Bachelors of Arts(Political Science) / Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) / Laws (Honours) at the University of Queensland is a dynamic dual degree that combines an in-depth understanding of politics and society with professional legal training. It’s perfect for students who are curious about how governments, laws, and policies shape our world and want a career that spans law, policy, and international affairs.

Curriculum structure

Year 1:
In the first year, you’ll lay the groundwork for both your arts and law studies. Political science courses like Introduction to Political Ideas and Introduction to Australian Politics introduce you to key concepts and how governments work, while law courses such as Foundations of Law, Law of Contract I, and Principles of Public Law teach you the basics of legal reasoning, interpreting statutes, and understanding the structure of the legal system.

Year 2:
Year two builds on these foundations with law courses like Law of Torts I, Criminal Law, and Public International Law, helping you see how legal principles are applied in real-life situations. At the same time, your political science studies focus on public policy, political ideologies, and contemporary political challenges, allowing you to understand how laws and policies interact with society.

Year 3:
In the third year, law studies move into areas like Foundations of Property Law, Constitutional Law, Interests in Property, and Trusts and Equity, giving you a strong understanding of legal rights and protections. In arts, you can choose advanced political science courses, exploring political behaviour, public policy challenges, or global political thought, which helps you connect legal knowledge with social and political contexts.

Year 4:
The fourth year deepens your legal expertise with courses such as Administrative Law, Corporate Law, Ethics and the Legal Profession, Jurisprudence, and Law of Evidence. Your arts studies continue with electives in areas of interest, allowing you to focus on topics like international relations or peace and conflict studies, tailoring the degree to your career goals.

Year 5:
In the final year, you complete advanced law electives and remaining arts major courses. This year brings everything together, preparing you for legal practice, research, or policy work. You’ll develop high-level skills in legal analysis, professional conduct, and argumentation, while your arts courses continue to broaden your perspective on political and societal issues.

Focus areas:
Law and legal practice, political theory, public policy, constitutional frameworks, property and tort law, legal and political analysis

Learning outcomes:
Critical thinking, legal reasoning, policy evaluation, professional legal skills, research and communication, understanding of political and legal systems

Professional alignment:
Graduates meet the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, while also gaining skills applicable in government, policy development, law, and international organisations.

Reputation:
UQ is highly regarded for both its law school and arts programs, ranked among the best nationally and internationally. This strong reputation reflects excellent teaching quality and graduate outcomes, giving your degree real weight in the job market.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

In the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) / Laws (Honours) at the University of Queensland, learning goes far beyond lectures and textbooks. The program is designed to help you gain practical skills and real-world experience that prepare you for a professional career. Through internships, applied projects, mentoring, and networking opportunities, you’ll build confidence, develop your skills, and make connections that can open doors after graduation. You’ll also benefit from UQ’s excellent facilities, including libraries, research support, and career services:

School internships: You can take part in elective internships through the School of Political Science & International Studies, working with organisations such as Queensland Parliament, government departments, MPs’ offices, non-profits, or policy institutes. These placements let you apply your research and communication skills in real professional settings while receiving guidance from mentors.
Legal internship opportunities: As a law student in the dual degree, you can apply for structured legal internships, giving you hands-on experience in a professional legal environment and helping you understand workplace expectations and culture.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): The program integrates workplace-focused projects and simulations that help you develop teamwork, problem-solving, and professional skills while linking your academic knowledge to real-world applications.
Career mentoring and global experiences: You have the option to participate in mentoring programs, where experienced professionals provide guidance and insight into career pathways. Study tours and exchange programs also let you gain a broader global perspective.
UQ facilities and support: You’ll have access to the extensive UQ library collections, research tools, and the Careers and Employability team, which offers advice on internships, CVs, interview preparation, and connecting with potential employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Political Science) / Laws (Honours) at the University of Queensland are well prepared to step into careers where both legal knowledge and political insight make a real difference. Many go on to roles such as solicitor or legal officer, policy analyst, government advisor, or advocacy and compliance specialist, using their skills to interpret laws, influence policy, and tackle complex challenges. The degree equips you with both practical experience and professional confidence, giving you a strong start in your career:

UQ Careers and Employability support: The university’s Careers and Employability team offers personalised guidance, workshops on resumes and interview skills, and access to internships and placement opportunities to help you connect with employers and build your professional network.
Law School and faculty partnerships: UQ Law has strong connections with government bodies, community organisations, and industry partners, providing opportunities for pro bono work, mentoring, and career events that link you directly with professionals in your field.
Graduate outcomes: UQ law and arts graduates consistently secure full-time employment shortly after finishing their degrees, often in roles that directly use their legal or policy expertise.
Reputation and professional value: A UQ degree carries weight with employers across Australia and internationally. The honours law qualification also meets the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner, giving your degree long-term professional value.
Employment stats and salary: Surveys show that UQ graduates enjoy strong employment rates and competitive starting salaries, reflecting the high regard employers have for the university’s programs. Graduates could expect to earn between AUD 65,000 and 85,000 per annum.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, you can continue your studies with a Master of Laws (LLM) to specialise in a particular area of law, a master’s in public policy or international relations to build on your political skills, or research-focused programs such as an MPhil or PhD if you’re interested in academic or high-level research careers. Postgraduate study can open doors to specialist roles, leadership positions, and international opportunities, giving you even more flexibility and impact in your career.