Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University (Perth, Western Australia – South Street Campus, Murdoch) is a multidisciplinary degree designed for students who want to combine legal expertise with scientific understanding. It is ideal for analytical thinkers who are interested in how law interacts with science, technology, environmental systems, health, and innovation in the modern world.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and science. Core law units such as Foundations of Law, Legal Methods and Statutory Interpretation, and Introduction to Criminal Law and Procedure are paired with science units like Scientific Method and Experimental Design and Foundations of Biology or Chemistry. This year develops critical thinking, research skills, and a strong base in both legal reasoning and scientific inquiry.

Year 2:
In the second year, students begin deeper discipline study with core legal subjects including Torts Law, Contract Law, and Constitutional Law, while continuing science learning through units such as Data Analysis and Statistics for Science and Applied Laboratory Science. This stage focuses on understanding legal systems alongside practical scientific investigation and analytical problem-solving.

Year 3:
In the third year, students advance into more specialised areas such as Administrative Law, Criminal Law and Evidence, and Legal Theory, alongside science-focused units like Environmental Science, Human Biology, or Chemistry of Materials depending on chosen science stream. This year strengthens the connection between legal frameworks and scientific applications in real-world contexts.

Year 4:
In the fourth year, students engage in advanced legal study such as Equity and Trusts, Corporate Law, and Research Methodology in Law, while completing higher-level science units including Advanced Laboratory Practice or Specialised Science Electives. This year emphasises independent research, technical expertise, and applied legal-scientific analysis.

Year 5:
In the final year, students complete capstone legal units such as Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Legal Practice and Advocacy, and Law Research Project, alongside advanced science electives or an integrated research thesis. This year prepares students for professional practice by combining legal expertise with scientific problem-solving in complex, real-world environments.

Focus Areas:

Law, Scientific Research, Environmental Systems, Data Analysis, Legal Practice, Scientific Innovation, Regulatory Frameworks, Evidence-Based Decision Making

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to apply legal reasoning to scientific and technical issues, interpret complex legislation, conduct scientific research, evaluate evidence critically, and operate effectively in interdisciplinary environments involving law, science, and policy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), enabling graduates to progress toward admission to legal practice in Australia. The science component aligns with industry-relevant scientific standards and prepares students for research, laboratory, and applied science careers.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Murdoch University is internationally recognised for its strong graduate employability focus and practical learning approach, with its law programs designed to meet professional accreditation requirements and industry expectations in Australia and globally.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University gives you a strong blend of legal training and hands-on scientific learning, so you graduate with both analytical and technical problem-solving skills. You won’t just study theory—you’ll actively apply legal reasoning in real cases while also working in science laboratories, research environments, and field settings. This combination helps you understand how law and science intersect in areas like environmental regulation, biotechnology, forensic science, and public policy:

Through structured practical learning, students build real-world capability using professional legal tools, laboratory equipment, and research-based scientific methods:

SCALES Community Legal Centre: Gain real legal experience by working on supervised cases, client interaction, legal research, and case preparation in a community legal setting.
Moot Court & Advocacy Training: Develop courtroom skills through simulated hearings, legal argument development, and structured advocacy exercises.
Science Laboratories (School of Science): Access dedicated laboratories for biology, chemistry, and environmental science to conduct experiments, practical testing, and scientific analysis.
Fieldwork & Environmental Studies: Participate in outdoor and field-based learning for environmental science and ecology units, collecting and analysing real-world data.
Research Projects & Honours Pathways: Work alongside academic staff on independent or group research projects in both legal and scientific disciplines.
Legal Research Tools: Use professional legal databases and research systems commonly used in Australian legal practice to analyse case law and legislation.
Interdisciplinary Projects: Collaborate on projects that combine law and science, such as environmental regulation, bioethics, and technology-related legal issues.
Murdoch University Library & Research Hub: Access extensive academic resources, legal materials, scientific journals, and research databases to support assignments and projects.
Group-Based Learning Activities: Work in teams across law and science units to solve complex problems, mirroring professional workplace environments.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: Engage with Murdoch’s Careers and Employability services to explore internships, placements, and industry-linked experiences during your degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Murdoch University prepares graduates for careers that combine legal expertise with scientific and technical knowledge. This powerful blend opens pathways in environmental law, forensic science, policy development, biotechnology regulation, and scientific consultancy, where understanding both legal frameworks and scientific evidence is essential. Typical career outcomes include Solicitor, Environmental Lawyer, Policy Officer, and Forensic or Scientific Consultant:

Graduates are equipped to work in complex, evidence-driven environments where law and science intersect, particularly in government, research, and regulatory industries:

Career Support Services: Murdoch’s Careers and Employability team provides access to the myMurdoch Career Portal, employer networking events, internships, career coaching, CV and interview preparation, and job search support to help students transition into professional roles.
Industry Engagement & Practical Learning: Students gain experience through applied legal education and science-based learning environments, supported by partnerships and real-world case study approaches that connect scientific research with legal application.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA), ensuring graduates meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice, while the science component strengthens eligibility for roles in research and technical industries.
Graduation Outcomes & Skill Development: Graduates develop strong legal reasoning, scientific analysis skills, research capability, and problem-solving abilities through laboratory learning, legal training, and interdisciplinary project work.
Employment Outcomes & Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles across legal practice, environmental regulation, scientific consultancy, government agencies, and research organisations, with starting salaries generally ranging from approximately AUD $65,000–$95,000 per year, with higher earning potential in specialised legal or scientific fields as experience increases.
Long-Term Career Value: This degree combination is highly valuable in emerging industries such as climate law, environmental protection, biotechnology regulation, forensic science, and data-driven policy development, offering long-term career flexibility and strong global relevance.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Science, Master of Environmental Science, or specialised degrees in forensic science, biotechnology, or environmental management. For research-oriented careers, progression into a PhD allows deeper exploration of law, science, and interdisciplinary innovation.