Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts (Politics)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at La Trobe University combines the rigour of legal study with the insights of political analysis. It’s ideal for students who want to understand how law shapes society, influence public policy, and build a career in law, government, or advocacy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll lay the foundations in both law and politics. Law units like Legal Institutions and Methods, Principles of Criminal Law, and Principles of Public Law introduce you to the legal system and critical legal thinking. Meanwhile, politics subjects give you a grounding in government, political ideas, and how power shapes society, helping you see how law and politics intersect.

Year 2:
The second year takes your learning deeper. Law units such as Contract Law A and Principles of Constitutional Law help you develop analytical and argumentation skills, while politics subjects explore contemporary political debates, international relations, and policy formation, sharpening your critical thinking and communication abilities.

Year 3:
In the third year, you’ll tackle more advanced law topics like Tort Law and Statutory Interpretation, alongside politics units on global governance and policy challenges. This is when you start applying your knowledge to real-world scenarios and shaping your future career path.

Years 4 & 5:
The final years allow you to specialise and integrate your learning. Higher-level law units such as Company Law, Principles of Equity and Trusts, and Administrative Law prepare you for professional legal practice, while your arts studies let you explore politics topics of your choice. By the end of the degree, you’ll be ready to step confidently into roles where law and politics intersect.

Focus areas: legal practice and reasoning, public law, constitutional law, contract and tort law, political systems, public policy, international relations, critical thinking.

Learning outcomes: effective advocacy and legal analysis, understanding political institutions, strong written and verbal communication, and the ability to tackle complex legal and political challenges.

Professional alignment (accreditation): Completing the law component meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, while your arts studies develop transferable skills highly valued by employers in law, government, and advocacy.

Reputation (employability rankings): La Trobe is ranked in the top 1 % of universities worldwide and is #2 in Victoria for employer satisfaction, showing that graduates are highly sought after across disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At La Trobe, your learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. This double degree gives you plenty of opportunities to gain real-world experience, develop practical skills, and see first-hand how law and politics operate in professional settings. From internships and legal clinics to parliamentary placements and industry events, you’ll be supported by La Trobe’s libraries, digital resources, and expert staff as you build confidence and professional know-how:

Here’s how hands-on learning works in this program:

Victorian Parliamentary Internship – work with the Parliamentary Library and a Member of Parliament on real policy or law issues, giving you an inside look at how legislation and politics are shaped.
Legal Internship placements – spend time in law firms, government departments, or legal organisations, applying your classroom knowledge to real legal work under professional supervision.
La Trobe Law Clinic – help real clients with legal matters while learning case analysis, client communication, and professional ethics in a supportive environment.
Work‑Integrated Learning and elective placements – choose placements across law and politics, connecting your studies with organisations that match your interests.
Networking, workshops and industry events – attend talks, networking sessions, and professional development events to meet lawyers, policymakers, and community leaders, and build connections that last beyond graduation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Bachelor of Arts (Politics) at La Trobe University opens the door to a wide range of meaningful careers where you can combine legal expertise with political insight. Graduates often go on to become solicitors or barristers, policy advisors, government officers, or community advocates, using their analytical, communication, and ethical decision-making skills to make a real difference in society. La Trobe provides ongoing support to help you transition from study to a successful career:

Career Ready support services – the Career Hub and Career Ready Advantage program offer personalised mentoring, resume and interview workshops, internship guidance, and networking events that connect you with legal, government, and policy organisations.
Strong graduate outcomes – law graduates meet the academic requirements for admission to practise in Victoria, and combined with arts skills, are highly sought after across law, public service, and community sectors.
Industry partnerships and professional networks – through partnerships with law firms, community legal centres, and organisations, plus clinical programs and placements, you gain hands-on experience and professional contacts before you graduate.
Long-term qualification value – this degree equips you with transferable skills in legal reasoning, policy analysis, research, advocacy, and communication, giving you flexibility to work in law, government, NGOs, or corporate roles.
Diverse career paths – alumni work in legal practice, government or diplomacy, policy advisory roles, and leadership positions in community organisations, showing the breadth of opportunities this combined degree provides.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you could continue your studies with postgraduate programs such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or a research-focused PhD. Many graduates also pursue professional legal training to gain full admission to practice or specialised postgraduate pathways to further their careers in legal research, public administration, or international affairs.