Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Queensland University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology is a unique double degree that equips you with deep scientific knowledge alongside professional legal expertise — ideal for students who want to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of science and law. You’ll study core chemistry alongside foundational and advanced legal courses, preparing you for careers in areas such as environmental law, intellectual property, policy and scientific regulation.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In your first year, you’ll begin building a solid foundation in both science and law. In the science component you’ll explore fundamental chemistry principles — such as organic and analytical chemistry — that teach you how to conduct experiments and analyse scientific data, while in the law component you’ll study introductory legal units like Introduction to Law and Contemporary Law and Justice to understand how legal systems work and develop basic legal reasoning skills. Across both degrees you’ll also engage with academic communication and research skills that are essential for success in later years.

Year 2
Your second year moves into more specialised study: science units may include Physical Chemistry and Spectroscopy, deepening your ability to apply chemical theory in laboratory settings, while your law studies cover core areas like Contract Law and Constitutional Law, sharpening your ability to analyse legal texts and argue effectively. This year blends empirical scientific practice with critical legal thinking, giving you a balanced perspective on how science and law intersect in areas like evidence and regulation.

Year 3
In the third year, you’ll continue advancing in both fields, taking science units that might include Inorganic Chemistry and Applied Chemical Techniques to broaden your technical expertise, while law units such as Commercial and Personal Property Law and Administrative Law introduce you to practical legal frameworks used in business and governance. You’ll build skills in legal research and scientific inquiry, readying you for professional or interdisciplinary work.

Year 4
By your fourth year, you’re ready to tackle complex topics and electives that reflect your interests; science electives could range from Environmental Chemistry to Analytical Methods, and law electives might include Real Property Law or Civil Dispute Resolution, giving you practical insight into legal practice. You’ll also engage in advanced legal research and problem‑solving, combining science‑informed analysis with legal reasoning to address contemporary issues like environmental regulation or intellectual property.

Year 5 - 5.5
In the final phase of the degree, you’ll complete honours‑level law content, such as Ethics and the Legal Profession and advanced electives that build specialised expertise and professional readiness. Science studies may culminate in project‑based learning or a capstone experience that highlights your ability to apply chemistry knowledge critically and ethically. By the end of this year, you’ll have developed a powerful dual skill set in scientific investigation and legal practice.

Focus areas (in a string):
Analytical chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, legal research, contract law, constitutional law, administrative law, property and commercial law, scientific analysis, interdisciplinary problem solving.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Graduates will be able to apply rigorous scientific methods and legal reasoning, critically analyse complex data and legal texts, communicate professionally in scientific and legal contexts, and integrate interdisciplinary knowledge to solve real‑world challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The law component is an LPAB‑approved Bachelor of Laws (Honours), qualifying you for admission to legal practice in Australia (with further practical training for solicitor or barrister roles), while the science component provides foundational expertise recognised by employers in scientific, environmental and regulatory sectors.

Reputation (employability rankings):
QUT is recognised for practical, industry‑connected degrees, with its law courses ranked highly for teaching and research quality, and its science programs known for strong analytical training and industry relevance — giving graduates an edge in competitive job markets. 

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT, students gain practical, hands-on experience that bridges scientific investigation with legal practice. You’ll develop laboratory skills in state-of-the-art chemistry facilities, conduct experiments, analyse data, and learn professional research techniques. In law, you’ll participate in moot courts, legal clinics, and client-based projects that provide real-world exposure to legal processes. Throughout the program, collaborative projects and work-integrated learning ensure you apply knowledge in authentic contexts, preparing you for professional success:

  • Chemistry laboratories: Access fully equipped labs for organic, inorganic, analytical, and physical chemistry experiments, including capstone research projects.
  • Legal practice facilities: Participate in simulated courtrooms, legal clinics, and negotiation workshops to develop practical lawyering skills.
  • Software and digital tools: Use industry-standard tools such as chemical analysis software, data management systems, and legal research databases.
  • Group projects and collaborative learning: Engage in team-based experiments and interdisciplinary projects combining science and law.
  • Internships and work-integrated learning: Opportunities for placements in law firms, regulatory agencies, and research institutions to gain professional experience.
  • Research institutes and support: Work alongside research centres and academic staff in chemistry and law to contribute to real-world projects.
  • Campus facilities: Benefit from access to extensive libraries, study spaces, and innovation hubs supporting both scientific and legal learning.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT are equipped to pursue careers that blend scientific expertise with legal and regulatory knowledge. They are prepared for roles such as intellectual property lawyer, environmental law consultant, regulatory affairs specialist, or scientific policy advisor. This unique combination opens diverse pathways in both industry and professional services:

  • University career services: QUT’s Career and Employment Service provides personalised career coaching, interview preparation, resume workshops, networking events, and connections to industry mentors to support graduate employment.
  • Employment stats and salary figures: QUT law graduates have a high employment rate within six months of graduation, and science-business combined graduates typically earn starting salaries ranging from $65,000–$85,000, reflecting their dual expertise.
  • University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with law firms, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and environmental consultancies, gaining practical experience through internships, client projects, and work-integrated learning.
  • Long-term accreditation value: The law degree is LPAB‑approved, enabling eligibility for admission to legal practice in Australia, while the science degree develops industry-recognised analytical and research skills valued in scientific and regulatory sectors.
  • Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with a versatile skill set, ready for roles in law, scientific research, regulatory compliance, policy development, consultancy, and interdisciplinary professional environments.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue advanced study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Science (Chemistry), specialised postgraduate diplomas in intellectual property, environmental law, or regulatory affairs, and professional certifications in law or scientific management. These pathways allow graduates to deepen expertise, gain leadership qualifications, or specialise in niche areas at the intersection of science and law.

Program Key Stats

$46,200
$13,400

Febr Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


44 %
No
Yes

Eligibility Criteria

CCC
3.50
30
75

1100
29
6.5
79
84

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Patent Attorney
  • Corporate Lawyer
  • Intellectual Property Consultant
  • Chemical Compliance Officer
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Legal Advisor
  • Research Scientist
  • Technical Consultant

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