Bachelor of Science (SMAH) - Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (SMAH) - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong is a combined degree designed for students who want to understand both the scientific world and the legal system. It develops strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills that prepare graduates for careers across science, law, policy, and regulation.
Campus Location: Wollongong Campus (Main Campus, Northfields Ave, Wollongong, NSW, Australia)

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge across both science and law. You’ll study introductory science subjects such as Biological Sciences Foundations, Chemistry Fundamentals, and Scientific Data Analysis, alongside core law units like Foundations of Law and Legal Reasoning & Analysis. This year focuses on developing critical thinking, academic writing, and scientific inquiry skills.

Year 2:
The second year deepens your understanding of both disciplines with more specialised learning. Science subjects such as Human Biology or Environmental Systems and Statistics for Science are paired with law units like Contracts Law and Torts Law. Students begin applying legal principles and scientific methods to real-world problems and case-based learning.

Year 3:
In the third year, students move into more advanced science and law integration. Science studies may include Molecular Biology, Ecology and Environmental Change, or Applied Chemistry, while law units such as Criminal Law and Constitutional Law strengthen legal expertise. This year emphasizes research, lab-based learning, and legal case analysis.

Year 4:
At this stage, students focus on advanced law studies alongside specialised science electives. Law subjects such as Administrative Law and Equity and Trusts are combined with higher-level science courses in chosen disciplines (such as health science, environmental science, or biomedical science streams). Students also engage in more independent scientific research and legal interpretation tasks.

Year 5:
The final year consolidates both degrees with advanced professional preparation. Students complete capstone law units like Civil Procedure and Legal Ethics, along with advanced science research projects or laboratory-based investigations. This year prepares graduates for professional environments in both legal and scientific fields.

Focus Areas:

Law, scientific research methods, environmental science, biology, chemistry, data analysis, legal systems, regulatory frameworks, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will develop strong legal reasoning skills, scientific research capability, analytical thinking, and the ability to apply both legal and scientific knowledge to complex real-world issues across industries such as environment, health, and regulation.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The law component is designed to support progression toward legal practice in Australia (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training), while the science component aligns with professional scientific and research pathways across environmental, health, and laboratory-based industries.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Wollongong is internationally recognised for strong graduate employability and research impact, consistently performing well in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings for graduate outcomes and employer reputation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Wollongong, the Bachelor of Science (SMAH) - Bachelor of Laws is built around a strong “learning by doing” approach where students develop scientific understanding and legal expertise side by side. You’ll gain hands-on experience in laboratory environments, legal training spaces, and real-world research settings, allowing you to understand how science and law interact in areas like health policy, environmental regulation, and forensic analysis. Learning is supported through advanced teaching facilities, data analysis tools, and professional legal databases, helping you build both technical and analytical confidence: bridging scientific investigation with legal problem-solving.

  • Science & Health Laboratories (SMAH facilities): practical training in biology, chemistry, biomedical science, and health-related experiments using modern laboratory equipment at University of Wollongong
  • Data Analysis & Research Tools: use of statistical and scientific software such as SPSS, R, and other research platforms for interpreting scientific and social data in legal-scientific contexts
  • Law Moot Court & Advocacy Training: simulated courtroom environments where students develop legal reasoning, advocacy, and case presentation skills
  • Legal Research Platforms: access to professional legal databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis for case law, legislation, and legal research assignments
  • Interdisciplinary Projects: group-based assignments combining science and law, such as environmental regulation, forensic evidence analysis, and public health policy evaluation
  • Fieldwork & Applied Learning: opportunities for science-related field studies, laboratory investigations, and research-based projects connected to real-world scientific issues
  • UOW Library & Research Infrastructure: extensive academic resources, scientific journals, law reports, and digital research collections supporting both faculties
  • Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: exposure to industry-linked experiences across science organisations, health sectors, government agencies, and legal environments

Campus information: This program is primarily delivered at the University of Wollongong Wollongong Campus, which is the university’s main campus and includes dedicated science laboratories, health and medical teaching facilities, and law school learning spaces.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (SMAH) - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong develop a strong interdisciplinary skill set that combines scientific understanding with legal expertise. This prepares you for careers where science, regulation, and law overlap—particularly in areas like health regulation, environmental policy, forensic science, and scientific advisory roles. Many graduates go on to work as policy advisors, environmental lawyers, regulatory affairs officers, or science consultants in legal and government settings: where analytical thinking and legal interpretation are both essential.

  • Career pathways (typical roles): Environmental Lawyer, Regulatory Affairs Officer, Policy Advisor (Science & Health), Forensic or Scientific Consultant
  • University employability support: University of Wollongong Careers & Employability Service provides personalised career planning, internship support, resume and interview coaching, and access to employer networks and graduate opportunities
  • Employment outcomes & salary figures: graduates in law and science-related fields typically earn in the approximate range of AUD $70,000–$120,000+ per year, with higher earning potential in specialised legal, environmental, or regulatory roles as experience increases
  • University–industry partnerships: students benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities and connections with professional organisations across legal practice, government, health, environmental science, and research sectors through university-facilitated networks
  • Long-term accreditation value: the law component provides an academic pathway toward legal practice (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training), while the science qualification strengthens credibility in regulated industries and evidence-based decision-making roles
  • Graduation outcomes: graduates are equipped for flexible careers across legal practice, public policy, environmental management, scientific research support, and regulatory compliance roles

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double degree, graduates can progress into the Juris Doctor (JD) or Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner. Many also pursue postgraduate study in specialised areas such as environmental law, public health, forensic science, or science policy to advance into senior advisory, research, or leadership roles in government, legal, and scientific organisations.

Program Key Stats

$44,064
$17,399
$ 100
Mar Intake : 1st Nov


No

Eligibility Criteria

ABB
3.0
32
88

1350
30
7.0
98
90

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Health and Safety Lawyer
  • Environmental Law Specialist
  • Scientific Policy Advisor
  • Pharmaceutical Regulatory Lawyer
  • Medical Device Compliance Officer
  • Biotechnology Patent Lawyer
  • Data and Research Ethics Consultant
  • Government Science Policy Officer
  • Environmental Protection Lawyer
  • Corporate Compliance Officer

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