Bachelor of Laws / Criminology and Justice

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of the Sunshine Coast

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Criminology and Justice at University of the Sunshine Coast combines professional legal education with an in-depth understanding of crime, justice systems, and social policy, preparing graduates to make a meaningful impact in legal and criminal justice settings. Campus Location: UniSC Sunshine Coast Campus, Sippy Downs, Queensland, Australia. This five-year double degree is ideal for students interested in law, crime prevention, criminal behaviour, justice reform, and advocacy, while meeting the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a foundation in both legal and criminological studies. You'll explore the fundamentals of the Australian legal system through LAW100 Introduction to Law and LAW105 Legal Interpretation and Persuasion, while gaining insights into crime and criminal behaviour through CRM101 Introduction to Criminology and CRM102 Understanding Crime.

Year 2

The second year develops your understanding of legal principles and justice systems. Courses such as LAW106 Torts, LAW107 Criminal Law and Procedure, and CRM103 Punishment and Corrections help you examine legal liability, criminal processes, and correctional practices within contemporary society.

Year 3

As your studies progress, you'll explore more complex legal frameworks through LAW207 Constitutional Law, LAW208 Contract Law, and LAW209 International Law. At the same time, CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention and CRM206 Professional Development introduce practical approaches to reducing crime and preparing for professional practice.

Year 4

In the fourth year, you'll advance into specialised legal and criminology topics. Subjects including LAW302 Equity & Trusts, LAW303 Corporations Law, LAW321 Evidence, and CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management develop your expertise in legal practice, ethics, and justice administration.

Year 5

Your final year focuses on professional readiness and specialisation. You'll undertake advanced courses such as LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, LAW423 Community Legal Practice, and LAW426 Legal Research Project, while choosing criminology electives such as CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence, CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice, or CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime to align with your career interests.

Focus Areas

Legal Practice, Criminal Law, Crime Prevention, Criminal Justice Systems, Policing, Human Behaviour, Social Justice, Youth Justice, Cyber Crime, Forensic Investigations, Community Legal Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills; understand criminal behaviour and justice systems; analyse legal and criminological issues using evidence-based approaches; conduct legal and social research; evaluate crime prevention strategies; and communicate effectively in professional legal and justice environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component covers the academic requirements necessary for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students also gain industry-relevant criminology and justice knowledge applicable across policing, corrections, policy, intelligence, and community justice sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UniSC is recognised for its strong focus on student experience, practical learning, and graduate employability. The program incorporates practical legal training opportunities, community legal practice experiences, simulated court activities, and professional development components designed to prepare graduates for the workforce.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminology and Justice at University of the Sunshine Coast is designed to immerse students in real-world legal and justice environments from the beginning of their studies. Throughout the degree, students develop practical legal research, advocacy, crime analysis, and professional communication skills through simulated court activities, industry-based learning, and hands-on criminology experiences. The program places a strong emphasis on applying theory to practice, ensuring graduates are prepared for both legal and criminal justice careers.

To strengthen professional readiness, students engage with a range of practical learning opportunities and specialised facilities throughout the program:

Simulated Court Presentations: Students research legal issues, prepare legal advice, present legal arguments, observe court processes, and participate in simulated courtroom presentations that mirror professional legal practice.
Community Legal Practice (LAW423): A mandatory work-integrated learning course where students shadow legal practitioners and assist with real client matters through local Community Legal Centres, gaining direct exposure to professional legal practice.
Legal Internship Opportunities (LAW414): Eligible students can undertake an internship within legal workplaces such as law firms and government legal agencies, including organisations like the Department of Public Prosecutions.
Negotiation and Dispute Resolution Simulations (LAW400): Students participate in a collaborative law-firm simulation where teams manage hypothetical client matters, conduct negotiations, handle disclosures, and practise professional legal communication.
Professional Placement Option (CRM305): Criminology students may undertake a professional placement to gain workplace experience within justice, corrections, community services, or related criminal justice settings.
Specialist Criminology Studies: Students can explore applied areas including Criminal Profiling & Intelligence, Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science, Cyber Crime, Youth Justice & Restorative Justice, and Working with Victims and Offenders.
Research and Legal Analysis Projects: The Legal Research Project (LAW426) develops advanced legal research and analytical skills using professional legal research methods and databases.
Professional Development Training: Courses such as CRM206 Professional Development and CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management help students build workplace readiness, ethical decision-making, and professional conduct skills.
Library and Digital Resources: Students have access to UniSC Library services, extensive legal databases, academic journals, criminology research resources, and digital learning platforms that support legal and justice studies.
Study Overseas Opportunities: Students may apply to undertake approved study with overseas partner institutions, broadening their understanding of international legal and justice systems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws / Criminology and Justice at University of the Sunshine Coast gain a valuable combination of legal expertise and criminal justice knowledge, preparing them to address contemporary challenges in law enforcement, justice policy, and legal practice. The degree develops strong analytical, advocacy, and investigative skills, enabling graduates to understand both the legal system and the social factors that influence crime and justice outcomes. Typical career paths include: Criminal Lawyer, Criminologist, Intelligence Analyst, and Justice Policy Officer.

Career Opportunities: This dual qualification equips graduates with the skills to work across legal practice, government agencies, law enforcement organisations, correctional services, policy development bodies, and community justice programs.

University Services: UniSC’s Career Development and Employability Service supports students through career planning, employability workshops, networking opportunities, industry engagement activities, resume assistance, and interview preparation to enhance graduate employment outcomes.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates entering law, criminology, and justice-related professions in Australia typically achieve median salary ranges of approximately AUD $70,000 – $130,000, with opportunities for higher earnings through professional admission, specialisation, and leadership roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from engagement with legal practitioners, courts, law enforcement agencies, justice organisations, government departments, and community legal services, providing valuable exposure to real-world professional environments.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The law component provides the academic qualification required for progression toward legal admission in Australia, while criminology and justice studies strengthen expertise in criminal behaviour, justice systems, and public policy.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with advanced legal research skills, criminological analysis capabilities, advocacy expertise, policy evaluation skills, and a comprehensive understanding of justice systems and legal processes.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. They can also pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Criminology, Master of Criminal Justice, or higher research degrees including a PhD, enabling advanced specialisation in criminal law, justice policy, forensic studies, legal practice, and academic research.