Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

This double degree blends commercial expertise with professional legal training, preparing students to understand how business decisions and legal frameworks work together in real-world industries. It is ideal for students who want a career in corporate law, business leadership, finance, consulting, or government regulation with strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build foundational knowledge in both disciplines through core units such as Introduction to Law, Contract Law, Accounting for Decision Making, and Principles of Economics. This year focuses on developing legal reasoning, business literacy, and critical thinking skills needed for advanced study.

Year 2:
Students progress into more specialised learning with subjects like Torts Law, Business Law, Corporate Financial Reporting, and Business Statistics. The focus shifts toward applying legal principles and business frameworks to real commercial scenarios.

Year 3:
This year introduces advanced legal and commerce integration through units such as Constitutional Law, Corporations Law, Marketing Management, and Financial Management. Students begin to understand regulatory systems, corporate structures, and financial strategy in depth.

Year 4:
Students undertake higher-level professional subjects including Equity and Trusts, Commercial Transactions Law, Strategic Management, and Investment Analysis. This year strengthens professional judgment in both legal practice and corporate decision-making environments.

Year 5:
The final year focuses on professional preparation and specialisation with units such as Legal Practice and Ethics, Advanced Corporate Law, Business Strategy Capstone, and Elective Specialisation Units. Students consolidate their knowledge through applied projects, preparing for entry into legal practice or business leadership roles.

Focus Areas:

Corporate Law, Commercial Law, Accounting and Finance, Business Strategy, Economics, Corporate Governance, Regulatory Systems, Professional Legal Practice

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to apply legal reasoning and business knowledge to complex commercial problems, evaluate corporate and regulatory environments, and make informed strategic decisions. They develop strong skills in negotiation, analysis, communication, and ethical decision-making relevant to both legal and business professions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The commerce component is aligned with industry expectations for careers in finance, consulting, accounting, and corporate management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Newcastle is recognised for strong graduate employability outcomes in Australia, supported by industry-linked learning and practical work experience opportunities across its programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In this double degree, students gain hands-on experience by combining commercial decision-making with real legal training, preparing them for professional environments where business strategy and law work together. You build practical skills through case-based learning, legal problem-solving, financial analysis, and industry-relevant business projects, supported by the University of Newcastle’s applied learning approach. The program is designed to mirror real workplace settings, so you graduate confident in both corporate and legal environments: where theory is consistently tested through practice.

Experiential learning is embedded through professional tools, industry engagement, and practice-focused teaching environments:

Use of industry-standard business tools and platforms for financial analysis, accounting, and commercial decision-making within commerce courses
Development of legal research and case analysis skills using law databases such as case law and legislation research systems used in professional practice
Group-based business strategy and consultancy projects, where students solve real or simulated organisational problems
Moot court and legal advocacy training, building courtroom-style argument, negotiation, and public speaking skills
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities including internships, industry placements, and professional engagement with business and legal organisations
Exposure to real commercial case studies and corporate decision-making scenarios in finance, economics, and management units
Access to specialised law learning environments and legal skills training spaces at the University of Newcastle
Engagement with business simulation activities and applied economics modelling tools used in commerce subjects
Opportunities to connect with industry partners including law firms, accounting firms, financial institutions, and government agencies
Use of the University of Newcastle Library and digital legal/business research databases, supporting advanced academic and professional research skills

Progression & Future Opportunities

This double degree develops graduates with a strong foundation in commercial decision-making, finance, economics, and business strategy alongside advanced legal training. Students gain the ability to analyse complex commercial and regulatory issues, making them highly valued in corporate environments, government, and professional services. Career pathways include corporate lawyer, business consultant, financial analyst, compliance and risk manager, policy adviser, and commercial banking or advisory professional: offering strong opportunities across both legal and business sectors.

Future progression and career opportunities are supported through the University of Newcastle’s employability services, industry engagement, and practical learning approach:

University of Newcastle Career and Student Development services provide personalised career counselling, resume and interview preparation, job search support, employer networking events, and graduate employment guidance
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities allow students to gain real-world experience through internships, industry placements, business projects, and professional legal experiences
Commerce curriculum aligned with industry standards develops expertise in accounting, economics, finance, management, and business analytics
Law program practical components develop advocacy, legal research, negotiation, dispute resolution, and regulatory interpretation skills
Strong industry engagement with accounting firms, banks, corporations, government departments, consulting firms, and legal practices supports real-world exposure and networking
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) meets academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Business and commerce accreditation ensures graduates meet professional expectations in finance, management, and corporate environments
Graduates develop highly transferable skills in leadership, communication, critical thinking, financial analysis, and legal reasoning
Strong graduate outcomes across corporate law, banking, consulting, government, and commercial advisory sectors

Employment & Salary Outcomes:

Graduate Lawyer / Corporate Solicitor: approximately AUD $75,000 – $120,000+
Financial Analyst / Business Consultant: approximately AUD $85,000 – $140,000+
Compliance and Risk Manager: approximately AUD $90,000 – $150,000+
Policy Adviser / Commercial Adviser: approximately AUD $85,000 – $130,000+

Estimated Median Salary Range:
Graduates working across commerce, law, finance, consulting, and corporate sectors typically achieve a median salary of approximately AUD $85,000 – $120,000, with strong long-term growth potential in senior legal practice, executive leadership, financial services, and corporate advisory roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After graduation, students can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a solicitor in Australia. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Finance, Master of Professional Accounting, or research higher degrees in law, commerce, economics, or governance. These pathways support progression into senior leadership, corporate strategy, financial management, policy development, and specialist legal and business roles.