Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England combines scientific inquiry with legal expertise, giving students the opportunity to develop advanced analytical, research, and problem-solving skills across two highly respected disciplines. Ideal for students interested in science, technology, environmental issues, health, or research-based careers, the program prepares graduates to understand both scientific evidence and the legal frameworks that govern society. Campus: Armidale Campus, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Your first year establishes the foundations of both disciplines. In law, you will study Foundations of Law (LAW100) and Law in Context (LAW101), developing an understanding of legal systems and reasoning. Depending on your chosen science major, you may also undertake introductory science units such as Introduction to Biology: Cells and Life (BIOL110), Chemistry I (CHEM110), or Introduction to Statistical Modelling (STAT100), building core scientific knowledge and quantitative skills.

Year 2

In the second year, you begin applying legal principles to real-world situations through units such as Criminal Law (LAW162), Contract Law (LAW172), and Torts Law (LAW131). At the same time, your science studies become more specialised, with discipline-specific units that may include subjects such as Ecology – Populations to Ecosystems (ECOL203), Data Structures and Algorithms (COSC230), or Introductory Genetics (GENE210) depending on your selected major.

Year 3

Third year focuses on advanced legal and scientific analysis. Law studies typically include Property Law (LAW283), Civil Dispute Resolution (LAW310), and Evidence and Proof (LAW313), while science units become increasingly research-focused and specialised. Students develop the ability to evaluate scientific evidence and apply it within legal and regulatory contexts.

Year 4

As you progress, you will explore more complex areas of law including Professional Conduct (LAW320), Equity and Trusts (LAW340), and Corporations Law (LAW351). Science studies at this level involve advanced laboratory, analytical, or field-based learning, allowing students to deepen expertise within their chosen scientific discipline and strengthen research capabilities.

Year 5

The final year integrates advanced legal knowledge with specialised scientific understanding. Students complete units such as Constitutional Law (LAW399), Administrative Law (LAW400), Remedies and Advanced Legal Skills (LAW480), and Technology and the Law (LAW499) while finalising upper-level science requirements. This combination prepares graduates to address complex issues involving science, policy, regulation, and law.

Focus Areas

Scientific Research, Environmental and Resource Regulation, Technology and Law, Health and Life Sciences, Data and Evidence Analysis, Corporate and Regulatory Compliance, Policy Development, Legal Advocacy

Learning Outcomes

Advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills, scientific research competence, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, evidence-based decision-making, legal and scientific communication skills, ethical and professional judgement, interdisciplinary analytical expertise

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements for progression towards admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of approved practical legal training requirements. The Bachelor of Science component provides discipline-specific scientific knowledge aligned with industry and research expectations.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UNE is recognised for its strong teaching quality, graduate outcomes, and student support. The university has established a long-standing reputation for producing graduates equipped with practical skills, critical thinking abilities, and professional readiness across both legal and scientific sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws at University of New England combines scientific investigation with legal training, giving students the opportunity to develop both analytical and professional skills. Throughout the program, students engage with laboratory-based science learning, legal research, case analysis, and practical problem-solving activities. The combination of UNE's science facilities and law resources ensures that graduates can apply scientific knowledge within legal, regulatory, and policy contexts.

This hands-on learning experience is supported by a range of specialist facilities, technologies, and practical opportunities:

Laboratories: Science students gain practical experience in UNE's teaching and research laboratories, conducting experiments, collecting data, and applying scientific methods across their chosen science discipline.
SMART Farms: UNE's internationally recognised SMART Farms provide access to real-world environmental and agricultural research environments, allowing students to observe applied scientific research and field-based investigations.
Law Learning Environment: Law students develop practical legal skills through case studies, legal problem-solving exercises, statutory interpretation activities, and legal research projects embedded throughout the degree.
Digital Research Tools: Students access professional legal databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other specialist legal research platforms used by legal practitioners and researchers.
Scientific Software: Depending on the chosen science major, students may use discipline-specific scientific data analysis, statistical, and research software to interpret and present scientific findings.
Research Projects: Students undertake independent and group-based research projects that strengthen critical thinking, scientific inquiry, legal analysis, and evidence-based decision-making skills.
Fieldwork Opportunities: Many science disciplines include field-based learning experiences that allow students to collect samples, conduct observations, and apply scientific techniques outside the classroom.
UNE Library Services: The Dixson Library provides extensive collections of legal reports, legislation, scientific journals, databases, research guides, and specialist academic support services.
Research Institutes: Students benefit from UNE's research culture through exposure to specialist research centres and institutes involved in environmental science, agriculture, natural resources, and related scientific fields.
Collaborative Learning: Group assignments, laboratory teamwork, legal case discussions, and interdisciplinary projects help students develop communication, leadership, and professional collaboration skills.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws at University of New England combine scientific knowledge with legal expertise, making them highly valuable in sectors where law, technology, research, and regulation intersect. This dual degree develops analytical thinking, evidence-based decision-making, and legal problem-solving skills that can be applied across a wide range of professional environments. Typical career paths include: Environmental Lawyer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Regulatory Affairs Officer, and Science Policy Advisor.

This unique qualification creates strong career opportunities across both scientific and legal industries:

University employability services: UNE’s Careers and Employability Service provides career coaching, employability workshops, resume and interview support, networking opportunities, and guidance on internships and graduate recruitment programs.
Employment outcomes & salary insights: Graduates working across law, science, policy, and regulatory sectors in Australia typically earn median salary ranges of approximately AUD $75,000 – $140,000, depending on specialisation, experience, and industry.
University–industry partnerships: UNE maintains strong connections with government agencies, research organisations, environmental bodies, legal firms, and industry stakeholders, helping students gain practical exposure and professional networks throughout their studies.
Long-term accreditation value: The law component provides the academic foundation required for admission to legal practice in Australia, while the science qualification broadens career opportunities in technical, regulatory, and research-focused professions.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with advanced legal research skills, scientific literacy, critical analysis capabilities, and the ability to address complex legal and scientific challenges in professional settings.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may continue their studies through a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (GDLP) to pursue admission as a legal practitioner, or undertake postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Science, Master of Environmental Science, or specialised research degrees including a PhD. These pathways support career advancement in legal practice, scientific research, regulatory leadership, public policy, and academia.