Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Victoria University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University is a unique dual degree that combines professional legal education with the scientific study of human behaviour, preparing graduates to understand both legal systems and the psychological factors that influence individuals, organisations, and communities. Ideal for students interested in law, justice, mental health, human behaviour, and advocacy, the program develops expertise in legal reasoning, psychological research, communication, and ethical decision-making. Campus Location: City Campus (Melbourne CBD) and Footscray Park Campus, Victoria, giving students access to Melbourne's legal precinct as well as modern psychology learning facilities.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by building strong foundations in both disciplines. In psychology, units such as Psychology 1A, Psychology 1B, and Foundations of Psychological Research introduce key theories of human behaviour and research principles. Law studies commence with Australian Legal System in Context, Contracts 1, and Legal Research Methods, helping students understand Australia's legal framework and develop essential legal research skills.

Year 2

The second year focuses on core legal knowledge and practical legal skills. Students study units including Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, Procedure and Sentencing, Constitutional Law, and Corporations Law, while strengthening professional communication through Legal Writing and Drafting. These subjects provide a comprehensive understanding of how laws are created, interpreted, and applied in practice.

Year 3

Students deepen their understanding of psychological science through Psychology 2A, Psychology 2B, Developmental Psychology, and Qualitative Social Research Methods 1. At the same time, advanced law units such as Australian Administrative Law and Equity and Trusts develop sophisticated legal reasoning and analytical skills, while elective studies allow students to begin tailoring the degree to their interests.

Year 4

The fourth year introduces more specialised and applied learning experiences. Psychology studies include Clinical Aspects of Psychology, History, Theories and Practice of Psychology, and Fieldwork, providing practical exposure to psychological applications. In law, students complete Lawyers' Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Civil Procedure, and Evidence, gaining a strong understanding of professional legal practice and courtroom processes.

Year 5

In the final year, students focus on professional preparation and advanced application of knowledge. Psychology units such as Psychological Issues in the Workplace and Research Methods in Psychology strengthen research and organisational psychology capabilities. Legal training culminates with Internships and Law Practice and Interviewing and Advocacy, providing valuable workplace experience and advocacy skills relevant to legal practice.

Focus Areas:

Legal Practice, Human Behaviour, Mental Health, Criminal Justice, Psychological Research, Advocacy, Dispute Resolution, Professional Ethics, Workplace Psychology, Social Justice, Legal Communication, Community Engagement.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop expertise in legal reasoning and psychological analysis; apply psychological and legal knowledge to real-world issues; conduct research and evaluate evidence; communicate effectively with legal and non-legal audiences; demonstrate ethical judgement and professional responsibility; collaborate in diverse professional environments; and apply critical thinking to complex legal and behavioural challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Law component includes the Priestley 11 academic requirements and satisfies the academic component required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) for admission to legal practice in Australia. The Psychology component provides an accredited pathway towards further psychology study, and graduates who complete additional accredited postgraduate training may become eligible for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Victoria University's law programs benefit from strong industry engagement through partnerships with Victoria Police, the Magistrates' Court, County Court, Supreme Court of Victoria, community legal centres, and WEstjustice. Students also gain access to a dedicated law hub in Melbourne's legal precinct featuring a specialised law library, mooting court, legal research centres, internships, fieldwork opportunities, and workplace learning experiences that enhance graduate employability.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University provides a highly practical learning experience that combines legal training with psychological studies, helping students understand both the legal system and human behaviour. Throughout the degree, students develop professional skills through internships, fieldwork, research projects, advocacy training, and industry engagement opportunities. The program is strengthened by Victoria University's location in Melbourne's legal precinct and access to specialised facilities that support both legal and psychological learning. These experiences allow students to apply theory in real-world settings while building professional networks and career-ready skills:

Law Internship Program – Students can participate in Internships and Law Practice, gaining exposure to professional legal environments and practical legal work before graduation.
Psychology Fieldwork Placement – The program includes a dedicated Fieldwork unit, providing opportunities to engage with professional settings relevant to psychology and human services.
Industry Partnerships – Victoria University maintains partnerships with:
- Victoria Police
- Magistrates' Court
- County Court
- Supreme Court of Victoria
- WEstjustice Community Legal Centre
- Community legal centres across Victoria
These connections help students gain practical insights into both the justice system and community-based legal services.
Queen Street Law Hub – Students study within Victoria University's dedicated law facilities located in Melbourne's legal district, providing direct exposure to the professional legal environment. Facilities include:
- Mooting Court
- Specialised Law Library
- Computer Laboratories
- Student Study Spaces
- Collaborative Learning Areas
- Prayer Room
Sir Zelman Cowen Centre – Students have access to the university's legal research centre, supporting legal scholarship, policy discussions, professional engagement, and advanced legal research activities.
Research Training – Psychology students undertake dedicated research-focused units including:
- Foundations of Psychological Research
- Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology
- Qualitative Social Research Methods
- Quantitative Social Research Methods
- Research Methods in Psychology
These subjects build practical skills in research design, data analysis, critical evaluation, and evidence-based practice.
Advocacy and Interviewing Practice – Students strengthen professional communication and courtroom skills through units such as Interviewing and Advocacy, Legal Writing and Drafting, and Legal Research Methods.
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities – The degree includes both placement and internship options, enabling students to gain practical experience while completing their studies.
Collaborative and Team-Based Learning – Students regularly participate in group discussions, legal problem-solving exercises, case studies, presentations, and collaborative research projects that mirror professional workplace environments.
Digital Research Resources – Students access extensive legal databases, psychology research resources, electronic journals, online learning systems, and digital library collections to support legal and psychological research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University provides graduates with a distinctive blend of legal expertise and psychological insight, enabling them to understand both the legal system and human behaviour. This combination is highly valued across legal, justice, government, community, and corporate sectors, where understanding decision-making, behaviour, conflict, and policy is increasingly important. Graduates may pursue careers as Solicitor, Policy Adviser, Human Resources Consultant, Compliance Officer, Court Support Officer, or roles within justice and community services.

This strong foundation for career success is supported by several key advantages:

Career Development and Employability Services – Victoria University's Careers and Employability team assists students with career planning, professional mentoring, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, employer engagement activities, and graduate recruitment support to maximise employment outcomes.
Industry Connections and Professional Exposure – Students benefit from Victoria University's partnerships with legal professionals, community legal centres, government agencies, justice organisations, and community service providers, helping them develop professional networks and industry awareness throughout their studies.
Practical Learning Opportunities – The degree incorporates practical and work-integrated learning experiences that allow students to apply legal and psychological concepts to real-world professional situations, enhancing workplace readiness.
Professional Accreditation – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria. This accreditation provides long-term professional recognition and a pathway towards becoming a practising lawyer.
Versatile Graduate Outcomes – Graduates are equipped for employment across legal practice, human resources, workplace relations, government policy, compliance, dispute resolution, community services, corrections, advocacy organisations, and public administration.
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, psychological studies, human resources, and policy-related professions typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on their role, industry, employer, and level of experience. Salaries often increase significantly following professional accreditation and career progression.
Transferable Professional Skills – Students graduate with strong capabilities in legal analysis, communication, behavioural understanding, negotiation, conflict resolution, research, advocacy, ethical decision-making, and critical thinking, making them highly attractive to a broad range of employers.
Strong Long-Term Employability – The combination of law and psychological studies provides graduates with a unique multidisciplinary skill set that supports career flexibility and adaptability in both legal and people-focused professions.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to meet the requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students interested in psychology-related careers may continue into an accredited fourth-year psychology qualification, such as an Honours program or Graduate Diploma in Psychology, where eligibility requirements are met. Graduates may also pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Human Resource Management, Master of Public Policy, or specialised programs in dispute resolution, workplace relations, criminology, or community development. Those interested in research, academia, or leadership positions can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in law, psychology, public policy, or related disciplines, creating pathways into professional practice, research, and senior management roles.