Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University combines professional accounting expertise with a comprehensive legal education, preparing students for careers where business, finance, regulation, and law intersect. Ideal for students who enjoy both analytical problem-solving and legal reasoning, this five-year dual degree develops the skills needed to succeed in accounting firms, corporate organisations, government agencies, and legal practice. Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus (Law) and Parramatta City Campus, 169 Macquarie Street, Parramatta (Accounting).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both accounting and law. Core subjects such as Financial Accounting Applications, Principles of Economics, and Introduction to Australian Law introduce essential accounting principles, economic concepts, and the Australian legal system. Students also begin developing critical thinking, research, and professional communication skills required across both disciplines.

Year 2

The second year deepens students' understanding of business and legal frameworks. Through subjects such as Management Accounting Fundamentals, Contracts, and Torts, students learn how financial decision-making operates within legal and regulatory environments. The curriculum strengthens analytical reasoning while introducing practical applications of accounting and legal principles.

Year 3

Students progress into more specialised study, exploring areas such as Corporate Accounting Systems, Property Law, and Criminal Law. During this stage, they develop a stronger understanding of governance, compliance, risk management, and legal processes while learning how accounting information supports organisational decision-making and accountability.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced professional knowledge and practical application. Students may undertake subjects such as Audit and Assurance Services, Corporations Law, and Equity and Trusts, gaining insight into corporate regulation, professional standards, and commercial legal practice. Opportunities for internships, clinical experiences, and work-integrated learning further enhance industry readiness.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced legal and accounting studies while refining their professional expertise. Subjects may include Revenue Law, Administrative Law, and selected law electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to career interests such as taxation, commercial law, governance, or financial regulation. The program culminates in a well-rounded qualification that combines technical competence with strategic legal and business insight.

Focus Areas:

Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Governance, Commercial Law, Property Law, Criminal Law, Legal Research, Regulatory Compliance, Business Strategy, Professional Ethics.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced accounting and legal knowledge; analyse and interpret complex financial and legal information; apply professional judgement to business and legal problems; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders; conduct legal and financial research; understand ethical responsibilities; and operate confidently within corporate, government, and legal environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The degree satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice through the Legal Profession Admission Board (following Practical Legal Training). The accounting component is recognised by CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), and provides exemptions towards CIMA professional qualifications, subject to unit selection.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is recognised globally for its impact and graduate outcomes and provides extensive industry engagement through legal clinics, internships, work-integrated learning, and professional networking opportunities. Students benefit from strong employer connections and practical learning experiences designed to enhance career readiness across both accounting and legal professions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University develop practical, industry-relevant skills through a combination of accounting training, legal practice experiences, professional projects, and real-world engagement opportunities. The program is designed to move beyond theory, giving students exposure to authentic legal and business environments while building competencies in advocacy, negotiation, legal research, accounting systems, problem-solving, and professional communication. Students learn in modern teaching facilities across the Parramatta campuses and have opportunities to engage with practising lawyers, legal professionals, and industry partners throughout their studies.

Western Sydney University Justice Clinic: Students work alongside practising lawyers and academics on real client matters, gaining experience in legal research, drafting, case management, client advising, negotiation, mediation, and access-to-justice initiatives.
Legal Internships: The program includes opportunities such as Legal Internship, Judicial Internship, Access to Justice Clinic, Street Law Clinic, and First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic, allowing students to apply their knowledge in professional legal settings.
Work-Integrated Learning: Students participate in practical learning experiences that connect classroom knowledge with professional legal and accounting practice, helping them build industry networks before graduation.
Legal Technology: The law component incorporates legal technology and contemporary professional tools, preparing students for the evolving digital legal profession.
Accounting Information Systems: Through subjects such as Accounting Information Systems and Corporate Accounting Systems, students gain experience with modern accounting processes, financial reporting systems, and business information management tools used in professional accounting environments.
Collaborative Case-Based Learning: Students engage in group discussions, legal problem-solving exercises, case analysis activities, and collaborative learning projects that reflect real workplace scenarios in law and business.
International Study Opportunities: Eligible students can participate in international exchange programs and specialised overseas study subjects, including opportunities focused on legal systems in India, China, and Taiwan.
Professional Legal Research Training: Students build advanced legal research, drafting, critical analysis, and statutory interpretation skills using professional legal resources and academic databases.
Libraries and Study Spaces: Students have access to Western Sydney University's extensive library network, legal research collections, collaborative study zones, digital learning resources, and academic support services across the Parramatta campuses.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University develop a powerful blend of legal, financial, and commercial expertise that is highly valued across a wide range of industries. This dual qualification prepares students to navigate complex regulatory and business environments while building strong analytical, problem-solving, and professional communication skills. Typical career pathways include Corporate Lawyer, Tax Consultant, Forensic Accountant, Auditor, Compliance Officer, and Commercial Advisor:

Career support and employability services – Students have access to Western Sydney University's Careers team, which offers career planning, one-on-one career consultations, résumé and interview workshops, networking events, internship support, and employer engagement programs designed to enhance graduate employability.
Industry-integrated learning opportunities – The program includes practical learning experiences through legal clinics, internships, work-integrated learning initiatives, and professional engagement activities that help students gain real-world experience before graduation.
Professional accreditation and recognition – The accounting component is professionally accredited by major accounting bodies including CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and Institute of Public Accountants, subject to unit selection. The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales following completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).
University–industry partnerships – Students benefit from connections with law firms, accounting firms, courts, government agencies, community legal centres, and professional accounting organisations through placements, internships, and industry engagement activities.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are well positioned for opportunities in legal practice, taxation, auditing, corporate governance, compliance, financial consulting, and business advisory services. Graduate salaries in accounting and legal-related fields commonly fall within the AUD $70,000–$95,000 range, with strong long-term earning potential as professional qualifications and experience increase.
Strong graduation outcomes – Graduates complete their studies with qualifications in both accounting and law, providing flexibility to pursue careers across the legal, financial, corporate, government, and consulting sectors. This multidisciplinary skill set is particularly attractive to employers seeking professionals with expertise in both regulatory and commercial environments.

Further Academic Progression:

Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Professional accounting qualifications such as the CPA Program or Chartered Accountant (CA) Program.A postgraduate Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in areas such as Commercial Law, Corporate Law, Taxation Law, or International Business Law.Master's degrees in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration (MBA), Financial Planning, Taxation, or Corporate Governance.Research-focused pathways including a Master by Research or PhD for students interested in academic, policy, or specialist professional careers.