Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Communication

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Murdoch University Australia

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Communication at Murdoch University is a great choice for students who want to combine legal knowledge with strong communication and media skills for a wide range of career opportunities. This five-year double degree helps students understand the connection between law, media, politics, and society while building practical skills in advocacy, research, public communication, and digital media.

Curriculum structure

Year 1

In the first year, students develop a strong foundation in both legal studies and communication while improving their academic writing, research, and critical thinking abilities. Introductory units such as Legal Research and Writing, Foundations of Law, and Communication Studies introduce students to legal systems, media practices, and professional communication techniques.

Year 2

The second year focuses on strengthening analytical and communication skills through more specialised coursework and practical learning experiences. Students study subjects such as Criminal Law and Procedure, Media and Society, and Strategic Communication while developing abilities in legal analysis, persuasive writing, public communication, and teamwork.

Year 3

During the third year, students begin applying their knowledge to more advanced legal and communication issues across media, corporate, and public sectors. Units including International and Transnational Crimes, Public Relations, and Digital Communication help students explore the relationship between law, society, and media while improving professional communication and advocacy skills.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students complete advanced legal and communication subjects with a stronger focus on industry engagement and professional preparation. Areas such as Human Rights Law, Corporate Communication, and Journalism Practice allow students to enhance their research, negotiation, media production, and public engagement skills through practical projects and collaborative learning.

Year 5

The final honours year gives students the opportunity to apply everything they have learned through advanced research and professional-level projects. Students refine their expertise in specialised legal and communication areas while developing leadership, analytical, and strategic thinking skills that prepare them for professional careers across multiple industries.

Focus areas

Law, Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Strategic Communication, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Digital Communication, Legal Research, Advocacy, International Law, Corporate Communication

Learning outcomes

Develop strong legal reasoning and advocacy abilities, strengthen professional communication and media skills, analyse legal and social issues critically, improve research and writing capabilities, apply ethical decision-making, build strategic communication expertise, and gain industry-ready skills across law, media, and public sectors

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council, supporting graduates who wish to pursue professional legal practice pathways after further practical legal training.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Murdoch University places strong emphasis on practical learning through internships, legal clinics, mooting competitions, and industry-based projects that provide students with valuable professional experience. The combination of legal and communication expertise helps graduates stand out across law, government, media, corporate communication, and public affairs industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Communication at Murdoch University gain valuable practical experience by combining legal training with real-world communication and media projects throughout the degree. The program is designed to help students build confidence in advocacy, media production, research, public communication, and professional collaboration through hands-on learning, industry engagement, and workplace-focused experiences. Students also benefit from access to specialised law and communication facilities, experienced academics, and opportunities that closely reflect professional legal and media environments:

Participate in Murdoch Law School’s mooting program, where students take part in simulated court proceedings to strengthen advocacy, negotiation, and legal reasoning skills
Gain practical legal experience through Murdoch’s legal clinic, working with real clients and community-based legal matters
Access Work Integrated Learning opportunities and internships with organisations such as Lifeline, RAC Arena, and The Salvation Army
Work on industry-focused communication and media projects through Murdoch’s creative consultancy initiative, MESH
Develop practical skills in journalism, strategic communication, digital media, broadcasting, and public relations through collaborative projects and media production activities
Use professional communication and creative media facilities designed for digital storytelling, content creation, and media practice
Learn from academics and industry professionals with experience across law, media, public affairs, and communication industries
Explore practical legal training pathways through Murdoch’s partnerships with Leo Cussen and the College of Law, helping eligible students prepare for professional legal practice

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws Honours / Bachelor of Communication at Murdoch University graduate with a strong mix of legal knowledge, communication expertise, and practical industry experience that can open doors across multiple industries. The degree prepares students for careers in law, media, government, public relations, corporate communication, and public policy, with graduates commonly moving into roles such as Lawyer, Media Advisor, Public Relations Consultant, Corporate Communications Officer, Journalist, Policy Advisor, and Public Affairs Specialist:

Murdoch’s Careers and Employability service helps students prepare for the workforce through career coaching, interview preparation, networking events, employability workshops, and access to graduate job opportunities
Students gain valuable workplace experience through internships and Work Integrated Learning opportunities with organisations such as Lifeline, RAC Arena, and The Salvation Army
Murdoch Law School’s mooting competitions and legal clinic experiences allow students to develop practical advocacy, negotiation, and client communication skills while working on real legal matters
Students can work on industry-focused communication and media projects through Murdoch’s creative consultancy initiative, MESH
The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council, providing strong professional recognition for graduates pursuing legal careers
Graduates build transferable skills in legal analysis, strategic communication, media relations, public engagement, leadership, and critical thinking that are highly valued across both private and public sectors
The program’s practical learning approach and strong industry engagement help graduates become workplace-ready with professional portfolios, real-world experience, and valuable industry connections

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students may continue into postgraduate study through programs such as a Master of Communication, specialised legal studies, or research-based higher degrees. Graduates who wish to become practising lawyers can also undertake Practical Legal Training through approved providers such as Leo Cussen or the College of Law to qualify for legal admission in Australia.