Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Environmental Science / Bachelor of Laws at University of New England Armidale is a unique double degree that blends environmental science expertise with a strong foundation in legal practice, preparing students to solve complex environmental and policy challenges. It is ideal for students who are passionate about sustainability, climate action, and law, and want to build a career at the intersection of science, regulation, and justice.
Campus location: Armidale, New South Wales, Australia (UNE Armidale campus).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students begin with foundational knowledge across both disciplines, building a strong base in environmental systems and legal principles. Core law units such as Foundations of Law and Justice and Legal Systems and Methods are paired with science units like Introduction to Environmental Science and Ecology and Ecosystems, helping students understand both natural systems and the legal frameworks that govern them.

Year 2:
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of environmental processes and begin core law training in areas like contract and constitutional law. Subjects such as Torts, Environmental Chemistry, and Australian Constitutional Law help students connect scientific evidence with legal reasoning in real-world contexts.

Year 3:
This year focuses on advanced environmental science and intermediate-to-advanced law units. Students typically study Environmental Impact Assessment, Administrative Law, and Natural Resource Management, gaining skills in environmental regulation, compliance, and policy development.

Year 4:
Students engage in higher-level law and environmental integration, including subjects like Corporate and Environmental Regulation, Land Use Law, and Climate Change Science and Policy. Practical learning becomes more prominent, often involving case-based analysis and applied environmental law problem-solving.

Year 5:
The final year is focused on professional readiness and specialization. Students complete advanced electives in environmental law and science while undertaking units such as Legal Practice and Ethics and Environmental Policy Capstone, preparing them for legal accreditation pathways and environmental leadership roles.

Focus Areas:

Environmental law, sustainability policy, climate change governance, ecological systems, natural resource regulation, legal advocacy, environmental compliance, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop the ability to interpret and apply environmental and legal principles, assess ecological impacts through a regulatory lens, and design sustainable legal and policy solutions for real-world environmental challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The law component aligns with the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, supporting progression toward Practical Legal Training (PLT) and eventual admission as a solicitor.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New England Armidale is recognised for strong graduate outcomes in environmental and rural-focused disciplines, with law graduates contributing to high employability across public and private sectors in Australia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning: At University of New England Armidale, students in the Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws develop practical, real-world skills through a combination of scientific fieldwork, legal training, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. The program is designed so students don’t just learn theory—they actively apply environmental science methods alongside legal reasoning in authentic settings, building confidence for both environmental and legal careers: through hands-on training environments and structured experiential learning opportunities.

This practical learning approach is supported through a mix of laboratory work, field-based investigation, legal skills development, and industry-engaged experiences:

Environmental fieldwork training: Students participate in field-based environmental studies, collecting and analysing ecological data in real-world settings relevant to conservation, land management, and sustainability.
Science laboratories & research facilities: Access to UNE’s environmental science labs supports practical training in ecology, environmental monitoring, and data analysis using industry-standard scientific methods and tools.
Law learning facilities: Students develop legal skills through moot court exercises, simulated court environments, and structured legal practice workshops focused on advocacy and legal reasoning.
Interdisciplinary project work: Collaborative projects combine environmental science and law, allowing students to address real environmental policy, regulation, and sustainability challenges.
Digital tools & analysis software: Students engage with scientific data analysis tools and legal research platforms commonly used in environmental assessment and legal practice.
Work-integrated learning opportunities: Industry exposure and placement-style experiences help students understand how environmental regulations and legal frameworks operate in professional contexts.
UNE library & learning support services: Extensive academic resources and specialist support assist students in both scientific research and legal study.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Environmental Science/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England are uniquely positioned at the intersection of environmental policy, sustainability, and legal practice, giving them strong advantages in both public and private sectors. This double degree prepares students for impactful careers such as environmental lawyer, policy advisor, sustainability consultant, and compliance or regulatory officer.

University career support services: UNE provides dedicated career development programs including personalised career counselling, internship and work-integrated learning support, employer networking events, and legal placement guidance to help students transition smoothly into professional roles.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates in law and environmental disciplines in Australia typically see strong employment demand, with early-career salaries commonly ranging from AUD $75,000 – $120,000, while specialised legal and environmental policy roles can progress significantly higher with experience.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from real-world exposure through collaborations with environmental agencies, regional legal centres, government departments, and sustainability organisations, strengthening practical industry readiness.
Long-term accreditation value: The law component of this double degree supports the academic pathway required for admission to legal practice in Australia, while environmental science training aligns with growing national and global demand for sustainability-focused professionals.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates emerge with a rare dual skill set—legal expertise combined with environmental science capability—making them highly competitive for roles in climate policy, environmental regulation, and corporate sustainability governance.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this double degree, students can progress into Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a practising lawyer, or pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Environmental Management, Master of Climate Change, or research pathways (Honours and PhD) focused on environmental law, sustainability policy, or environmental governance.