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5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
Western Sydney University ParramattaThe Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws combines a professionally accredited law degree with the flexibility of an Arts education, allowing students to develop legal expertise alongside knowledge in areas such as culture, society, politics, communication, and social policy. This degree is ideal for students who want to pursue a legal career while building broader analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills that are valued across a wide range of industries.
Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both legal studies and the humanities. Law subjects introduce the Australian legal system and legal reasoning through units such as Introduction to Law and Legal Analysis and Critique, while Arts studies encourage students to explore society, culture, communication, and critical thinking through introductory disciplinary subjects. Students begin developing research, writing, and analytical skills that underpin success throughout the degree.
Year 2
The second year expands students' understanding of core legal principles while allowing greater engagement with Arts specialisations. Through subjects such as Torts, Criminal Law, and Public Law, students examine how legal rules operate within society. At the same time, Arts units deepen knowledge in chosen study areas, encouraging students to analyse contemporary social, cultural, and political issues from multiple perspectives.
Year 3
Students progress into more advanced legal studies while continuing their Arts major. Subjects such as Contracts, Property Law, and Equity & Trusts strengthen legal problem-solving and case analysis skills. Arts studies become increasingly specialised, helping students develop expertise in their chosen field while enhancing communication, research, and critical evaluation capabilities.
Year 4
The fourth year focuses on advanced areas of legal practice and professional preparation. Students undertake subjects including Administrative Law, Corporations Law, and Evidence, gaining a deeper understanding of legal regulation, governance, and judicial processes. Opportunities for practical learning, legal research, and professional engagement further strengthen workplace readiness.
Year 5
In the final year, students complete upper-level law subjects, electives, and experiential learning opportunities. Units such as Civil Procedure, Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics, and law electives allow students to refine their interests while developing practical legal skills. Students may also engage in internships, clinical legal education, work-integrated learning, or international study opportunities that provide valuable real-world experience.
Focus Areas
Australian Legal System, Legal Research and Advocacy, Public and Private Law, Social and Cultural Analysis, Policy Studies, Communication, Critical Thinking, Ethics, Professional Practice, Interdisciplinary Problem Solving
Learning Outcomes
Legal reasoning and analysis, advanced written and oral communication, legal research competency, advocacy and negotiation skills, ethical and professional judgement, critical evaluation of social and cultural issues, problem-solving, teamwork, and professional self-management
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. Graduates are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice after completing the prescribed Practical Legal Training requirements.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
Western Sydney University's law programs are recognised for their practical learning approach, including clinical legal education through the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic, internships, work-integrated learning, and strong industry engagement. The university's emphasis on employability, practical legal skills, and community-based legal experience helps graduates enter professional legal and related careers with confidence.
Students in the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University Parramatta develop practical skills through a combination of real-world legal experiences, collaborative learning, authentic assessments, and industry engagement. The program is designed with a strong practical focus, allowing students to apply legal theory to real cases while also building valuable communication, research, critical thinking, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Law students learn through case-based and problem-based learning activities, supported by digital learning resources and professional legal technology used in contemporary legal practice. Arts studies further enhance analytical thinking, creativity, and communication skills that are highly valued across legal and professional careers.
Students also have opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom through clinics, internships, research projects, and international experiences, giving them direct exposure to professional legal environments and community engagement:
Justice Clinic: Gain hands-on clinical legal experience through the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic, where students work alongside practising lawyers and academics while contributing to real client matters and community legal initiatives.
Work Integrated Learning: Participate in practical workplace experiences, including legal internships, clinical placements, and professional engagement opportunities that strengthen industry readiness.
Legal Technology: Develop skills in legal technology alongside traditional legal knowledge, preparing for the evolving legal profession.
Moot Courts & Advocacy Training: Build courtroom confidence and professional advocacy skills through mooting activities and practical legal exercises focused on negotiation, legal drafting, and advocacy.
Industry Internships: Eligible students may undertake experiences such as Judicial Internships, Legal Internships, and placements with organisations including legal aid services and government agencies.
Research Opportunities: Students may participate in cooperative Summer Research Programs with industry partners, gaining valuable research and professional experience.
International Study Experiences: Opportunities are available for international exchange programs and specialised law study experiences overseas, including subjects with international legal and cultural components.
Collaborative Learning: Engage in face-to-face case-based and problem-based learning, group discussions, and collaborative legal problem-solving activities that reflect professional legal practice.
Library & Learning Resources: Access Western Sydney University's extensive library collections, legal databases, online learning materials, and research resources that support both Arts and Law studies.
Professional Networks: Learn from practising lawyers, barristers, human rights specialists, family law experts, and commercial litigators through the university's strong industry connections.
Facilities: Moot courts, Justice Clinic facilities, collaborative learning spaces, legal research resources, and digital learning platforms support practical legal education throughout the degree.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University develop a unique combination of legal expertise, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across a wide range of industries. This dual qualification can open doors to careers as a Solicitor, Policy Advisor, Legal Consultant, Human Rights Advocate, Community Development Officer, or Government Policy Officer. With practical legal training and strong industry engagement embedded throughout the degree, graduates are well positioned for both professional legal practice and broader leadership roles.
This strong career foundation is supported by:
Further Academic Progression:
Practical Legal Training (PLT) leading to admission as a legal practitioner. Graduate certificates or graduate diplomas in specialised legal fields.A Juris Doctor (where additional specialisation is desired).Master of Laws (LLM) programs in areas such as Commercial Law, International Law, Human Rights Law, or Corporate Governance.Postgraduate studies in Public Policy, International Relations, Criminology, Business Administration (MBA), or related Arts disciplines.Higher Degree Research programs, including a Master by Research or PhD, for students interested in academic, policy, or research careers.
The minimum English language requirement for admission is an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 82.Applicants must have a minimum IB score of 24 to meet the academic entry requirements.Applicants must have a minimum A Level grades of DDD to meet the academic entry requirements.applicants must achieve a minimum ATAR score of 60 to meet the academic entry requirement for the program.applicants must achieve a minimum ATAR score of 90 for domestic students to meet the academic entry requirement for the program.Assumed knowledge: any two units of HSC EnglishRecommended studies: HSC English standard or equivalent.Students enrolling in these subjects may need to have a National Police Certificate and consent or prohibited employment declarations as they may be conducting their placement in circumstances where they work with minors. This would be managed on an as needs basis:LAWS 3074 Judicial Internship LAWS 4017 Access to Justice Clinic LAWS 3077 Legal Internship LAWS 4012 First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic LAWS 3080 Street Law Clinic JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System (corrective services field trip requirement) also records and identity check.The following subjects require a visa for the relevant country and the ability to travel at specified time:LAWS 3024 Foundations of Chinese Law LAWS 3025 Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India LAWS 3078 Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in TaiwanIndia : Applicants must have achieved a minimum score of 60 in their CBSE examinations or 70 in their State board to meet the academic entry requirement.US : As a minimum requirement, applicants must have successfully completed a High School Diploma and achieved either a minimum SAT score of 980 or at least 2 Advanced Placement scores of 2 or above.China : Applicants must have successfully completed Gao San with an 80% average over three years, or achieved a minimum Gaokao score in the Science Stream for Second Tier university admission according to their province’s thresholds, or completed the first year of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university.LawyerSolicitorBarristerJudge's AssociateLegal AdvisorPolicy AnalystHuman Rights AdvocateDiplomatCorporate CounselCompliance Officer
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