Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University is designed for students who want to combine global knowledge with professional legal expertise. This double degree develops a strong understanding of international politics, diplomacy, global issues, and legal systems while preparing graduates for careers that operate across borders and cultures.

Campus Locations: Parramatta South Campus – Victoria Road, Rydalmere, NSW, Australia | Campbelltown Campus – Goldsmith Avenue, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia. Students benefit from studying in dynamic learning environments connected to Western Sydney’s growing legal, business, and international sectors.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students begin by building strong foundations in both law and international studies. Core law subjects such as Fundamentals of Australian Law, Criminal Law, Legal Analysis and Critique, and Torts Law introduce legal reasoning, case analysis, and the Australian legal system. Alongside these, students complete introductory International Studies subjects that develop understanding of global societies, politics, and international issues.

Year 2:
The second year expands both legal and international perspectives. Students study subjects including Contracts and Transnational Diplomacy, while progressing through the Global Politics and International Relations major. This stage focuses on how law interacts with international political systems, diplomacy, and global governance, helping students understand legal challenges in an increasingly interconnected world.

Year 3:
Students deepen their expertise through advanced international studies and law subjects while preparing for global engagement opportunities. The degree includes a study abroad semester opportunity, allowing students to experience international education environments and strengthen intercultural capabilities. Coursework explores themes such as globalisation, migration, international relations, and comparative legal issues.

Year 4:
The focus shifts toward advanced legal studies and professional legal skills. Students develop expertise in legal advocacy, negotiation, research, and professional judgment while engaging in collaborative problem-based learning. Subjects increasingly examine complex legal issues and encourage practical application of legal principles in real-world contexts.

Year 5:
In the final year, students complete higher-level law subjects and professional learning experiences designed to prepare them for legal practice and international careers. Opportunities such as work-integrated learning, clinical placements, internships, and law-focused experiential learning help students transition confidently into professional environments while refining advanced legal and global policy capabilities.

Focus Areas: International relations, global politics, diplomacy, international law, legal advocacy, transnational governance, migration studies, cultural and social analysis, comparative legal systems, professional legal practice.

Learning Outcomes: Develop advanced legal reasoning, advocacy, negotiation, research, intercultural communication, critical analysis, policy evaluation, and global problem-solving skills while understanding the interaction between law, politics, and international affairs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): Graduates satisfy the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales and may apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board after completing prescribed Practical Legal Training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Western Sydney University is recognised internationally and has achieved strong global rankings, including recognition in major international university rankings such as the Times Higher Education rankings. The university emphasises practical legal education, industry engagement, internships, clinics, and professional readiness to support graduate employability

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Western Sydney University, the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws is designed to give students hands-on experience in both global affairs and legal practice. Throughout the degree, students develop practical skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, legal technology, international relations, policy analysis, and cross-cultural communication through collaborative learning and real-world engagement. The program combines classroom learning with international opportunities, professional legal experiences, and industry-focused projects, helping students build the confidence and adaptability needed for careers that operate across legal and international environments.

Experiential learning: students gain practical exposure through legal clinics, internships, study abroad opportunities, international-focused subjects, and authentic problem-based learning experiences that connect legal knowledge with global issues:

Western Sydney University Justice Clinic: Work alongside practising lawyers and academics on real client matters, gaining experience in legal research, drafting, case management, and access-to-justice initiatives
Moot Courts and Legal Advocacy Training: Develop courtroom advocacy, negotiation, dispute resolution, and professional communication skills through simulated legal proceedings and practical law exercises
Legal Internship and Judicial Internship Opportunities: Students can undertake subjects such as Legal Internship and Judicial Internship, providing direct exposure to legal workplaces and court environments
Access to Justice Clinic & Street Law Clinic: Participate in community-focused legal education and client support initiatives that strengthen practical legal skills while addressing social justice issues
First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic: Gain experience working on legal and community issues affecting First Nations peoples through specialised clinical learning opportunities
One Semester Study Abroad Opportunity: International Studies students have the opportunity to complete a semester overseas, gaining first-hand international experience and receiving academic credit toward their degree
International Law and Global Mobility Subjects: Subjects such as Foundations of Chinese Law, Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, and Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan provide international legal and cultural exposure through overseas learning experiences
Collaborative Problem-Based Learning: Students engage in case-based learning, authentic assessments, and group projects focused on legal problem-solving, international policy challenges, and global social issues
Legal Technology and Digital Learning Tools: The law program incorporates legal technology, online learning resources, legal research methods, and professional digital tools increasingly used within modern legal practice
Language and Global Studies Learning Pathways: Students can study languages including Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, and Arabic, strengthening international communication skills and cultural competence for global careers
Western Sydney University Libraries and Research Resources: Access extensive legal databases, international studies collections, digital research tools, academic journals, and collaborative study spaces supporting both law and global studies disciplines

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Western Sydney University, the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws prepares graduates for careers that span law, global affairs, diplomacy, policy, and international business. By combining legal expertise with a deep understanding of international cultures, politics, and global issues, graduates develop the skills needed to work across borders and sectors. Typical career pathways include: international lawyer, policy analyst, diplomatic officer, international relations consultant: giving you the flexibility to build a career in both legal and global professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Western Sydney University provides strong industry engagement, employability support, and internationally focused learning experiences that help graduates stand out in a competitive global workforce.

Western Sydney Careers Service: Offers career planning, employability workshops, resume and interview support, networking events, employer engagement programs, and access to graduate employment opportunities
Global learning and international engagement opportunities: Students can benefit from international study experiences, exchange opportunities, and globally focused projects that strengthen intercultural competence and international career readiness
Industry and government connections: The program provides exposure to legal, government, community, and international sectors through partnerships, professional engagement activities, and experiential learning opportunities
Professional accreditation value: The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements necessary for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia following completion of approved practical legal training
Strong transferable graduate skills: Graduates develop expertise in legal analysis, negotiation, policy development, cross-cultural communication, and international problem-solving, making them attractive to employers across multiple industries
Graduate outcomes (career readiness focus): The combined degree equips graduates for employment in legal practice, international organisations, government agencies, multinational corporations, non-government organisations, and policy institutions
Typical graduate salary range (indicative): Graduates entering legal, international affairs, policy, and advisory roles typically earn approximately AUD 75,000 – 120,000+, with higher earning potential as they advance into specialist legal, diplomatic, or leadership positions

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws, graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer. Further study options include a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of International Relations, Master of Public Policy, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a PhD, allowing graduates to specialise in areas such as international law, diplomacy, human rights, global governance, or legal research.