Bachelor of Politics and International Relations/ Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Canberra

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra is a five-year double degree that gives you a unique combination of legal expertise and political insight. It’s perfect for students who are passionate about justice, public policy, and global affairs, preparing you to navigate both legal systems and government environments with confidence.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both law and politics. Law units like Foundations of Law and Justice and Lawyers and Professional Responsibility introduce you to legal thinking and professional ethics, while politics units such as Introduction to Politics and Government and Professional Orientation (Government and Policy) give you an overview of how political systems and public policy operate.

Year 2:
The second year expands your knowledge with more specialised topics. You’ll study law units like Contract Law, Torts Law, and Criminal Law and Procedure to understand the core areas of legal practice, while politics units such as Introduction to Public Policy let you explore how governments make decisions and implement policies.

Year 3:
By the third year, your learning becomes more applied and analytical. Law units like Corporations Law, Property Law, and Human Rights Law deepen your understanding of complex legal frameworks, while politics units such as National Security and Politics and Security in the Asia-Pacific give you insight into regional and global political challenges.

Year 4:
In your fourth year, you’ll tackle advanced law units such as Administrative Law and Evidence Law, challenging you to think critically about legal systems and procedures. Politics and international relations courses continue to broaden your perspective on foreign policy, governance, and global affairs.

Year 5:
Your final year ties everything together. You’ll complete capstone law units like Capstone Law and Justice and choose electives in areas like Environmental Justice or Indigenous Justice, while politics units strengthen your ability to analyse complex political issues and make informed policy recommendations. By the end of the program, you’ll be ready to step confidently into both legal and political careers.

Focus areas

Legal foundations, advocacy, constitutional and corporate law, criminal law, national security, public policy, international relations, foreign policy

Learning outcomes

Critical thinking, legal reasoning and research skills, policy analysis, advocacy, ethical decision-making, communication, problem-solving

Professional alignment (accreditation)

Graduates meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice through the Supreme Court of the ACT and New South Wales, while politics and international relations skills are directly relevant to careers in government, policy, diplomacy, and NGOs.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Canberra is well regarded for teaching quality and graduate outcomes, and this double degree gives you a versatile qualification highly valued by law firms, government agencies, international organisations, and NGOs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Canberra, the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Laws is designed so you learn by doing, not just by reading theory. You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships, workplace simulations, legal clinics, and capstone projects that mirror real-world law and policy work. UC also connects you to centres like the National Centre for Corporate Law and the National Institute of Governance, while student associations and campus facilities give you the support and resources you need to succeed.

Some of the practical experiences and opportunities you can take advantage of include:

Internships — complete professional placements in government, law firms, or organisations as part of your degree, giving you real-world experience and professional contacts.
Legal clinics and advocacy training — units like Legal Advice Clinic and Advanced Advocacy and Communication (Mooting) let you practise legal skills in a supervised, real-world environment.
Capstone projects and professional simulations — apply your knowledge to realistic scenarios in law, policy, and governance, helping you develop practical problem-solving skills.
International study and exchange programs — broaden your perspective through study tours or exchange opportunities with UC’s global partners.
Student associations and networks — join groups like PIRaNaS (Politics, International Relations and National Security) to collaborate with peers, attend events, and build your professional network.
Campus facilities — UC offers collaborative study spaces, group rooms, and a central library to support research, group projects, and preparation for internships.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating with the Bachelor of Politics and International Relations / Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canberra opens the door to a wide range of exciting and impactful careers. Many graduates move into roles such as policy adviser, diplomatic officer, barrister or solicitor, or intelligence analyst, using their combined skills in law, politics, and policy to make a real difference in government, legal sectors, international organisations, and advocacy work. With professional accreditation for law and hands-on experience through internships and capstone projects, you’ll be ready to step confidently into the workforce or pursue further specialisation.

Here’s how UC helps you get ready for your career:

Personalised career support through Careers UC – Get guidance on resumes, interview preparation, job searches, and access to CareerHub for internships and graduate programs.
Strong employment prospects – UC graduates enjoy high employability, with most finding full-time work within months of finishing their degree and a median starting salary around AUD 55,300.
Industry-informed learning – The degree is developed with professional bodies like the Australian Political Studies Association, ensuring your skills are exactly what employers are looking for in law, public service, and policy.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – Internships, capstone projects, and professional simulations give you practical experience and real workplace exposure before you graduate.
Location advantage – Being in Canberra, Australia’s capital, gives you proximity to government departments, courts, policy centres, and international institutions for networking and placements.

Further Academic Progression:
After this degree, you could continue your studies to specialise or advance your career. Options include a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Public Policy, Master of International Relations, or research-focused programs that open doors to academia, high-level policy advisory roles, or leadership positions in government and international organisations. These pathways help you build expertise and expand your career opportunities.