Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Southern Cross University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University combines the study of human behaviour with professional legal education, giving students a unique understanding of both psychology and the legal system. Designed for students interested in law, justice, mental health, public policy, and human behaviour, this five-year double degree develops analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across a range of professions. Available at the Gold Coast campus and online.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in both disciplines. Law studies begin with Legal Research and Writing and Legal Process, introducing legal reasoning, research techniques, and the Australian legal system. Psychology studies commence with Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition and Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation, helping students understand human thinking, behaviour, and social influences.

Year 2

The second year expands legal knowledge through core areas such as Contract Law I, Contract Law II, and Torts, while psychology studies become more research-focused through Psychological Assessment and Quantitative Methods in Psychology. Students develop the ability to analyse legal problems while also learning how psychologists collect, interpret, and evaluate evidence.

Year 3

Students deepen their understanding of public and criminal law through units such as Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Statutory Interpretation. At the same time, psychology studies progress into specialised areas including Understanding Psychological Diagnoses, Lifespan Psychology, and Psychological Investigation I, providing insights into mental health, human development, and research methodologies.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced legal and psychological applications. Students study subjects including Evidence, Criminal Procedure, and Civil Litigation and Procedure, while exploring psychological disciplines such as Social Psychology, Learning and Memory, and Psychological Investigation II. This stage strengthens critical thinking and prepares students to apply theory to complex professional situations.

Year 5

In the final year, students refine their expertise through advanced studies including Biological Psychology, Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology, and a selection of law electives tailored to individual interests. Elective options may include areas such as Human Rights Law, International Law, Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law, Law Placement, and Mediation Practice and Procedure, allowing students to align their studies with future career goals.

Focus Areas

Human behaviour and cognition, psychological assessment, mental health, legal reasoning, criminal law, constitutional law, evidence and litigation, dispute resolution, research methods, ethics, public policy, and the intersection of psychology and legal practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the ability to apply legal reasoning, critical analysis, and research to solve legal problems; understand psychological principles through a scientific and evidence-based approach; evaluate information and evidence ethically; communicate effectively with legal and non-legal audiences; work independently and collaboratively; and apply professional, cultural, and ethical awareness across legal and psychological contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training. The Bachelor of Psychological Science component is conditionally accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing a pathway into accredited postgraduate psychology training. Southern Cross University is also a recognised training provider for mediation studies through approved mediation units.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Southern Cross University is ranked No.1 in Australia for undergraduate student support in Psychology and has received 5-star ratings for Learning Resources and Student Support in Psychology in the Good Universities Guide 2026. The University is also ranked among the Top 400 universities globally for Psychology in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University combines legal education with the scientific study of human behaviour, allowing students to develop both analytical and professional skills. Throughout the degree, students engage with evidence-based psychological research, legal problem-solving, and practical applications of law. Learning is designed to move from foundational theory to real-world practice, helping students build expertise in legal reasoning, research, mediation, behavioural analysis, and professional communication. Students also learn alongside active researchers and have opportunities to gain industry exposure through legal placements and professional experiences.

This practical focus is supported by a range of learning experiences and facilities, including:

Professional Legal Experience – Law students can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placements with legal firms and legal offices, helping them build professional networks and develop practical legal skills in real-world settings.
Mediation Training – Students can study Mediation Practice and Procedure (LEGL2012), a unit that meets the training requirements of the Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS). Successful completion can contribute towards professional mediation accreditation.
Research and Statistical Analysis Skills – Psychology studies place a strong emphasis on research methods, experimental psychology, and advanced statistical analysis, enabling students to design studies, interpret findings, and apply evidence-based approaches to complex human and legal issues.
Applied Psychology Training – Students develop practical skills through activities such as psychological assessment techniques, testing methods, behaviour-change strategies, and reflective practice exercises incorporated into advanced psychology units.
Learning from Active Researchers – Psychology students work with academic staff who are actively involved in internationally published research, providing exposure to contemporary psychological investigations and evidence-based practice.
Digital Learning Environment – The Southern Cross teaching model integrates digital learning resources, online activities, virtual classes, multimedia learning materials, and research-based learning tools to support both legal and psychological studies.
Legal Research Training – Students develop advanced legal research capabilities, including locating, evaluating, managing, and applying legal sources and policy information relevant to professional legal practice.
Industry-Relevant Psychology Studies – Core areas include biological psychology, social psychology, cross-cultural psychology, learning and memory, abnormal psychology, and research methods, providing practical insights into human behaviour within legal and community contexts.
University Libraries and Research Resources – Students have access to Southern Cross University's library collections, legal databases, academic journals, and research resources that support both legal scholarship and psychological research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws at Southern Cross University are equipped with a unique combination of legal expertise and psychological insight, opening doors across the legal, government, health, and community sectors. This dual qualification prepares graduates to analyse complex legal issues while understanding the behavioural and social factors that influence decision-making. Career opportunities include roles such as Solicitor, Barrister, Policy Officer, Youth Justice Officer, Human Resources Consultant, Court Support Officer, and Research Analyst. Graduates who continue their psychology pathway can also pursue registration-related careers through further accredited study.

The strong employment outcomes and professional recognition of this degree further enhance long-term career prospects:

Graduate Employment Outcomes – Southern Cross University reports that more than 90% of graduates secure employment within four months of graduation, with graduates earning above the national median salary.
Median Salary Prospects – According to Australian graduate outcomes data, graduates in Law and Paralegal Studies typically achieve a median full-time salary of approximately AUD $85,000–$95,000, while psychology-related careers vary depending on postgraduate qualifications and registration pathways. The combination of law and psychology broadens employment opportunities across multiple sectors. (Salary outcomes vary by role, location, and experience.)
Professional Recognition and Accreditation – The law component is accredited by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia. The psychology component is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC), providing a recognised pathway into postgraduate psychology training.
Career Development Support – Students have access to Southern Cross University's Careers & Employability Team, which provides personalised career guidance, job-search support, networking opportunities, workshops, graduate employment resources, and the CareerSuccess platform featuring job alerts, interview preparation tools, résumé assistance, and professional development resources.
Industry Exposure and Professional Networks – Students can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placements with legal firms and legal offices, helping them develop workplace-ready skills and valuable industry connections before graduation.
Versatile Career Pathways – Graduates may pursue opportunities in private legal practice, corporate organisations, government departments, health and social services, disability services, corrective services, youth services, education, research agencies, and policy development.
Long-Term Professional Value – Holding both an accredited law degree and an APAC-accredited psychology qualification provides graduates with professional flexibility and the ability to pursue careers that intersect law, justice, mental health, human behaviour, and public policy.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Those wishing to become registered psychologists can progress to an APAC-accredited Honours year, followed by postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Psychology, Master of Professional Psychology, or other specialised psychology programs leading toward professional registration. Graduates may also pursue higher research degrees, including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in law, psychology, criminology, public policy, or related disciplines.