Bachelor of Laws

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

RMIT University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws at RMIT University is a practical and industry-focused degree designed for students who want to build strong legal expertise while gaining real-world experience from the beginning of their studies. Delivered at the Melbourne City Campus, the program suits students interested in advocacy, corporate law, policy, social justice, or legal technology, combining foundational legal theory with hands-on learning developed alongside leading Australian law firms.

Curriculum structure

First Year

In the first year, students develop a strong understanding of the Australian legal system and the foundations of legal reasoning. Core subjects such as Foundations of Law, Contract Law, and Criminal Law introduce students to statutory interpretation, case analysis, legal research, and problem-solving while helping them build professional communication and legal writing skills.

Second Year

During the second year, students deepen their legal knowledge through more specialised areas of law while improving analytical and advocacy skills. Subjects including Constitutional Law, Torts, and Property Law allow students to examine how laws operate in real-world contexts, while simulations, mooting exercises, negotiation activities, and case-based learning strengthen practical legal capabilities.

Third Year

In the final year, students focus on advanced legal practice and industry engagement through subjects such as Administrative Law, Evidence, and Ethics and Professional Conduct. Students also complete electives and capstone experiences that connect legal theory with authentic professional scenarios, preparing graduates for legal practice, postgraduate study, or broader law-related careers in business, government, media, and policy.

Focus areas

Commercial law, criminal law, constitutional law, dispute resolution, advocacy, legal technology, ethics and professional responsibility, property law, public law, negotiation, legal research and drafting

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced legal reasoning and analytical skills, apply Australian legal principles to complex cases, conduct legal research effectively, communicate persuasively in professional contexts, demonstrate ethical judgment, and perform legal drafting, advocacy, negotiation, interviewing, and advisory work to professional standards.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements needed for admission to legal practice in Australia. Graduates must complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) through approved providers such as the Leo Cussen Centre for Law or The College of Law before admission to practice.

Reputation (employability rankings)

RMIT is recognised globally for its industry-connected and career-focused education model, with strong employer engagement and practical learning opportunities embedded throughout the law program. The university is widely known for experiential learning, professional industry partnerships, and strong graduate employability outcomes across professional disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Laws at RMIT University develop practical legal skills through industry-connected learning, simulated legal environments, collaborative projects, and real-world case analysis. The program is designed to move beyond traditional lectures, giving students opportunities to practise advocacy, legal drafting, negotiation, and research using professional-standard resources and contemporary legal technologies available at RMIT’s Melbourne City Campus.

Throughout the degree, students engage in authentic legal scenarios that mirror professional practice, helping them build confidence in client communication, teamwork, ethical decision-making, and legal problem-solving. RMIT’s strong connections with the legal industry also provide exposure to practitioners, guest speakers, and work-integrated learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in law, policy, government, and corporate sectors:

Moot Courts and Advocacy Simulations: Students participate in mooting, negotiation exercises, and courtroom simulations that replicate real legal proceedings and strengthen advocacy and oral presentation skills.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The program incorporates practical industry engagement opportunities where students apply legal knowledge to professional environments and real legal problems.
Legal Research and Digital Databases: Students gain experience using professional legal research platforms and online legal databases commonly used within Australian legal practice for case law, legislation, and legal analysis.
Collaborative Group Projects: Many law subjects involve group-based case studies, legal problem-solving activities, and policy analysis projects that develop teamwork and communication skills.
Industry Guest Lectures and Networking: RMIT regularly connects students with practising lawyers, judges, legal consultants, and industry professionals through seminars, workshops, and panel discussions.
RMIT Library Legal Resources: Students have access to extensive law collections, academic journals, digital legal databases, research support services, and quiet study environments through the RMIT University Library system.
Modern Learning Spaces: The Melbourne City Campus includes technology-enabled collaborative classrooms, interactive learning environments, and study areas designed for law and professional education students.
Research and Legal Inquiry Opportunities: Students are encouraged to engage with contemporary legal issues, social justice topics, and interdisciplinary research projects through academic-led initiatives and advanced elective subjects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws at RMIT University are prepared for diverse careers across legal practice, government, corporate sectors, policy development, and social justice organisations. The program develops both technical legal expertise and practical professional skills, giving graduates strong employability outcomes in Australia’s evolving legal and business environment. Students can pursue careers as solicitors, legal advisers, compliance officers, policy analysts, corporate consultants, or government legal officers after completing the required Practical Legal Training (PLT).

RMIT’s industry-focused approach and strong employer engagement help students transition confidently into professional practice and long-term career growth:

Career Support Services: RMIT Careers and Employability provides students with personalised career coaching, resume and interview workshops, networking events, employer presentations, LinkedIn development support, and access to job and internship opportunities.
Industry Connections: The law program is designed with strong input from the legal profession and industry partners, helping students build professional networks through guest lectures, practical projects, and work-integrated learning opportunities.
Graduate Employability Focus: RMIT is recognised for embedding practical and industry-relevant learning throughout its programs, ensuring graduates develop workplace-ready legal, communication, research, and analytical skills valued by employers.
Professional Qualification Pathway: The degree satisfies the academic requirements necessary for admission to legal practice in Australia, providing long-term professional value and a recognised pathway into the legal profession after completion of Practical Legal Training.
Typical Graduate Roles: Solicitor, Legal Adviser, Corporate Compliance Officer, Policy Analyst, Government Legal Officer, Contracts Administrator, Legal Researcher, and Risk & Governance Consultant.
Salary Outcomes: Graduates entering legal and compliance-related professions in Australia commonly begin with estimated salary ranges of approximately AUD $65,000–$90,000 annually, with higher earning potential as professional experience and specialisation increase.
Global Career Flexibility: The transferable skills gained through the law degree — including negotiation, advocacy, research, communication, and critical thinking — support employment opportunities across corporate, public sector, international business, and consulting environments.
RMIT Alumni and Industry Network: Students benefit from access to RMIT’s extensive professional alumni community and employer partnerships across business, government, and legal sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws, graduates may continue their studies through Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal admission in Australia. Students may also pursue postgraduate study options such as a Juris Doctor equivalent pathway, Master of Laws (LLM), graduate certificates in specialised legal fields, or interdisciplinary postgraduate programs in business, international relations, public policy, criminology, human rights, or corporate governance. RMIT also offers opportunities for advanced research study through higher degrees including master’s by research and PhD programs.