Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at RMIT University combines professional accounting expertise with comprehensive legal education, preparing students for careers that require both commercial and legal knowledge in today’s global business environment. Delivered at the Melbourne City Campus, this double degree is ideal for students interested in corporate law, taxation, financial regulation, business advisory, compliance, or commercial consulting, while developing practical skills valued across legal and accounting industries.

Curriculum structure

First Year

In the first year, students establish strong foundations in both accounting and law while developing analytical and communication skills essential for professional practice. Subjects such as Foundations of Law, Accounting in Organisations and Society, and Business Statistics introduce students to legal systems, financial reporting principles, and data-driven business decision-making within commercial environments.

Second Year

During the second year, students begin exploring more specialised areas of accounting and legal study through subjects including Contract Law, Cost Analysis for Decision Making, and Company Law. Students strengthen their understanding of business regulation, financial management, and legal problem-solving while applying theoretical concepts to practical commercial scenarios.

Third Year

In the third year, the program focuses on corporate accountability, governance, and financial compliance through advanced subjects such as Taxation Law, Financial Accounting Theory, and Torts. Students develop deeper expertise in interpreting legal obligations, analysing financial information, and advising organisations on regulatory and ethical responsibilities.

Fourth Year

Students in the fourth year engage with complex commercial and legal frameworks while refining professional and strategic skills. Subjects including Auditing and Assurance Services, Property Law, and Constitutional Law allow students to examine risk management, legal structures, governance systems, and corporate accountability in both public and private sectors.

Fifth Year

The final year integrates advanced professional practice, ethics, and industry application through subjects such as Ethics and Professional Conduct, Evidence, and advanced accounting electives. Students complete capstone-style learning experiences that connect accounting, business, and legal expertise, preparing graduates for multidisciplinary careers across law firms, corporations, government agencies, and financial institutions.

Focus areas

Corporate law, taxation law, financial accounting, auditing, compliance and governance, commercial law, business regulation, ethics and professional conduct, financial analysis, legal research, corporate advisory

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of accounting systems and Australian law, apply legal and financial analysis to complex business problems, conduct professional legal and accounting research, communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders, demonstrate ethical and regulatory awareness, and integrate commercial, financial, and legal decision-making skills across professional environments.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The accounting component of the program is professionally accredited by major accounting bodies including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), subject to subject selection requirements. The law component satisfies the academic requirements necessary for admission to legal practice in Australia after completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (employability rankings)

RMIT University is internationally recognised for its industry-connected education and strong graduate employability outcomes. The university is known for practical, career-focused learning and strong partnerships with business, accounting, and legal industries, helping graduates build workplace-ready skills across multiple professional sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning at RMIT University’s Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws is built around developing real professional capability from day one. Students don’t just study theory — they actively apply legal reasoning and accounting practice through industry-aligned projects, simulations, and workplace-style learning experiences. With access to modern business tools, legal databases, and collaborative learning spaces at the Melbourne City Campus, students build confidence in both financial and legal decision-making in realistic professional settings:

Moot Courts & Legal Simulations: Students practise advocacy, negotiation, and courtroom-style argument through structured moot court exercises and dispute resolution simulations.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities to engage with real industry projects, case studies, and professional environments that connect classroom learning with workplace experience in law, accounting, and business contexts.
Professional Accounting & Legal Software: Hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as accounting systems (e.g., Excel-based financial modelling, Xero/MYOB-style platforms) and legal research databases used in practice.
Legal Research Databases: Training in professional platforms for case law, legislation, and commercial legal research to support real-world legal analysis and reporting.
Industry Projects & Group Case Work: Collaborative assignments that simulate corporate advisory work, taxation scenarios, and legal problem-solving in team-based environments.
Guest Lectures & Industry Engagement: Direct interaction with practising lawyers, accountants, auditors, and corporate professionals through seminars and networking sessions.
RMIT Library & Learning Resources: Access to extensive academic collections, legal journals, financial databases, and dedicated study support services for both law and business disciplines.
Modern Learning Facilities (City Campus): Technology-enabled classrooms, collaborative workspaces, and business simulation environments designed for professional education and teamwork.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at RMIT University are highly valued for their ability to combine legal expertise with strong financial and business decision-making skills. This unique skill set opens pathways into roles across corporate advisory, taxation, legal practice, auditing, compliance, and government policy, where both legal and commercial insight are essential. Typical career outcomes include roles such as corporate lawyer, tax advisor, compliance officer, financial analyst, and business consultant.

These strong dual-discipline capabilities are supported through RMIT’s career-focused ecosystem, helping students transition confidently into professional employment:

RMIT Careers and Employability Services: Provides tailored career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, internship guidance, and access to job opportunities across law, accounting, and business sectors.
Industry Partnerships: The program is shaped by strong connections with legal firms, accounting bodies, corporate organisations, and government agencies, giving students exposure to real industry expectations and professional networks.
Work-Integrated Learning Pathways: Students gain practical experience through applied projects and industry-facing learning activities that build workplace readiness across both legal and accounting contexts.
Professional Accreditation Value: Graduates meet the academic requirements for entry into legal practice (with completion of Practical Legal Training) and can also pursue accreditation pathways with major accounting bodies such as CPA Australia and CA ANZ, strengthening long-term career flexibility.
Graduate Outcomes: RMIT graduates are known for strong employability due to their practical learning model and industry engagement, with many securing roles in professional services, corporate firms, and government organisations soon after graduation.
Salary Expectations (Indicative): Early-career graduates in accounting and legal support roles in Australia typically earn approximately AUD $60,000–$85,000 per year, with salaries increasing significantly with experience, professional qualification (such as CPA or admission as a solicitor), and industry specialization. Senior professionals in accounting and law can progress well beyond this range over time.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, students can progress into Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Professional Accounting, MBA, or specialised graduate certificates in taxation, corporate governance, international business law, or financial management to further deepen expertise and career opportunities.