Bachelors of Science / Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelors of Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland is a five-year dual degree that blends scientific training with professional legal education, preparing students to work in fields where science, technology, regulation, and law intersect. It is ideal for students interested in research, innovation, data-driven problem solving, environmental issues, health sciences, or emerging technologies alongside a strong legal foundation. Campuses: St Lucia (Brisbane), Gatton, Herston, and Dutton Park – Queensland, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build core foundations in scientific thinking and legal reasoning. Science subjects such as Chemistry 1, Biology for Science, or Mathematics A are paired with introductory law courses like Law, Society and Justice and Legal Research and Writing, helping students develop analytical, research, and problem-solving skills across both disciplines.

Year 2

The second year deepens scientific knowledge and expands core legal understanding. Students may study Data Analysis for Scientists, Physics Fundamentals, or Molecular Biology, alongside law subjects such as Contract Law and Constitutional Law, enabling them to understand how scientific evidence and legal systems interact.

Year 3

In the third year, students begin specialising in their chosen science major while advancing their legal studies. Science courses such as Organic Chemistry, Ecology, Genetics, or Data Science Foundations are combined with Criminal Law, Torts, and Property Law, helping students apply legal reasoning to scientific and technical contexts.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced scientific investigation and higher-level legal study. Students engage in specialised science electives such as Environmental Systems, Advanced Biochemistry, or Machine Learning Applications, while law subjects include Administrative Law and Corporate Law, strengthening their understanding of regulation in scientific and technological fields.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level law studies alongside advanced scientific research or capstone projects. Law electives such as International Law, Equity and Trusts, and Dispute Resolution are paired with a science research thesis or advanced laboratory/project work, preparing students for professional and research-based careers.

Focus Areas

Biotechnology, Environmental Science, Data Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Genetics, Ecology, Machine Learning, Environmental Law, Intellectual Property, Scientific Regulation

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced scientific and legal reasoning, apply analytical and quantitative methods to real-world problems, understand regulatory frameworks in science and technology, conduct independent research, communicate complex findings effectively, and prepare for professional careers in science, law, research, and policy.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia through the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board. The science component aligns with professional pathways in scientific research, industry practice, and postgraduate scientific accreditation depending on chosen major.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities for both Law and Natural Sciences in the QS World University Rankings. UQ is also recognised as one of Australia’s strongest research-intensive universities, particularly in science, technology, and environmental research fields.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland gain hands-on experience by combining scientific laboratory work, data-driven research, and real legal training in areas such as regulation, policy, and scientific governance. The program is designed to develop practical skills through lab-based science courses, legal case analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving, using UQ’s advanced research facilities, legal databases, and collaborative learning environments. This ensures students are able to connect scientific discovery with legal frameworks in areas such as environmental law, biotechnology regulation, and data governance:

Science Teaching Laboratories (UQ School of Science): Students complete practical lab work in chemistry, biology, physics, and environmental science using specialised laboratory equipment and experimental techniques.
Advanced Research Facilities: Access to UQ’s research infrastructure supports hands-on scientific investigation, data analysis, and experimental design in disciplines such as genetics, ecology, and molecular science.
UQ Law Moot Courts: Students participate in simulated court proceedings to develop legal reasoning, advocacy, and structured argumentation skills in a professional legal environment.
Legal Research Platforms (LexisNexis & Westlaw): Students gain experience using industry-standard legal databases for case law research, statutory interpretation, and regulatory analysis.
Science & Law Interdisciplinary Projects: Students complete applied projects that explore real-world issues such as environmental regulation, scientific ethics, intellectual property, and technology law.
Group-Based Research Assignments: Collaborative science and law projects help students develop teamwork, analytical thinking, and communication skills across disciplines.
UQ Science Research Centres: Students may engage with institutes focusing on environmental science, biomedical research, data science, and sustainability research initiatives.
UQ Law Library & Scientific Resources: Access to extensive academic collections, journals, datasets, and interdisciplinary research materials supports both scientific and legal study.
Fieldwork & Environmental Study Opportunities: Depending on science major selection, students may participate in field-based learning such as ecological surveys, environmental monitoring, and data collection in real-world settings.
Digital Learning & Data Analysis Tools: Students use scientific software, statistical tools, and digital legal platforms to analyse research data and evaluate legal frameworks.
Internship & Industry Exposure: UQ’s partnerships with government agencies, environmental organisations, research institutes, and regulatory bodies provide opportunities for internships and professional experience.
Honours Research Projects: Final-year students complete advanced independent research combining scientific investigation with legal and regulatory analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland are uniquely positioned for careers that combine scientific expertise with legal and regulatory knowledge. This dual skill set is highly valued in sectors such as environmental regulation, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, data science, and government policy. Common career pathways include science policy adviser, environmental lawyer, regulatory affairs specialist, and intellectual property consultant:

UQ Careers & Employability Services: Students receive tailored career support including one-on-one advising, CV and interview workshops, employer networking events, internship guidance, and access to graduate recruitment programs.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: According to Australian graduate outcomes data (QILT – Graduate Outcomes Survey), science and law graduates typically achieve strong full-time employment rates within months of graduation, particularly in professional, technical, and government roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: UQ maintains strong collaborations with government departments, environmental agencies, research institutes, biotechnology companies, and legal organisations, supporting internships and graduate pathways.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The law component satisfies academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, while the science qualification supports professional and research-based careers across multiple scientific industries.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in scientific analysis, legal reasoning, regulatory compliance, research methodology, and policy evaluation, enabling careers across both STEM and legal sectors.
Research & Innovation Pathways: Students are well placed for roles in scientific research organisations, environmental regulation bodies, intellectual property law firms, and public policy institutions.

Median Salary: Environmental Lawyer – AUD $105,000 | Regulatory Affairs Specialist – AUD $100,000 | Biotech Scientist – AUD $95,000 | Science Policy Adviser – AUD $110,000 (Australia industry averages).

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Science / Laws (Honours), graduates may proceed to Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate pathways such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Science (MSc), Master of Environmental Science, Master of Biotechnology, Master of Data Science, or research degrees (PhD) in specialised scientific or legal fields such as environmental law, intellectual property, biotechnology regulation, or scientific policy.