Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University is a flexible and intellectually rich double degree that combines deep critical thinking in the humanities with strong legal training, preparing students to understand society, culture, and justice through multiple perspectives. Studying at the Parramatta campus in Western Sydney, New South Wales, students benefit from a diverse, industry-connected learning environment designed to build both academic depth and professional capability.

This program suits students who are interested in law but also want to explore human behaviour, society, politics, history, or communication, while building strong analytical and advocacy skills for a wide range of careers.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students are introduced to foundational legal studies alongside core arts disciplines. Law units such as Legal Methods and Skills and Torts build essential understanding of the Australian legal system, while arts subjects like Understanding Society and Culture or introductory humanities electives develop critical thinking and communication skills.

Year 2

The second year strengthens core legal knowledge through subjects such as Criminal Law and Contracts, while students also begin specialising in arts majors such as politics, sociology, history, or media studies. This year focuses on developing analytical reasoning and understanding how law interacts with social systems and cultural contexts.

Year 3

By third year, students engage with more advanced law units including Constitutional Law and Property Law, while continuing deeper study in their chosen arts major through intermediate and advanced electives. Students begin integrating interdisciplinary thinking, linking legal frameworks with societal issues and human behaviour.

Year 4

The fourth year introduces advanced legal studies such as Administrative Law and Equity and Trusts, alongside higher-level arts coursework and research-focused subjects. Students may also undertake applied learning or research projects that strengthen their ability to analyse complex legal and social issues.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level legal studies and advanced arts research, often including a substantial research thesis or capstone project. This year focuses on professional readiness, advanced argumentation, and independent research skills across both disciplines.

Focus Areas

Legal reasoning and advocacy; humanities and social analysis; constitutional and criminal law; cultural and political studies; ethical reasoning and justice systems; research and critical writing.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop advanced legal knowledge, strong research capability, and critical understanding of social and cultural systems, enabling them to interpret complex issues and contribute effectively to legal, policy, and community-focused careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The law component aligns with Australian legal education requirements for progression toward legal practice (subject to further practical legal training), while the arts component supports careers in policy, communication, public service, advocacy, and research.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Western Sydney University is internationally recognised for strong teaching quality, equity-focused education, and graduate employability, consistently featured in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for social impact and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Western Sydney University, the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is designed to feel practical from day one, combining academic learning with real legal and social analysis skills. Students don’t just study theory—they actively apply legal reasoning, communication, and research skills through simulated legal environments, case-based learning, and interdisciplinary arts subjects that strengthen critical thinking and cultural awareness. The Parramatta campus environment supports this with modern learning spaces, legal research tools, and collaborative study settings that mirror real professional practice: this is where students start thinking and working like future lawyers and policy professionals.

Students build confidence through hands-on experiences that reflect real legal and social science practice, supported by university facilities and industry-style learning environments:

  • Moot Court facilities: Students participate in simulated court proceedings where they develop advocacy, legal argumentation, and courtroom presentation skills in a realistic legal setting.
  • Legal research databases: Access to professional legal tools such as Westlaw AU, LexisNexis, and AustLII supports advanced case law research and statutory interpretation training.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Structured placement opportunities connect students with legal organisations, community services, and government bodies to gain real-world experience.
  • Western Sydney University Library – Parramatta: Extensive academic collections, legal journals, and digital resources support deep research across both law and arts disciplines.
  • Collaborative learning projects: Students engage in group-based assessments, policy analysis projects, and interdisciplinary problem-solving tasks across law and arts subjects.
  • Legal and community engagement opportunities: Students may participate in community-based legal education initiatives and outreach programs that strengthen practical legal understanding and social responsibility.
  • Digital learning platforms: Advanced online systems support blended learning, case analysis, and interactive legal training modules used throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University are equipped with strong legal reasoning, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary expertise across law and the humanities. This combination prepares students for meaningful careers in justice, policy, communications, and legal practice: leading to roles such as solicitor, policy advisor, legal researcher, human rights advocate, and public sector analyst.

This degree builds highly adaptable graduates who can work across government, legal, and social impact sectors:

  • University employment support services: Students are supported through Western Sydney University Careers, which provides tailored career coaching, internship placements, employer networking events, and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities with legal, cultural, and public sector organisations.
  • Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates typically begin in roles with estimated salaries ranging from AUD 70,000 – 125,000, with higher earning potential in legal practice, government advisory roles, and policy leadership positions over time.
  • University–industry partnerships: Strong links with NSW government agencies, community legal centres, cultural institutions, and law firms provide students with practical exposure, internships, and real-world professional engagement throughout their studies.
  • Long-term accreditation value: The law component supports the academic pathway toward admission to legal practice in Australia (subject to Practical Legal Training), while the arts disciplines strengthen communication, research, and analytical capabilities valued across multiple industries.
  • Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop advanced skills in legal analysis, written communication, and ethical reasoning, enabling them to interpret complex legal and social issues and contribute effectively to justice, policy, and advocacy work.

Further Academic Progression

 Graduates may pursue postgraduate study such as a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Arts in specialised fields (e.g., international relations, political science), or research degrees (MPhil/PhD), opening pathways into legal practice, academia, and senior policy or advisory roles.

Program Key Stats

$38,153
$17,399

Mar Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


30 %
No

Eligibility Criteria

DDD
3.0
24
60

980
-
6.5
82
60

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Solicitor
  • barrister
  • policy advisor
  • human rights lawyer
  • government legal officer
  • diplomat
  • legal consultant
  • public affairs manager
  • international relations specialist
  • legislative officer

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