Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

Students develop a strong foundation in biomedical science—understanding human biology, disease, and laboratory-based research—while also building advanced legal knowledge through QUT’s structured law curriculum. The program is suited for students who are analytical, detail-focused, and interested in solving complex real-world problems across health and legal systems.

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) – Gardens Point Campus, Brisbane, Queensland

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build core scientific and legal foundations. Biomedical Science introduces fundamental areas such as cell biology, chemistry for the life sciences, and human structure and function, while law begins with introductory legal reasoning and foundational legal principles. This year typically includes core-style learning in areas such as cellular biology, chemistry for biomedical sciences, and introduction to legal systems and reasoning, helping students adjust to both scientific and legal academic thinking.

Year 2:
Students deepen their understanding of biomedical systems and begin core law units. Scientific learning may include human physiology, microbiology, and biochemistry, while law studies introduce areas such as contract law and criminal law. This stage strengthens analytical thinking through subjects similar to human physiology, microbiology, and foundational criminal and contract law concepts, linking scientific understanding with legal frameworks.

Year 3:
At this stage, students begin more advanced biomedical science topics alongside intermediate-to-advanced law units. Biomedical studies may focus on molecular biology, pathology, and genetics, while law progresses into areas such as tort law and constitutional law. Learning typically integrates molecular biology, pathology, genetics, and advanced legal reasoning in tort and constitutional law, building interdisciplinary problem-solving skills.

Year 4:
Students engage in specialised biomedical electives and advanced legal training. Biomedical science may include pharmacology, biotechnology, and research methods, while law includes commercial law and evidence-based legal study. This year strengthens professional capability through pharmacology, biotechnology applications, commercial law, and legal evidence analysis, preparing students for complex professional environments.

Year 5–6 (Final Stage / Honours Completion):
In the final stages, students complete advanced law (honours-level legal research, litigation, or specialised electives) and biomedical capstone or research projects. This includes independent research work in science and advanced legal study, often focusing on areas such as biomedical ethics, health regulation, or science-related legal issues. Students typically complete honours legal research, biomedical research projects, and specialised electives in health and law integration, demonstrating high-level expertise in both disciplines.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical science, human health and disease, laboratory research, pharmacology, genetics, legal reasoning, constitutional and criminal law, regulatory systems, and health-related legal frameworks.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong scientific literacy, advanced legal reasoning, research capability, ethical decision-making, and the ability to apply both biomedical and legal knowledge to complex real-world problems in health, law, and policy environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Queensland and Australia (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training). The biomedical science component aligns with industry-relevant scientific training pathways for research, health, and biotechnology sectors.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

QUT is widely recognised in Australian university rankings for strong graduate employability outcomes and industry-connected learning, particularly in health sciences, law, and interdisciplinary programs combining science and professional practice.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At QUT, this double degree is designed to give you hands-on experience in both biomedical science and legal practice, so you graduate ready to work at the intersection of health, research, regulation, and law. You’ll build scientific expertise through laboratory-based biomedical training while simultaneously developing advanced legal reasoning, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Learning is highly practical, supported by real-world simulations, scientific investigation, and law-based experiential learning that reflects professional practice in hospitals, research environments, regulatory bodies, and legal settings.

Experiential learning is deeply embedded through specialist labs, clinical-style environments, and law school practice spaces:

QUT Biomedical Science laboratories (Kelvin Grove campus) equipped for anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and molecular biology practicals
High-level biomedical research training environments where students develop skills in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific reporting
Law School Moot Court facilities (QUT Gardens Point) where students practise courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and trial procedures
Problem-based learning in biomedical and legal case studies, including health law, bioethics, medical negligence, and regulatory compliance scenarios
Access to advanced scientific and medical databases and digital research tools used in biomedical research and legal case analysis
Group-based projects combining science and law, such as ethical debates on biomedical innovation, healthcare regulation, and forensic science applications
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities, including industry placements in research organisations, health sectors, legal environments, and government agencies
QUT Library (Gardens Point and Kelvin Grove campuses) with extensive biomedical journals, law databases, case law resources, and scientific research collections
Collaboration with health, science, and justice-related institutes and industry partners, supporting exposure to real-world biomedical and regulatory challenges
Exposure to forensic science and biomedical regulation contexts, including public health law, clinical research governance, and biotechnology policy frameworks

Progression & Future Opportunities

This double degree prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of health science, medicine-related research, biotechnology, and the legal system. Students develop a strong understanding of human biology, biomedical research, and healthcare systems alongside advanced legal reasoning and regulatory knowledge. This combination is highly valued in areas where science and law overlap, leading to careers such as medical lawyer, health policy adviser, regulatory affairs specialist, biotech compliance officer, clinical research coordinator, and intellectual property adviser in life sciences: offering strong pathways into both the healthcare and legal industries.

Future progression and career opportunities are strongly supported through QUT’s research-led teaching, industry partnerships, and employability services:

QUT Careers and Employability provides personalised career coaching, job search support, interview preparation, resume building, employer networking events, and graduate recruitment assistance
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience through internships, industry projects, research placements, and professional practice experiences in biomedical and legal settings
QUT Biomedical Science facilities and research environments provide access to modern laboratories, experimental learning, and exposure to real biomedical research practices
QUT Law School’s practical legal training approach develops skills in advocacy, legal research, negotiation, compliance, and regulatory analysis
Strong industry partnerships with hospitals, medical research institutes, biotechnology companies, government health departments, and legal firms support real-world learning and career pathways
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Biomedical science training aligns with health and research industry standards, supporting careers in medical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and regulatory science
Graduates develop interdisciplinary expertise in science, law, ethics, health regulation, and policy, making them highly competitive in emerging industries such as healthcare law and biotech regulation
Strong graduate outcomes across health, research, legal, pharmaceutical, and government sectors

Employment & Salary Outcomes:

Graduate Lawyer / Health Law Specialist: approximately AUD $75,000 – $130,000+
Biomedical Scientist / Research Officer: approximately AUD $75,000 – $120,000+
Regulatory Affairs or Compliance Specialist (Health/Pharma): approximately AUD $90,000 – $140,000+
Medical or Life Sciences Policy Adviser: approximately AUD $85,000 – $135,000+

Estimated Median Salary Range:
Graduates working across biomedical science, health regulation, biotechnology, and legal practice typically achieve a median salary of approximately AUD $85,000 – $125,000, with strong long-term growth potential in specialised medical law, pharmaceutical regulation, research leadership, and government health policy roles.

Further Academic Progression:

After graduation, students can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a solicitor in Australia. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Biomedical Science, Master of Public Health, Master of Biotechnology, or research higher degrees (PhD) in law, biomedical sciences, health policy, or medical research. These pathways can lead to advanced roles in healthcare regulation, pharmaceutical innovation, scientific research leadership, and specialised legal practice in the health sector.