Bachelor of Laws and Politics, Philosophy and Economics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Monash University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Monash University is a five-year double degree that equips you with a deep understanding of law while giving you broad insights into politics, philosophy, and economics. It’s designed for students who want to make an impact in law, policy, and public life by combining practical legal skills with strong analytical and ethical thinking.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Your first year lays the foundations across both law and the PPE strand. You’ll start with units like Foundations of Law and Criminal Law 1, learning how the legal system works and developing your analytical skills. At the same time, PPE units such as Big Ideas in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Political Theory in a Changing World introduce you to political systems, ethical reasoning, and economic concepts.

Year 2
In the second year, you’ll start to dig deeper into core subjects. Law units such as Contract A and Constitutional Law give you a clear understanding of how legal principles operate in practice, while PPE units like Strategic Reasoning in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Issues in Australian Government and Politics sharpen your skills in policy analysis, ethics, and governance.

Year 3
The third year is where your studies become more advanced. Law units like Corporations Law and Equity develop your understanding of complex legal systems, and PPE units such as Policy Analysis in Politics, Philosophy and Economics strengthen your ability to evaluate and propose solutions to real-world issues. You’ll also begin taking electives that align with your interests.

Year 4
In your fourth year, you tackle major legal themes like Administrative Law and Trusts, while PPE options like Leadership and Change in Politics, Philosophy and Economics or a PPE Global Study Tour give you practical insights into global governance, ethics, and economic systems. This year encourages you to integrate legal knowledge with broader political and economic thinking.

Year 5
Your final year focuses on professional preparation and advanced concepts. Law units such as Evidence, Litigation and Dispute Resolution, and Lawyers’ Ethics in Practice hone your practical legal skills, while PPE electives allow you to specialise further in areas that match your career goals. By the end of this year, you’ll be ready to step confidently into careers that require both legal expertise and critical, interdisciplinary insight.

Focus Areas

Australian legal system, public and private law, political theory, ethical reasoning, and economic analysis in social systems.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will have advanced legal analysis skills, critical thinking, ethical judgment, economic literacy, and the ability to apply interdisciplinary insights to complex real-world challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The law component meets academic requirements for legal practice in Australia, supported by Monash’s Clinical Legal Education Guarantee for practical experience, while the PPE component is guided by an Industry Advisory Board that connects students with real-world perspectives in government and business.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Monash University is ranked among the top 1% of universities worldwide, and its Faculty of Law is recognised as one of Australia’s leading law schools. This strong reputation enhances your employability in law, policy, international relations, and public service.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Politics, Philosophy and Economics, you won’t just be learning theory — you’ll gain real-world skills through practical experiences that prepare you for professional life. Monash combines strong legal training with opportunities to engage in policy, ethics, and economics in ways that let you apply classroom learning to real situations. You’ll have access to professional environments, research projects, community programs, and internships that help you develop confidence, teamwork, and career-ready skills:

Here’s how hands-on learning comes to life in this degree:

Clinical legal placements and clinics: Work with real clients under the supervision of qualified lawyers through programs like the Human Rights Clinic, Law Reform Clinic, and Climate Justice Clinic. You’ll develop skills in client interviews, legal research, drafting documents, and advocacy.
Community legal education programs: Programs like Monash Street Law let you run interactive workshops in the community, helping people understand their legal rights while sharpening your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
International and external placements: Take part in faculty-supported placements with organisations in Australia or overseas, gaining experience in different professional and cultural settings.
Policy and advisory engagement: The PPE component connects you with an Industry Advisory Board made up of leaders in government, corporate, and policy sectors, giving you insight into how theory is applied in the real world.
Libraries and research resources: Monash’s extensive libraries, online databases, and research facilities support your coursework, group projects, legal writing, and analysis in economics, politics, and philosophy.

For a full overview of the facilities, research centres

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree leave Monash ready to make an impact where law, public policy, and critical analysis intersect. You’ll finish with practical legal skills alongside a strong ability to think critically about politics, ethics, and economics — a combination that’s highly valued in law firms, government agencies, international organisations, and policy-focused roles. Typical career paths include lawyer or legal adviser, policy analyst, public affairs consultant, and government or diplomatic adviser:

Career support services: Monash’s Career Connect team, along with law-specific guidance from the Faculty of Law, provides tailored support with internships, clerkships, networking events, and workshops to help you secure graduate roles and develop professional skills like resume writing and interview preparation.
Employment prospects and salary potential: Graduates enjoy strong employability, with many securing full-time positions soon after graduation. The combination of law training and interdisciplinary PPE skills gives you an edge in both commercial and public-sector roles. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 70,000 and 90,000 per annum.
University–industry partnerships: Through Monash’s Clinical Legal Education programs, you’ll work on real cases under supervision, engage with legal clinics, and connect with professionals from law firms, advocacy groups, and government organisations.
Long-term accreditation value: Your law degree is professionally accredited, while the PPE component is guided by an Industry Advisory Board of experts in government, business, and academia, making your qualification both practical and highly respected.
Graduation outcomes: Alumni work across law, public policy, international relations, consulting, and leadership roles in civil society — anywhere thoughtful judgment and strong analytical skills are needed.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies to specialise further or advance in your field. Options include a Master of Laws (LLM) to deepen legal expertise, a Master of Public Policy or Master of International Development for policy and global affairs careers, or research degrees like a Master of Research or PhD for academic or think-tank pathways. These advanced qualifications can open doors to senior roles in law, international organisations, government, and academia.