Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University combines professional accounting expertise with advanced legal education, preparing students for careers that sit at the intersection of business, finance, regulation, and law. Ideal for ambitious students seeking dual professional qualifications, the program develops strong analytical, commercial, legal, and problem-solving skills while providing pathways to both legal practice and professional accounting accreditation.

Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus (Law component) and Parramatta City Campus, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta (Accounting component).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students build a strong foundation in both accounting and law. They are introduced to key legal concepts through subjects such as Introduction to Law and Legal Analysis and Critique, while accounting studies begin with areas such as Financial Accounting Applications and business-related quantitative methods. This first year develops core academic, analytical, and communication skills essential for professional practice.

Year 2

The second year expands students' understanding of legal systems and business reporting. Students typically progress into subjects such as Contracts, Torts, and Criminal Law, while further developing accounting expertise through Management Accounting, Corporate Accounting Systems, and related business disciplines. Greater emphasis is placed on applying legal reasoning and financial analysis to real-world scenarios.

Year 3

Students deepen their knowledge of commercial and regulatory environments. Legal studies commonly include areas such as Property Law, Administrative Law, and Equity and Trusts, while accounting studies progress into advanced topics including Accounting Information for Managers, Company Accounting, and taxation-related learning. Students begin to understand how legal frameworks shape business operations and financial decision-making.

Year 4

The focus shifts towards advanced professional practice. Students undertake subjects such as Corporations Law, Evidence, and Civil Procedure, while also completing higher-level accounting studies including Audit and Assurance and professional accounting electives. Practical learning opportunities, legal advocacy activities, and work-integrated learning experiences help students develop industry-ready capabilities.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete the Honours component through Legal Research and Methodology and the Law Honours Dissertation. Alongside advanced law electives such as Revenue Law and specialised legal subjects, students undertake independent research that strengthens critical thinking, legal scholarship, and professional expertise. The Honours year provides excellent preparation for postgraduate study and leadership roles within the legal and accounting professions.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Accounting, Financial Reporting, Auditing, Taxation, Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Legal Research, Advocacy, Regulatory Compliance, Business Strategy, Professional Ethics, Dispute Resolution.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced legal reasoning and research skills, analyse and interpret complex legislation and case law, prepare and evaluate financial reports, apply accounting standards and taxation principles, communicate professional advice effectively, solve business and legal problems, demonstrate ethical judgement, and conduct independent honours-level legal research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales through the Legal Profession Admission Board (subject to Practical Legal Training). The accounting component offers accreditation pathways with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and recognition towards the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), depending on subject selection.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is recognised globally for its commitment to student success, industry engagement, and graduate employability. The program's combination of professional law qualifications, multiple accounting accreditations, practical learning opportunities, Justice Clinic experience, moot court training, and industry-focused curriculum helps graduates build strong employment outcomes across legal, accounting, corporate, government, and consulting sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain hands-on experience across both the accounting and legal professions. The program combines practical legal training, accounting expertise, research-focused honours study, and real-world industry engagement. Through case-based learning, collaborative projects, legal clinics, internships, and professional accounting studies, students graduate with the practical skills employers expect in both corporate and legal environments. Students also benefit from purpose-built learning spaces, legal practice facilities, extensive library resources, and digital learning platforms that support authentic professional training.

This practical learning experience is strengthened through a range of specialised opportunities and facilities:

Moot Courts: Students develop advocacy, litigation, negotiation, and courtroom presentation skills in dedicated moot court facilities at Western Sydney University, simulating real legal proceedings and professional practice.
Western Sydney University Justice Clinic: Students work alongside practising lawyers and academics on real client matters, gaining practical experience in legal research, drafting, case management, client advising, and access-to-justice initiatives.
Work-Integrated Learning: The program incorporates work-integrated learning opportunities, allowing students to apply legal and accounting knowledge in professional environments before graduation.
Legal Internships: Students can undertake subjects such as Judicial Internship and Legal Internship, providing direct exposure to courts, legal organisations, and professional legal practice.
Access to Justice Clinics: Opportunities include the Access to Justice Clinic, First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic, and Street Law Clinic, where students engage with real community legal issues and client-focused work.
Problem and Case-Based Learning: Honours students participate in collaborative face-to-face problem-solving and case-based learning activities that mirror professional legal and business environments.
Legal Technology Training: Students develop skills in legal technology, legal research tools, digital legal resources, and modern professional practice systems used within the legal sector.
Honours Research Project: The embedded Honours component includes advanced legal research methodology training and completion of an independent Law Honours Dissertation under academic supervision.
Accounting Information Systems: Accounting studies include accounting information and corporate systems, helping students build practical knowledge of contemporary business and financial reporting environments.
International Study Opportunities: Eligible students may participate in international learning experiences through subjects focused on law and business in India, China, and Taiwan, providing valuable global perspectives.
Library and Research Resources: Students have access to Western Sydney University's extensive libraries, legal databases, academic journals, business research resources, and online learning materials that support both accounting and honours-level legal research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain a highly sought-after combination of legal expertise and accounting knowledge, preparing them for careers at the intersection of business, finance, and law. This dual qualification equips graduates with the analytical, commercial, and professional skills needed to succeed in complex regulatory and financial environments. Typical career pathways include Corporate Lawyer, Tax Consultant, Forensic Accountant, Auditor, Commercial Advisor, and Legal Counsel. As a result, graduates are well positioned for leadership opportunities across legal practice, accounting firms, government agencies, and multinational organisations.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Dedicated career and employability services – Western Sydney University provides personalised career consultations, résumé and interview coaching, employer networking events, internship support, career workshops, and access to graduate employment opportunities through its Careers team.
Industry-focused learning opportunities – Students can develop practical experience through the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic, legal internships, judicial internships, clinical placements, work-integrated learning programs, and international exchange opportunities that build professional networks and workplace readiness.
Professional accreditation and industry recognition – The program satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia through the Legal Profession Admission Board. In addition, the accounting component offers eligibility for accreditation with CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), depending on subject selection.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates commonly enter roles in corporate law, taxation, forensic accounting, auditing, treasury, financial accounting, and professional advisory services. Typical graduate salaries are generally in the AUD $70,000–$95,000 range, with strong long-term earning potential as graduates obtain professional accounting and legal qualifications.
Strong university–industry connections – Students benefit from engagement with courts, law firms, community legal centres, professional accounting bodies, and industry partners through internships, clinics, and practical learning experiences that strengthen employability.
Excellent graduation outcomes – Graduates leave with both a professional law qualification and an accounting degree, creating opportunities across legal services, corporate governance, taxation, compliance, financial advisory, consulting, banking, and government sectors. The Honours component also demonstrates advanced research capability and academic excellence valued by employers and postgraduate institutions.

Further Academic Progression:

Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as an Australian lawyer. Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in areas such as Commercial Law, Taxation Law, Corporate Law, International Business Law, or Dispute Resolution.Professional accounting pathways including the CPA Program or Chartered Accountant (CA) Program.Specialist postgraduate qualifications in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, Financial Planning, Business Analytics, or Corporate Governance.Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, with the Honours qualification providing a strong foundation for advanced research study.