Bachelor of Science(Physics) / Law

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Physics) / Law at the University of New South Wales is a dynamic five‑year double degree that combines the analytical depth of physics with the critical reasoning and ethical understanding of law, perfect for students who want to bridge scientific thinking with legal insight. You’ll explore foundational scientific principles—from the laws of the universe to experimental practice—while also learning how legal systems work and how to analyse complex legal issues with clarity and fairness.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your first year builds a robust grounding in both physics and law. In the science component, you’ll take core science courses and begin subjects in your Physics major—introducing mechanics, waves and electromagnetism—while the law component starts with essentials like LAWS1052 Introducing Law & Justice and LAWS1055 Legal Research & Writing, giving you a strong foundation in legal concepts and research skills. You’ll also complete foundational science core courses that prepare you for specialised study ahead.

Year 2:
In second year, your physics studies progress with intermediate units that deepen your understanding of physical theories and lab‑based experimentation, while your law studies continue with courses such as LAWS1021 Crime & the Criminal Process and LAWS1061 Torts, where you begin engaging with real legal principles and case analysis. Across both areas, you’ll strengthen your analytical thinking and learn to draw connections between scientific evidence and legal reasoning.

Year 3:
Third year is where your degree really starts to integrate advanced knowledge. On the science side, you’ll tackle higher‑level physics electives tailored to your interests—such as quantum mechanics or thermal physics—and continue developing experimental and computational skills. In law, you’ll immerse yourself in subjects including LAWS1150 Principles of Private Law and LAWS1141 Principles of Public Law, sharpening your ability to think critically about legal frameworks and policy implications.

Year 4:
In fourth year, your physics expertise grows with specialised electives that prepare you for real‑world scientific problem‑solving, while your law program moves into crucial areas like LAWS2150 Federal Constitutional Law and LAWS2351 Court Process, Evidence & Proof, helping you develop in‑depth legal reasoning, courtroom insight, and applied legal skills. Together, these disciplines nurture your ability to approach challenges from both scientific and legal perspectives.

Year 5:
Your final year allows you to complete advanced physics electives that match your interests and capstone law electives that refine your legal specialisation, giving you the tools to enter careers that span scientific research, policy development and legal practice. The combined learning ensures you graduate with a versatile set of skills in evidence evaluation, critical thinking and ethical judgment.

Focus areas: physics principles and experimentation, scientific research methods, legal foundations and practice, critical reasoning, evidence analysis, interdisciplinary problem‑solving

Learning outcomes: quantitative analysis, scientific inquiry, legal reasoning, ethical judgement, written and oral communication, complex problem‑solving

Professional alignment (accreditation): This double degree satisfies rigorous science training requirements and provides the pathways to legal professional practice through UNSW Law & Justice’s curriculum, preparing you for careers that require both scientific and legal expertise.

Reputation (employability rankings): UNSW is ranked among the world’s top universities with Law & Justice ranked #1 in Australia and #12 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), reflecting the strength and international recognition of the law component alongside a highly respected science faculty

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Bachelor of Science (Physics) / Law at the University of New South Wales, students don’t just learn theory — they apply their skills in real‑world contexts that build confidence and career‑ready experience. Physics students have access to hands‑on lab work and professional development tools that bring scientific concepts to life, while Law students are supported through structured internships, legal clinics and real advocacy experiences that prepare you for legal practice:

Here are some of the key practical learning opportunities you’ll benefit from:

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) & Research Integrated Learning (RIL): Both Science and Law components include WIL opportunities built into the curriculum, designed to connect your academic learning with professional experience and research engagement.
Hands‑on Physics labs: Through the Science faculty, you’ll work in real laboratories using equipment that reinforces your physics learning and develops practical skills in measurement, experimentation and data analysis.
SciConnect professional development: Science students can use SciConnect, UNSW’s integrated system for tracking skills and experiences, connecting to co‑curricular opportunities and building a professional portfolio that shows employers what you can do.
Law internships: As part of the Law & Justice faculty’s experiential learning, students can apply for law internships where you’ll gain workplace experience in legal research, drafting, client interaction and advocacy with NGOs, government bodies and legal clinics.
Clinical legal experience at Kingsford Legal Centre: UNSW Law & Justice offers one of the most comprehensive clinical legal education programs in Australia, where students work on real cases under supervision and engage directly with clients.
Competitions, journals and advocacy: Law students can also join activities like legal competitions, journal editorial roles and moot courts that build practical skills such as argumentation, legal writing and teamwork.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Physics) / Law at the University of New South Wales leave with a powerful blend of analytical, scientific and legal reasoning skills that are highly valued across diverse careers. You could step confidently into roles such as scientific policy advisor, legal practitioner, compliance officer, or research analyst, where the ability to assess evidence, interpret complex information and advocate effectively makes you stand out:

University employment support: Through UNSW Employability, you’ll have access to career coaching, industry networking events like The Big Meet, leadership and professional development programs, and practical workshops that help you refine your CV, interview skills and career goals from day one.
Strong employment stats & salary prospects: UNSW is ranked #1 in Australia for employment outcomes (QS World University Rankings 2026), and graduates from UNSW consistently achieve high full‑time employment rates and top median graduate salaries among Group of Eight universities, reflecting the real impact of your qualification in the job market.
University–industry partnerships: UNSW’s extensive network of industry partners and professional connections across science, government, law and public policy sectors gives you access to internships, placements and real‑world project opportunities that expand your experience and professional network while you study.
Accreditation & long‑term value: The Law component prepares you for eventual professional recognition as a legal practitioner with a clear pathway to complete Practical Legal Training through UNSW’s Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), combining your science and law expertise into a qualification valued across sectors.
Graduation outcomes: Whether you’re shaping science‑informed policy, interpreting regulatory frameworks, advancing research, or joining legal practice, your double degree equips you with both technical and critical thinking strengths that keep doors open to leadership and specialist roles.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your double degree, you can continue your studies with postgraduate options such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Research, PhD in physics or interdisciplinary fields, or specialised programs in public policy, international law or science communication. You can also proceed with the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP) at UNSW to satisfy the practical training requirement needed to apply for admission as a legal practitioner — giving you flexible pathways into advanced professional or academic careers.