Bachelor of Arts(Politics and international relations) / Law

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Law at University of New South Wales is a five-year double degree that brings together a strong understanding of global political systems with a rigorous legal education. It’s a great fit if you’re interested in careers in law, diplomacy, government, or international organisations, and want to develop both critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
You’ll start by building a solid foundation in both disciplines. In Arts, subjects like ARTS1810 Foundations of Politics & International Relations and ARTS1811 Contemporary Issues in Government & Global Politics introduce you to how political systems work and how global issues are shaped. At the same time, introductory law courses such as LAWS1052 and LAWS1061 help you understand legal reasoning, case analysis, and how legal systems operate.

Year 2:
In your second year, you’ll begin to explore more specialised topics and strengthen your research skills. Courses like ARTS2216 Politics and Security in Asia and ARTS2814 International Relations Theories deepen your understanding of global dynamics, while ARTS2852 Qualitative Research for Political & Social Problems builds your ability to analyse complex issues. Your law studies continue to expand, giving you a stronger grasp of legal principles and frameworks.

Year 3:
This year shifts more focus toward core areas of law, including subjects such as contracts, criminal law, and constitutional law. Alongside this, you can take politics courses like ARTS2813 International Security or ARTS2840 Politics of Human Rights, helping you connect legal systems with real-world global challenges.

Year 4:
By now, your learning becomes more advanced and applied. You’ll study higher-level law subjects such as administrative law and property law, while also exploring topics like ARTS3814 Australian Foreign Policy or ARTS3815 Peoples, States & Sovereignty. These subjects encourage you to think critically about how law and politics intersect in real-world contexts.

Year 5:
In your final year, you’ll have the flexibility to choose law electives and advanced politics courses such as ARTS3783 Great and Emerging Powers. You’ll also gain practical experience through clinical legal education, working on real cases and building the confidence and skills needed for professional practice.

Focus areas

Global politics, international relations theory, human rights, international security, constitutional and criminal law, public policy

Learning outcomes

Strong legal reasoning, critical thinking, policy analysis, global awareness, advanced research skills, and clear, persuasive communication

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This law degree is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board in New South Wales, which means you can move forward into Practical Legal Training and qualify to practise as a lawyer in Australia.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UNSW Law & Justice is consistently ranked among the top law schools globally, including top 15 in the world by QS rankings, and the university is well known for producing highly employable graduates across both legal and policy-related careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales, the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Law program is designed to feel practical from the very beginning, blending real legal training with global policy understanding. You won’t just study theory—you’ll actively apply it through moot courts, legal research tasks, policy simulations, and real-world case analysis, all supported by UNSW’s leading law facilities and research environments:

Moot Court training: Practice courtroom advocacy in simulated hearings inside UNSW Law & Justice moot courtrooms, building real legal argumentation and presentation skills
Legal clinics: Gain hands-on experience through opportunities such as the Kingsford Legal Centre, where students engage with real clients under supervision
Law & IR simulations: Participate in international relations simulations, policy debates, and model governance exercises to understand diplomacy and global systems
Legal research tools: Use professional databases such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and other legal information systems for case law and statutory research
Group projects: Collaborate on policy briefs, legal case studies, and international relations research projects that mirror real government and legal work
Industry engagement: Learn from practicing lawyers, diplomats, and policymakers through guest lectures, seminars, and UNSW Law & Justice industry connections
Internships & placements: Access internship opportunities with law firms, government departments, NGOs, and international organisations through UNSW employability programs
UNSW Law Library & resources: Access the UNSW Law Library and specialist legal collections, supporting advanced research and case preparation
Global exchange opportunities: Study overseas through UNSW’s international exchange partnerships, strengthening global legal and political understanding

Progression & Future Opportunities

Completing the Bachelor of Arts (Politics and International Relations) / Law at the University of New South Wales opens the door to a wide range of rewarding careers where you can make a real impact. Graduates often move into roles as legal practitioners, policy advisors, diplomats, or international relations specialists, drawing on both the analytical and practical skills gained throughout the degree:

Career support services: UNSW’s Law & Justice Careers Service provides tailored guidance, including one-on-one career planning, help with internship and graduate applications, workshops on resumes and interviews, access to specialised jobs boards, and networking events with employers and alumni.
Employment statistics and salary prospects: UNSW graduates are highly sought after, with employment rates above the national average and competitive starting salaries, showing that employers value the skills and experiences developed during the degree.
University–industry partnerships: Through internships and work-integrated learning opportunities with government departments, NGOs, research centres, and policy organisations, you’ll gain hands-on experience and build professional networks before graduating.
Accreditation and professional value: The degree includes the academic requirements for legal practice in Australia and positions you to complete Practical Legal Training, an essential step toward becoming a lawyer.
Graduate outcomes: UNSW graduates are recognised among the most employable in Australia, reflecting the practical relevance and high standard of the programs.

Further Academic Progression:
After finishing this double degree, you could continue your studies through a Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice to qualify for legal admission, a Master’s in Public Policy or International Relations to specialise further, or even a research degree such as an MPhil or PhD if you’re interested in academic or policy research. These pathways give you the chance to deepen your expertise and open doors to advanced careers in law, government, diplomacy, international organisations, or academia.