Bachelor of Media / Law

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

This double degree combines creative media practice with a rigorous legal education, preparing students to understand how law, communication, and media industries intersect in today’s digital world. It is ideal for students who want careers in media, journalism, entertainment, corporate communication, policy, or legal practice with a strong media focus.
Campus: Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both media and law. Law studies typically begin with Foundations of Law and Legal Research & Writing, while media studies introduce Media, Culture and Communication and Foundations of Media Practice. This year develops critical thinking, communication skills, and an understanding of legal systems and media environments.

Second Year

The second year deepens legal reasoning and media production skills. Law units include Contracts and Criminal Law, while media study expands into Digital Media Production and Media Industries and Society. Students begin to understand how legal frameworks influence media industries and creative expression.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into more advanced legal and media subjects. Law studies typically include Torts and Constitutional Law, while media units may include Journalism Studies, Screen Production, or Strategic Communication. This year strengthens analytical legal skills alongside advanced media storytelling and production techniques.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced legal theory and specialised media practice. Law subjects may include Administrative Law and Equity & Trusts, while media study allows deeper exploration of areas such as Digital Storytelling, Media Law and Ethics, or Global Media Systems. Students also begin engaging in more complex applied projects.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced legal and media capstone-style learning. Law study typically includes Corporate Law and elective specialisations, while media components focus on professional-level production or communication strategy projects. Graduates leave with strong expertise in both legal reasoning and media practice, preparing them for multidisciplinary careers.

Focus Areas:

Media production, journalism, communication strategy, entertainment law, corporate law, constitutional law, digital media, legal research, ethics, and public policy.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong legal reasoning skills, advanced media production capabilities, and the ability to analyse how law and media interact in society, preparing them for professional roles across legal, media, and communication industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Law component is accredited through UNSW Law & Justice professional legal education standards, supporting pathways toward legal practice in Australia. The Media component is aligned with UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture frameworks, ensuring strong industry-relevant communication and creative skills.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New South Wales is globally recognised as one of Australia’s leading universities, consistently ranking highly in the QS World University Rankings for law, arts, and graduate employability. It is widely known for strong industry connections, research excellence, and producing highly employable graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, this double degree is designed to immerse students in both real legal practice and hands-on media production, so you graduate with more than just theory—you graduate with experience. You’ll develop legal reasoning through case-based learning while simultaneously building creative and technical media skills in production studios, newsroom-style environments, and digital communication labs. The program strongly emphasises practical application, critical thinking, and industry engagement across both disciplines:

UNSW Law moot courts and legal simulation exercises: practice real courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and case analysis
Media production studios: hands-on training in film, television, audio production, and digital storytelling
Newsroom-style learning environments: development of journalism and communication skills through real-time reporting simulations
Legal research training tools: use of professional legal databases such as case law and legislation research platforms
Digital media software tools: industry-standard editing and production tools for video, audio, and multimedia content creation
Group-based legal and media projects: collaborative assignments combining legal problem-solving with media communication strategies
Internship and industry experience opportunities: placements with media organisations, law firms, courts, government bodies, and communication agencies
UNSW Law clinics and experiential learning programs: opportunities to engage with real legal cases and community legal work
Media fieldwork and reporting exercises: real-world storytelling, journalism practice, and content creation assignments
UNSW Library (Law & Media collections): access to extensive legal databases, media archives, journals, and research resources
Industry-linked learning and guest lectures: direct engagement with legal professionals, journalists, and media practitioners

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree are prepared for influential careers at the intersection of law, media, communication, and public policy, where strong analytical thinking and communication skills are highly valued. You can move into roles such as Lawyer, Media and Communications Specialist, Policy Advisor, Journalist, or Corporate Communications Manager, working across legal firms, media organisations, government, and global corporations:

UNSW Employability and Careers Hub: personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate recruitment programs
Practical legal training pathways: structured progression toward admission as a legal practitioner in Australia through further legal training
Graduate outcomes & salary range: law and media graduates in Australia typically achieve strong employment outcomes, with law-related starting salaries often around AUD 75,000–110,000+, depending on pathway and role
Industry partnerships: UNSW Law & Justice and Arts, Design & Architecture faculties collaborate with leading law firms, media organisations, government agencies, and NGOs
Professional accreditation value: the Law degree is accredited toward eligibility for admission to legal practice in Australia, ensuring long-term professional recognition
Strong dual-discipline advantage: graduates are highly valued for combining legal expertise with advanced media, communication, and storytelling skills in modern digital industries

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue Juris Doctor (JD) pathways, or complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal practice in Australia. Alternatively, students may continue into Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Media/Communication, or research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD, focusing on law, media regulation, digital communication, or public policy.