Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Victoria University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University combines professional legal training with the flexibility to explore your interests across the humanities, creating graduates who are skilled in legal analysis, critical thinking, communication, and social understanding. This double degree is ideal for students who want to qualify for legal practice while gaining broader expertise in areas such as international development, professional communication, politics, culture, and society. Campus Location: City Campus, Melbourne – situated in the heart of Melbourne’s legal precinct, with direct access to courts, legal institutions, community legal services, and professional networks.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build a strong foundation in legal principles and legal reasoning. Core units such as Australian Legal System in Context, Contracts 1, and Legal Research Methods introduce the structure of the Australian legal system, legal analysis, and professional research skills. Students also study Criminal Law and Legal Writing and Drafting, developing the communication skills essential for legal practice.

Year 2:
The second year expands legal knowledge while introducing Arts major studies. Students explore subjects including Real Property Law, Constitutional Law, and Commercial Law, while beginning their chosen Arts major. This combination helps students understand both legal frameworks and the broader social, political, and cultural contexts in which law operates.

Year 3:
Students deepen their understanding of advanced legal concepts through units such as Equity and Trusts and Australian Administrative Law. At the same time, they continue developing expertise in one or two Arts majors or selected minors, creating an interdisciplinary skill set that enhances analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Year 4:
The focus shifts towards professional legal practice and evidence-based legal decision-making. Through units including Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Lawyers' Ethics and Professional Responsibility, students develop a strong understanding of courtroom procedures, ethical obligations, and legal professionalism while progressing further in their Arts studies.

Year 5:
In the final year, students apply their learning in practical and professional settings. Units such as Internships and Law Practice and Interviewing and Advocacy provide hands-on experience in legal environments, while advanced law electives such as Human Rights Law, Public International Law, or Family Law in Society allow students to tailor the degree to their career interests.

Focus Areas:

Australian legal system, criminal law, constitutional law, commercial law, administrative law, advocacy, legal research, ethics and professional responsibility, human rights, international law, public policy, professional communication, international development, social justice, critical thinking and interdisciplinary humanities studies.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal reasoning and problem-solving skills; analyse and apply legal principles in professional contexts; conduct legal research and communicate persuasively; integrate legal and humanities knowledge to address complex social issues; demonstrate ethical and professional judgment; and contribute effectively to legal, community, government, and global environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The degree satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, providing the recognised legal qualification required before undertaking Practical Legal Training (PLT) and applying for admission as an Australian legal practitioner.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Victoria University's law programs benefit from a prime location within Melbourne’s legal precinct and strong partnerships with courts and community legal services, providing students with practical industry exposure and professional networking opportunities throughout their studies. Students are taught by experienced legal academics and respected legal professionals, helping ensure graduates are career-ready upon completion.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University combines professional legal training with the flexibility of arts study, allowing students to develop practical legal skills alongside expertise in areas such as communication, international development, politics, media, or community studies. Located in the heart of Melbourne's legal precinct, the program gives students direct exposure to the legal profession through industry engagement, internships, advocacy training, and real-world projects. Students learn from experienced academics and legal practitioners while gaining hands-on experience in authentic legal and community settings. These opportunities are supported by specialised facilities and industry-connected learning experiences:

Internships and Law Practice Unit – Students complete the Internships and Law Practice unit, providing practical workplace experience and direct exposure to professional legal environments.
Industry Partnerships – Victoria University maintains partnerships with organisations including the Magistrates' Courts of Victoria, Department of Justice Victoria, Law Institute of Victoria, community legal services, local councils, the Parliament of Victoria, ABC, SBS, and other industry partners, creating valuable networking and experiential learning opportunities.
Moot Court Training – Students have access to a dedicated Moot Court, where they practise advocacy, legal argumentation, courtroom procedure, and public speaking through simulated court proceedings.
Queen Street Law Hub – The law program is delivered from VU's dedicated law facilities in Melbourne's legal district, placing students close to courts, legal firms, government agencies, and professional legal organisations.
Specialised Law Library – Students can access a dedicated law library containing legal texts, journals, case law resources, and research materials that support legal studies and professional research skills.
Sir Zelman Cowen Centre and Legal Research Facilities – Students benefit from legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, which supports legal scholarship, research activities, and engagement with legal experts.
Computer Laboratories and Digital Research Resources – Dedicated computer labs and legal research facilities support students in conducting legal research, preparing legal documents, and completing academic and professional projects.
Arts-Based Research and Community Projects – Depending on their chosen Arts major, students may undertake community-based research, creative projects, policy investigations, and research-focused capstone activities that connect classroom learning with real-world issues.
Collaborative Learning and Team-Based Activities – The course emphasises teamwork, cross-cultural collaboration, communication, and professional problem-solving through group projects, legal exercises, and interdisciplinary learning experiences.
Mentorship from Industry Leaders – Students are taught and mentored by academics, adjunct professors, and respected professionals from both the legal and arts sectors, including distinguished figures from the Australian legal community.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts at Victoria University equips graduates with a unique combination of legal expertise and broad humanities knowledge, enabling them to understand complex legal, social, political, and cultural issues. This dual qualification develops strong communication, research, critical thinking, and analytical skills that are highly valued across a range of industries. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Solicitors, Policy Advisers, Legal Researchers, Government Officers, and professionals in community, advocacy, and public-sector organisations.

This strong foundation for career success is enhanced through several key opportunities:

Career Development Services – Victoria University's Careers and Employability team provides students with career planning support, resume and interview assistance, networking opportunities, employer engagement activities, and job-readiness workshops designed to improve graduate employability.
Work-Integrated Learning and Industry Engagement – Students benefit from practical learning opportunities and industry engagement activities that help them apply classroom knowledge in professional settings while building valuable industry connections.
Industry Partnerships – Victoria University maintains relationships with legal practitioners, courts, community legal centres, government agencies, and industry organisations, providing students with exposure to professional legal and public-sector environments.
Professional Accreditation – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. This accreditation provides long-term professional recognition and supports pathways into the Australian legal profession.
Graduate Employment Opportunities – The combination of legal and arts studies prepares graduates for diverse careers across legal practice, government, policy development, public administration, media, advocacy organisations, international relations, and community services.
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal and related professional occupations typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $100,000 per year, with salaries often increasing substantially after admission to legal practice and the accumulation of professional experience.
Transferable Professional Skills – Graduates develop advanced legal reasoning, communication, policy analysis, research, advocacy, negotiation, and problem-solving skills that are valued by employers across both legal and non-legal sectors.
Strong Graduate Outcomes – The program's combination of professional legal training and broad arts-based learning provides graduates with flexibility to pursue careers in multiple industries and adapt to changing workforce demands throughout their careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students seeking further specialisation may pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas including commercial law, international law, human rights law, or dispute resolution. The Arts component also creates opportunities for advanced study in disciplines such as public policy, international relations, communication, sociology, or political science. Graduates interested in research and academic careers may continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, while those seeking leadership roles may pursue postgraduate qualifications in business, governance, public administration, or related professional fields.