Bachelor of Arts(Politics and International Relations)/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

At the University of New England, the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Bachelor of Laws gives you the best of both worlds—deep insight into global politics alongside a professionally recognised law degree. It’s a great fit if you’re curious about how the world works and want to build a career where you can influence policy, advocate for justice, or work on international issues.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll ease into university by building a solid foundation in both areas. Subjects like Introduction to Politics (PAIS101) and International Relations of the Asia Pacific (PAIS113) help you understand how governments and global systems operate, while your law units introduce you to legal thinking, basic principles, and how laws are applied in real life.

Year 2:
Things start getting more interesting as you connect theory to what’s happening in the world today. You’ll explore subjects like 21st Century International Relations (PAIS314) and Contemporary Political Issues (PAIS370), while your law studies become more structured, helping you develop strong research, case analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Year 3:
By now, you’ll be thinking more critically and independently. You might study areas like International Political Economy (ECON320) or even take part in an Overseas Study Experience (OSSE300), while your law units focus on applying legal knowledge to more complex, real-world situations.

Year 4:
This year is where you really start shaping your direction. You’ll choose electives that match your interests in politics or international relations, alongside advanced law units that build your confidence in legal interpretation, argument, and policy analysis.

Year 5:
In your final year, everything comes together. You’ll take on advanced law subjects and possibly research-focused projects, refining your ability to think critically, argue persuasively, and solve complex problems—skills that are highly valued whether you go into law, government, or international organisations.

Focus areas

Global politics, international relations, public policy, legal systems, political analysis, international political economy

Learning outcomes

Strong critical thinking and analytical skills, confident legal research and problem-solving abilities, clear and persuasive communication, a solid understanding of global political systems, and the ability to apply legal knowledge in real-world contexts

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The law component of this degree is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW, meaning you’ll be on a direct pathway toward becoming a qualified lawyer in Australia after completing practical legal training

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of New England is known for producing job-ready graduates, with a strong focus on practical skills like communication, analysis, and independent thinking—qualities employers really value in both legal and global careers

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New England, your learning experience is designed to feel practical and hands-on from the start, not just theoretical. As part of the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Bachelor of Laws, you’ll regularly apply what you learn through legal practice simulations, research tasks, and collaborative projects, using real tools and facilities that reflect professional environments. From working through legal cases to exploring global political issues with modern research resources, you’ll gradually build the confidence and skills needed for both legal and international careers:

Moot Court experience: Step into a real courtroom setting and practise legal arguments, advocacy, and presentation skills in UNE’s dedicated Moot Court
Specialised Law Library: Access a wide range of legal databases, case law, and research tools that law students rely on to develop strong research and writing skills
Dixson Library & Learning Commons: A central hub on campus where you’ll find study spaces, digital resources, and collaborative areas for group projects and assignments
Legal research tools: Learn to use professional legal databases and digital research platforms that are commonly used in the legal field
Community legal exposure: Opportunities to connect with services like the North & Northwest Community Legal Service give you insight into how legal support works in real communities
Collaborative learning: Many of your classes involve group discussions, case studies, and problem-solving tasks that mirror how legal and policy teams work in real life
Modern learning spaces: You’ll study in well-equipped lecture theatres, tutorial rooms, and computer labs designed to support both independent and group-based learning
Broader campus resources: Access to unique facilities like the Museum of Antiquities adds depth to your understanding of history, culture, and global systems—especially useful for politics and international relations

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England gives you a really versatile skill set—you’re not limited to just one career path. Whether you see yourself working as a lawyer, policy advisor, public servant, or legal consultant, this degree prepares you to step into roles where you can influence decisions, shape policy, and make a real impact.

What makes this program stand out is how it supports your career journey from day one:

Dedicated career support: UNE offers ongoing help with resume writing, interview prep, and career planning, along with academic skills support and access to tutors whenever you need guidance.
Strong employment outcomes: UNE graduates have solid job prospects, with a high percentage moving into full-time employment and competitive starting salaries in the legal and government sectors. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 65,000 and 90,000 per year.
Top employability ratings: The university has earned 5-star ratings for graduate employment and starting salaries in the Good Universities Guide, which reflects how well graduates transition into the workforce.
Industry-relevant skills: Employers value this double degree because it combines legal expertise with global and political awareness—something that’s increasingly important in today’s job market.
Professional accreditation: Your law degree is recognised by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW, giving you a clear pathway to becoming a qualified lawyer in Australia after completing practical legal training.
Long-term career growth: With continued demand in legal, policy, and international sectors, you’ll graduate with skills that stay relevant and open doors across different industries.

Further Academic Progression:
If you decide to keep studying, there are plenty of options to build on your degree. Many students go on to complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a lawyer, while others choose postgraduate study like a Master of Laws (LLM) or specialise further in areas such as international law, public policy, or diplomacy—helping you move into more advanced or leadership roles over time.