Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England is a flexible double degree designed for students who want to combine critical thinking in the humanities with a strong foundation in legal knowledge and practice. It suits students interested in law, policy, international relations, media, or social justice, especially those who want a broader understanding of society alongside professional legal training. Campus: Armidale, New South Wales, Australia provides a supportive regional learning environment with strong academic and student support services.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1

Students begin with core foundations in both arts and law, building essential academic and analytical skills. In law, they typically study introductory units such as Legal Systems and Methods, Torts, and Criminal Law, while in arts they explore disciplines like Introduction to Politics, Sociology Foundations, or Communication Studies. This year focuses on developing critical thinking, legal reasoning, and strong written communication.

Year 2

Students move into more structured legal study while deepening their chosen arts major. Law studies expand into Constitutional Law and Contract Law, while arts subjects may include International Relations, History and Culture Studies, or Media and Society. The combination helps students connect legal frameworks with broader social and global contexts.

Year 3

This year introduces more complex legal analysis alongside advanced arts electives. Law units such as Property Law and Administrative Law are typically studied, while arts coursework may include Political Theory, Criminology, or Cultural Studies. Students begin developing stronger research and argumentation skills across both disciplines.

Year 4

Students engage with advanced legal principles and specialised arts topics. Law study may include Equity and Trusts, Corporate Law, and Evidence, while arts subjects allow deeper exploration of areas like Public Policy, Ethics, or Global Studies. This year strengthens professional legal thinking and interdisciplinary application.

Year 5

The final year focuses on advanced legal electives and capstone-style learning experiences. Students typically complete units such as Law of Civil Procedure, Advanced Legal Research, and specialised law electives, alongside final arts research projects or seminars. This stage prepares students for real-world legal practice and graduate-level decision-making.

Focus areas

Legal reasoning, humanities and social sciences integration, constitutional and corporate law, public policy, communication, and critical analysis.

Learning outcomes

Graduates develop strong legal knowledge combined with broad analytical and cultural understanding, enabling them to interpret law within social, political, and global contexts while building advanced research, advocacy, and communication skills.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Law component provides an academic pathway toward legal practice admission in Australia, while the Arts degree enhances adaptability across policy, government, media, and international organisations.

Reputation (employability rankings)

University of New England is recognised for strong graduate outcomes and flexible learning pathways, with national Australian graduate employment outcomes in law and humanities consistently supporting competitive entry into professional roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning: Students in the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England build real legal and interdisciplinary skills through hands-on learning that connects classroom theory with authentic legal practice and social contexts. From the early stages of the degree, students develop strong legal research, communication, and analytical skills while engaging in practical tasks that reflect real-world legal environments, supported by academic mentors and industry-informed teaching. This practical focus is strengthened through interactive learning environments and structured professional exposure:

Mooting and advocacy training: Students participate in simulated court proceedings and advocacy exercises to build confidence in legal argumentation, public speaking, and case analysis.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities to engage with legal, government, and community organisations through placements that provide real professional exposure.
Interdisciplinary project work: Combined Arts and Law units allow students to work on complex issues involving society, ethics, politics, and legal systems through collaborative assessments.
Legal research and databases: Access to UNE Library resources and industry-standard legal research tools to develop advanced case law and statutory interpretation skills.
Group-based legal simulations: Team activities focused on negotiation, dispute resolution, and client advisory scenarios that mirror real legal practice.
Career and internship support: UNE Careers and Employability services assist students in securing internships, building professional networks, and preparing for legal workplace entry.
Flexible learning systems: Use of digital learning platforms and online collaboration tools to support research, coursework, and communication across units.

These experiential learning opportunities ensure students graduate with practical legal capability, critical thinking skills, and professional readiness valued across legal and policy sectors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities: Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England are equipped with a powerful combination of legal expertise and humanities-based critical thinking, enabling them to work across law, government, media, and policy sectors. This double degree builds strong communication, analytical, and advocacy skills that are highly valued in both legal and non-legal careers: leading to diverse opportunities such as law graduate, policy advisor, communications specialist, and public sector officer.

University services supporting employment: UNE provides dedicated career development support including one-on-one career counselling, employability workshops, internship and placement opportunities, and networking events with industry professionals to help students transition into the workforce.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Based on Australian graduate outcomes for law and arts disciplines, early-career salaries typically range from AUD $70,000 – $115,000, with higher earnings potential as graduates progress into specialised legal, government, or advisory roles.
University–industry partnerships: Students gain exposure through connections with legal aid organisations, community legal centres, government agencies, and professional placements integrated into study, helping build real-world legal and policy experience.
Long-term accreditation value: The Bachelor of Laws component supports the academic pathway toward legal practice admission in Australia, while the arts component strengthens transferable skills highly valued across global industries.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with strong legal reasoning, research capability, and communication expertise, making them highly adaptable across legal practice, public administration, advocacy, and media-related professions.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, students can progress into Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner, or pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, or honours/research pathways in law, humanities, or interdisciplinary social sciences to deepen expertise and expand career opportunities.