Bachelor of Science(Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) / Bachelor of Laws at University of New England is a unique double degree that blends scientific expertise with legal knowledge, ideal for students who want to work at the intersection of science, policy, and regulation. You’ll develop a strong foundation in chemical sciences while gaining the critical thinking, advocacy, and legal analysis skills needed for a wide range of professional pathways.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build essential foundations in both disciplines, starting with core science units like General Chemistry and Introductory Chemistry, alongside legal fundamentals such as Introduction to Law and Legal Institutions. This year focuses on developing your scientific reasoning and understanding how legal systems operate in society.

Year 2:
As you progress, you’ll deepen your chemistry knowledge through subjects like Organic Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry, while continuing your legal studies with units such as Contract Law and Torts. You’ll begin to see how legal frameworks apply to scientific contexts, particularly in areas like liability and compliance.

Year 3:
This year advances your technical and analytical skills with units like Physical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, paired with legal subjects such as Criminal Law and Property Law. The combination sharpens your ability to interpret scientific data and apply legal reasoning to complex real-world issues.

Year 4:
In your fourth year, you’ll engage with more specialised topics such as Inorganic Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, alongside advanced law units like Administrative Law and Equity and Trusts. You’ll start aligning your studies with career interests, especially in regulatory, environmental, or industrial sectors.

Year 5:
Your final year focuses on integration and professional readiness, with advanced electives in chemistry such as Advanced Analytical Chemistry or research projects, combined with capstone law units like Evidence and Civil Procedure. This prepares you for legal practice or science-based roles where legal expertise is highly valued.

Focus Areas (in a string):
Chemical analysis, environmental chemistry, legal systems, regulatory frameworks, scientific research, ethics and compliance

Learning Outcomes (in a string):
Apply chemical principles to real-world problems, interpret and analyse legal issues, integrate scientific and legal knowledge, conduct research, communicate effectively in professional contexts

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
Law component is designed to meet academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia (subject to further practical legal training requirements)

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
University of New England is recognised for strong graduate employment outcomes and practical, career-focused education, particularly in regional Australia

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At University of New England, the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws isn’t just about lectures — you’ll be actively working with real scientific instruments and legal tools that prepare you for work life. UNE’s science programs are supported by cutting‑edge chemical analysis and characterisation facilities where you’ll practise lab techniques and analytical skills, while Law students benefit from rich case‑based learning and engagement with communities through the School of Law’s specialised centres and resources. On campus in Armidale, you’ll also have access to libraries, supportive study spaces, and a close‑knit learning community that encourages group collaboration, independent research, and networking opportunities with peers and academics.

Here’s how you’ll gain hands‑on experience and develop practical skills through the degree:

State‑of‑the‑art science laboratories: including chromatography labs, environmental analytical and carbon labs, X‑ray and ecology labs, plant and soil labs, and wildlife resources labs — all equipped to support teaching and research across chemistry and related sciences.
Chemical instrumentation and computational tools: experience with high‑performance chemical analysis, characterisation tools and advanced computing resources to simulate and study molecular and materials design.
Hands‑on laboratory units: such as Forensic and Analytical Chemistry and Applied Physical and Materials Chemistry, where you’ll work through real experimental procedures and problem solve using modern scientific equipment.
Group projects and research integration: opportunities to collaborate on research initiatives with academic staff, building teamwork, research project design, and scientific communication skills.
Law School experiential options: engagement with practical legal studies, case analysis, legal research hubs, and specialised centres like the AgLaw Research Hub or First Peoples Rights and Law Centre that connect learning with regional and global legal issues.
Libraries and study resources: comprehensive UNE Libraries with e‑journals, databases and group work spaces to support both science and law research, writing, and study skills development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England are well‑positioned to enter diverse and dynamic careers that bridge science and law. They develop analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills that are highly valued in sectors like environmental regulation, intellectual property, and corporate compliance. Typical roles include: chemical compliance officer, environmental lawyer, patent attorney, and regulatory affairs specialist.

Students can further enhance their career readiness through:

UNE Careers & Employability Services: personalised career coaching, resume and interview workshops, and job placement support tailored to science and law graduates.
Employment stats and salary figures: UNE graduates report strong employment outcomes, with most securing full‑time roles within six months of graduation; starting salaries in chemistry-related roles average around AUD 65,000–70,000, while law-related positions typically start around AUD 60,000–75,000.
University–industry partnerships: UNE collaborates with regional and national organisations including CSIRO, NSW Environmental Protection Authority, and local law firms, providing networking, internships, and applied research opportunities.
Long-term accreditation value: Law component meets academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, ensuring graduates are eligible for professional legal pathways after completing practical legal training.
Graduation outcomes: graduates gain a rare combination of scientific expertise and legal knowledge, highly sought after by industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to environmental management and corporate law.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this double degree, students may choose to pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Environmental Law, Master of Intellectual Property Law, or specialised research-focused Master’s or PhD in chemistry. This opens doors to advanced roles in policy-making, research and development, academia, or specialised legal practice in science-intensive industries.