems, and work effectively across diverse professional and cultural contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council, meeting the academic requirements for admission to legal practice pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Murdoch University's law programs are recognised for their strong practical focus, including clinical legal education, the SCALES Law Clinic, and nationally successful mooting programs. Graduates benefit from industry-relevant learning and professional accreditation that supports employment opportunities across Australia and internationally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Murdoch University, the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts is designed to give you hands-on experience from day one, blending legal training with creative, critical, and interdisciplinary arts learning. You won’t just study theory—you’ll actively apply it through real legal practice opportunities, communication-focused projects, and arts-based creative work. The university’s strong emphasis on community engagement, professional simulation, and industry exposure ensures you graduate with confidence and job-ready skills across both law and arts fields. This is supported through practical training environments, real client work, and access to specialist academic and professional facilities:

SCALES Community Legal Centre: Gain real legal experience by working on actual community legal matters, supporting clients under supervision and building practical legal skills in a real-world environment.
Moot Court & Advocacy Training: Develop courtroom skills such as legal argumentation, negotiation, and public speaking through structured mooting competitions and simulated court proceedings.
Arts & Humanities Studios: Engage in creative practice through dedicated learning spaces for writing, media, communication, and cultural studies, supporting hands-on development of artistic and analytical skills.
Industry Projects & Interdisciplinary Learning: Work on collaborative projects that combine legal problem-solving with communication, media, and social analysis, reflecting real workplace challenges.
Fieldwork & Community Engagement: Participate in field-based learning and community-focused projects that connect arts and law theory with real social, cultural, and legal contexts.
Digital Learning & Research Tools: Access university-supported legal research databases, digital learning platforms, and academic resources through Murdoch’s library system to support both law and arts research.
Murdoch University Library & Learning Services: Use extensive legal texts, journals, humanities collections, and research support services to strengthen academic writing, legal research, and critical thinking skills.
Collaborative Group Projects: Build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills through group-based assessments across both law and arts units, simulating professional environments.
Internship & Professional Exposure Opportunities: Gain exposure to legal, media, government, and community organisations through work-integrated learning and professional engagement opportunities.
Creative Production Facilities: Develop communication and media skills using university-supported creative tools and production spaces for storytelling, writing, and digital content creation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch University prepares you for a versatile career where legal expertise meets strong communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding. Graduates are well-positioned for roles in law, government, media, policy, international relations, and advocacy, with the ability to adapt across both legal and creative industries. Typical career pathways include Solicitor, Policy Officer, Legal Researcher, and Communications or Public Affairs Advisor:

This combination of law and arts builds a strong foundation for both professional practice and broader strategic roles where analysis, writing, and decision-making are essential:

Career Support Services: Murdoch University’s Careers and Employability team provides personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, internship support, and access to the myMurdoch Career Portal, helping students connect directly with graduate employers.
Industry Partnerships & Practical Experience: Students benefit from connections with organisations such as the SCALES Community Legal Centre, alongside practical legal learning opportunities and industry-engaged teaching that strengthens workplace readiness.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) and recognised internationally, ensuring graduates meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice.
Graduation Outcomes & Real-World Skills: Students graduate with strong legal reasoning, research, advocacy, writing, and communication skills developed through mooting, legal clinics, and applied arts-based learning such as analysis, media, and cultural studies projects.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Range: Murdoch graduates enter careers across legal practice, government services, policy development, media, and corporate sectors. In Australia, entry-level law and policy-related roles typically range from approximately AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with higher earnings as professionals gain experience and admission to practice.
Long-Term Career Value: The combination of law and arts develops highly transferable skills in critical thinking, communication, ethical reasoning, and cultural awareness—skills valued across legal, public sector, and global organisations.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Students may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Master of Laws (LLM), or specialised master’s degrees in areas like international relations, public policy, communication, or human rights. Those interested in research or academia can continue into a PhD, building expertise in law, society, politics, or cultural studies.