Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University is an advanced double degree that combines legal education with communication, media, and public engagement skills. It is designed for students who are interested in law, justice, policy, media, or advocacy and want a strong professional pathway that connects legal expertise with effective communication.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both law and communication. You study core subjects such as Legal Institutions, Introduction to Communication, and Media Cultures, which help you understand how law, media, and society interact in real-world contexts.

Year 2

In the second year, learning becomes more analytical and applied. Subjects such as Criminal Law, Torts Law, Digital Communication, and Media Cultures help you develop legal reasoning skills while also building an understanding of modern media and communication practices.

Year 3

In the third year, students progress into more advanced study across both disciplines. You explore areas such as Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Public Relations, and Journalism, strengthening your ability to interpret legal issues and communicate them clearly and professionally.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students focus on specialised legal subjects and communication electives. Areas such as Corporate Law, Media Law, and Strategic Communication help you understand how law operates in business, government, and media environments.

Honours Year

In the final Honours year, students complete advanced legal research and an independent research project. This develops high-level analytical, writing, and research skills, preparing you for professional practice, postgraduate study, or research-focused careers.


Focus Areas

Law, Legal Studies, Media Law, Journalism, Public Relations, Advocacy, Policy, Corporate Law, Strategic Communication, Digital Communication


Learning Outcomes

Graduates gain strong legal reasoning, research, advocacy, and communication skills. They are able to analyse complex legal issues, communicate effectively in professional settings, and apply critical thinking across law, media, and policy environments.


Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is structured to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia after completing practical legal training. The Communication component is recognised by industry bodies such as the Public Relations Institute of Australia and the Media Federation of Australia, ensuring strong professional relevance.


Reputation (Employability and Industry Links)

Western Sydney University is known for its strong focus on practical learning and industry engagement. Students gain exposure to legal placements, media projects, and professional networks, with graduates progressing into roles in law firms, government, media organisations, advocacy groups, and corporate communication sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential learning in the Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University is built around real legal practice and applied communication experience, so students graduate with practical confidence as well as academic knowledge. Instead of only studying theory, you actively work through legal cases, media projects, and professional-style tasks that reflect what happens in courts, law firms, government, and media organisations. The Honours component also strengthens your ability to conduct independent legal research at a professional standard, while communication learning develops your ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively in real-world contexts.

Experiential learning: Students develop practical legal and communication skills through clinics, internships, projects, and applied learning supported by specialist university resources and professional environments:

  • Legal clinics such as Access to Justice Clinic and Street Law Clinic, where students engage with real or simulated legal issues under supervision

  • Court and justice system exposure through judicial internships, court visits, and structured legal placement experiences

  • Work-integrated learning opportunities across law firms, government departments, media organisations, and communication agencies

  • Case-based learning in law subjects that builds skills in legal reasoning, advocacy, research, and negotiation

  • Media and communication projects including journalism writing, public relations campaigns, and digital storytelling tasks

  • International learning opportunities in law, including exposure to different legal systems in selected global study experiences

  • Group-based projects that replicate real workplace environments such as legal teams and media agencies working on shared briefs

  • Access to university legal research resources, communication tools, and learning spaces that support professional-level study and practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University are well prepared for advanced careers that combine law, communication, policy, and media expertise. You can move into roles such as lawyer, legal officer, policy advisor, media and communications specialist, public relations professional, and corporate or advocacy communications manager. The Honours component also strengthens your profile for research-focused roles and leadership positions in legal and professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Western Sydney University supports your transition into employment through structured career services, industry engagement, and professional legal pathways:

  • Western Sydney Careers and Employment services offer career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, internship guidance, and access to employer networks

  • Strong industry connections with law firms, courts, government departments, media organisations, and communication agencies, providing real professional exposure during the degree

  • Work-integrated learning opportunities including legal clinics, judicial internships, and communication-based projects that build practical, real-world experience

  • Legal accreditation pathway enabling graduates to progress toward admission to legal practice in Australia after completing required practical legal training

  • Communication recognition through industry bodies such as the Public Relations Institute of Australia and the Media Federation of Australia, supporting strong professional credibility

  • Strong graduate outcomes across legal practice, government policy, media, advocacy, and corporate communication sectors, showing the wide career flexibility of the degree

  • Honours research training that builds advanced analytical, legal research, and academic writing skills valued in postgraduate study and senior roles

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws, Master of Legal Studies, Master of Communication, Master of Public Policy, or other specialised postgraduate programs in law, governance, or media to further deepen expertise or move into senior leadership roles.

Program Key Stats

$38,153
$14,000 - 18,000
Mar Intake : 31st Dec


30 %
No
No

Eligibility Criteria

CCC
2.3
24
60

NA
NA
6.5
82

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Courts and Legal Advice
  • Legal Practitioner
  • Communications Officer
  • Policy Development Officer
  • Media and Communications Specialist
  • Advertising Executive
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Corporate Communications Manager
  • Journalist

Book Free Session with Our Admission Experts

Admission Experts