Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong is a globally focused combined degree that prepares students for careers in international law, diplomacy, government, and global policy, alongside professional legal practice. Campus: University of Wollongong, Wollongong Campus, New South Wales, Australia — a coastal campus located just south of Sydney with strong international and legal academic connections. The program suits students who are interested in global affairs, cross-border legal systems, human rights, and international relations, while also gaining the foundational knowledge required to become a qualified legal professional.

Curriculum structure

First Year

In the first year, students build core foundations in both law and international studies, developing essential academic skills in legal reasoning, global awareness, and critical analysis. Key units such as Foundations of Law, Introduction to International Relations, and Legal Research and Writing introduce students to legal systems, global politics, and professional communication while strengthening analytical thinking and research skills.

Second Year

The second year focuses on expanding legal knowledge and deepening understanding of global systems, governance, and international cooperation. Through subjects like Contract Law, International Political Economy, and Public International Law, students learn how legal principles operate across domestic and international contexts while developing skills in case analysis, policy interpretation, and comparative legal systems.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into more advanced legal and international studies, focusing on specialised areas and applied understanding. Units such as Criminal Law, International Organisations, and Administrative Law help students examine how law interacts with global institutions, governance structures, and justice systems while strengthening advocacy, reasoning, and legal problem-solving skills.

Fourth Year

The fourth year integrates advanced legal training with specialised international studies, preparing students for professional legal environments and global careers. Subjects such as Equity and Trusts, International Human Rights Law, and Global Governance and Policy allow students to explore complex legal frameworks while building expertise in international legal practice and policy analysis.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced law units and capstone international studies subjects that consolidate their professional readiness. Units such as Corporations Law, Dispute Resolution, and Capstone in International Studies provide practical legal training, advanced research opportunities, and applied learning experiences that prepare students for legal practice and international careers.

Focus areas

International law, diplomacy, human rights, global governance, criminal law, corporate law, political systems, legal advocacy, international relations, policy development, comparative law.

Learning outcomes

Graduates develop advanced legal reasoning, global policy understanding, cross-cultural communication skills, legal research expertise, and professional advocacy capabilities suitable for careers in law, diplomacy, government, and international organisations.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia when followed by Practical Legal Training (PLT), providing a direct pathway to becoming a qualified lawyer, while the international studies component enhances global employability across government, diplomacy, and policy sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Wollongong is recognised globally for strong graduate employability and teaching quality, consistently performing well in international university rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education rankings for graduate outcomes and teaching excellence.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong develop practical skills through a strong mix of legal training and global studies experience. The program is designed to help students apply legal reasoning in international, political, and cultural contexts while building real-world skills in advocacy, research, communication, and policy analysis. Learning is supported through hands-on legal practice, global engagement opportunities, and access to industry-informed teaching across both disciplines. Campus location: University of Wollongong Main Campus, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia — a coastal campus with direct access to Sydney’s legal, government, and international policy networks.

Experiential learning is embedded throughout the degree through practical legal education, international-focused learning activities, and real-world professional exposure, including:

UOW Law Moot Court and advocacy training facilities: Students participate in simulated court proceedings, legal argument development, and competitive mooting exercises that replicate real courtroom environments.
International Studies global learning experiences: Students engage in cross-cultural analysis, global politics case studies, and international relations simulations that build real understanding of global systems and diplomacy.
Legal internships and workplace placements: Opportunities exist to gain professional experience in law firms, government agencies, non-government organisations, and international-facing organisations, applying legal and policy knowledge in real settings.
Study abroad and international exchange opportunities: Students may participate in exchange programs with partner universities, gaining global exposure to different legal systems, cultures, and international policy frameworks.
Digital legal research tools and databases: Students use professional legal platforms such as case law databases, legislation archives, and academic research systems essential for legal analysis and international policy research.
Group-based policy and legal projects: Collaborative assignments develop teamwork skills through international case studies, legal problem-solving tasks, and policy development exercises.
UOW Library and specialised research support: Students have access to extensive legal collections, international relations resources, academic journals, and dedicated research assistance services.
Industry engagement and guest lectures: Legal practitioners, diplomats, policy experts, and international relations professionals regularly contribute through seminars, workshops, and mentoring sessions.
Global-focused learning activities and simulations: Students participate in model UN-style simulations, international law case discussions, and policy negotiation exercises that reflect real-world global governance challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong prepares graduates for globally focused careers that combine legal expertise with international relations, diplomacy, and cross-cultural understanding. Graduates develop strong analytical, communication, policy, and advocacy skills that are highly valued in both domestic and international environments. Typical career pathways include Lawyer, Diplomat, Policy Advisor, International Relations Officer, Government Legal Consultant, and Human Rights Advocate.

The University of Wollongong supports strong graduate employability through career development services, global engagement opportunities, and industry-linked learning, including:

UOW Careers and Employability Services: Students receive tailored career support including resume and interview workshops, employer networking events, internship assistance, career coaching, and graduate employment guidance for both legal and international sectors.
Global and international-focused learning environment: Students develop expertise in international law, global politics, diplomacy, human rights, and cross-cultural communication, preparing them for careers in global organisations and government roles.
Legal training and professional skill development: UOW Law provides practical learning through mooting, legal research, advocacy training, and case-based learning to strengthen professional legal capabilities.
International Studies industry and global engagement opportunities: Students gain exposure to global issues, international policy frameworks, and intercultural perspectives through academic programs, guest lectures, and internationally focused learning experiences.
Internships and professional experience opportunities: Students may access internships and placements in government departments, international organisations, legal firms, NGOs, and policy institutions.
Long-term accreditation value: The law component meets academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia when followed by Practical Legal Training (PLT), providing a direct pathway into the legal profession, while the international studies component enhances global employability.
Graduate employment outcomes: Graduates pursue careers in international law, diplomacy, foreign affairs, global policy, human rights organisations, legal practice, trade and investment agencies, and non-government organisations.
Employment and salary outcomes: The indicative median salary range for early-career graduates in law and international studies fields in Australia is approximately AUD $65,000–$100,000 per year, with strong progression into higher-paying roles in government, international organisations, and legal practice.
Global career mobility: This combined degree provides strong international career flexibility, equipping graduates to work across borders in legal, governmental, and policy-driven environments.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of International Studies - Bachelor of Laws, graduates may pursue Practical Legal Training (PLT) such as the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Students may also continue into postgraduate study including a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of International Relations, international development programs, public policy degrees, or research pathways such as honours and PhD studies in law, diplomacy, or global studies. The degree also provides a strong foundation for advanced careers in international organisations, government advisory roles, and global legal practice.