Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Newcastle

Program Overview

This double degree combines Development Studies with professional legal training, equipping students to understand global inequality, sustainable development, human rights, and legal systems. It is ideal for students who want to work in law, international development, policy, or social impact roles where legal knowledge and development expertise intersect.

University of Newcastle – Callaghan Campus, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and development theory. You will explore how societies develop and how legal systems operate in practice, with introductory courses such as Introduction to Development Studies, Legal Foundations and Institutions, and Global Society and Inequality. This year focuses on building analytical thinking, academic writing, and an understanding of global systems.

Year 2

The second year develops more specialised knowledge in development and legal reasoning. Students typically study areas such as Development Policy and Practice, Constitutional Law, and Human Rights and Social Justice. This stage introduces applied thinking, where students begin analysing real-world global development challenges alongside legal frameworks.

Year 3

In Year 3, learning becomes more applied and interdisciplinary. Students engage with advanced topics such as International Development Systems, Administrative Law, and Environmental and Sustainable Development Studies. This year strengthens research skills and introduces policy-based and legal problem-solving in global contexts.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on professional legal training alongside advanced development studies. Students typically study Equity and Trusts, International Law, and Development Project Design and Evaluation. This stage builds readiness for professional practice, especially in legal reasoning, governance, and development project management.

Year 5

The final year consolidates legal expertise and global development knowledge through advanced electives and capstone experiences. Students complete units such as Advanced Legal Practice, Global Development Challenges Capstone, and specialised electives in law or development. This year prepares students for professional careers or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas:

International development, human rights law, global inequality, public policy, sustainability, governance, legal practice, and social impact analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to analyse complex global development issues, apply legal reasoning to real-world problems, evaluate policy impacts, and work effectively in international, governmental, and legal environments.

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).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Newcastle is recognised for strong graduate outcomes and industry-connected learning, consistently supporting high employability outcomes for law and social science graduates in Australia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in this double degree gain hands-on experience in understanding global development challenges while also building strong professional legal capability. You’ll learn how to analyse social, economic, and environmental development issues while applying legal frameworks to real-world problems such as human rights, policy reform, and community development. Learning is highly applied, with opportunities to engage in real case studies, policy analysis, and community-focused projects that reflect both local and international development contexts: supported by the university’s emphasis on practical, career-ready learning.

Experiential learning is embedded throughout the program, ensuring students graduate with both academic knowledge and real professional capability:

Policy and development analysis tools used in coursework to evaluate global inequality, sustainability, governance, and social justice challenges
Legal research platforms and databases used in law subjects for case law analysis, statutory interpretation, and legal writing development
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements with community organisations, government departments, and development-focused agencies
Group-based policy and development projects, where students collaborate on real-world global and local development challenges
Field-based learning and community engagement activities linked to development studies, including social impact and community research initiatives
Access to University of Newcastle library and research resources, supporting legal research, development policy analysis, and academic writing
Law learning environments that simulate legal practice, including advocacy exercises, case preparation, and dispute resolution training
Exposure to real-world legal and development issues through guest lectures, industry engagement, and community organisation partnerships
Interdisciplinary project work combining law, development policy, sociology, and international studies perspectives

Progression & Future Opportunities

This double degree prepares graduates to address global and community development challenges while gaining professional legal expertise. Students develop strong skills in policy analysis, human rights, sustainability, governance, and legal reasoning, making them highly valuable in government, international organisations, NGOs, and legal practice. Career pathways include policy adviser, human rights or development officer, lawyer, international development consultant, community development coordinator, and compliance or governance specialist: offering meaningful careers focused on social impact, justice, and global development.

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

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, placements, community development projects, and professional engagement with organisations
Development Studies training focuses on global issues such as poverty reduction, sustainability, governance, inequality, and international aid systems
Law program practical components develop legal research, advocacy, negotiation, dispute resolution, and professional communication skills
Strong engagement with NGOs, government departments, international development agencies, community organisations, and legal services supports real-world exposure and networking opportunities
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) meets academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Development Studies curriculum builds global awareness and cross-cultural understanding, preparing graduates for international and community-focused careers
Graduates develop highly transferable skills in policy analysis, research, communication, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making
Strong graduate outcomes across legal practice, international development, public policy, humanitarian organisations, and government sectors

Estimated Median Salary Range:
Graduates working across development, law, and public sector roles typically achieve a median salary of approximately AUD $80,000 – $115,000, with strong long-term growth potential in international organisations, government leadership, humanitarian work, policy development, and legal practice.

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 International Development, Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or research higher degrees in law, development studies, governance, or global studies. These pathways support advancement into senior roles in international organisations, government agencies, NGOs, legal practice, and global policy leadership.