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5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program
Western Sydney University ParramattaThe Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University is a unique double degree that combines a strong foundation in legal practice with deep understanding of crime, justice systems, and community impact. It is designed for students who want to work in law, policing, courts, corrections, policy, or community advocacy and make a real difference in society. Campus Location: Parramatta Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build core foundations in both law and justice studies, focusing on introductory legal reasoning and social systems. Key units typically include Criminal Law and Procedure, Introduction to Criminology, and Legal Analysis and Critique, helping students understand how laws are created, interpreted, and applied in real-world contexts. This year develops essential academic writing, research, and analytical skills needed for advanced legal study.
Year 2
The second year deepens legal knowledge while expanding understanding of crime and justice systems. Students commonly study units such as Torts Law, Justice and Society, and Criminal Justice Systems, gaining insight into civil liability, policing, and correctional frameworks. This stage strengthens critical thinking and introduces students to how law interacts with communities and public policy.
Year 3
In year three, students move into more complex areas of law and applied justice studies. Subjects such as Constitutional Law, Community Justice Practice, and Criminal Responsibility help students understand government authority, legal rights, and offender accountability. Students also begin engaging more with real-world case analysis and justice system challenges.
Year 4
The fourth year focuses on advanced legal and justice applications, including practical and specialist areas. Students may study Administrative Law, Sentencing and Punishment, and Law in Practice (Clinical or Internship-based learning), giving them direct exposure to legal environments and community justice settings. This year strongly develops professional readiness and applied legal skills.
Year 5
In the final year, students consolidate their learning through advanced electives and capstone experiences. Units such as Advanced Criminal Law, Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility, and a Research Project or Capstone Thesis prepare students for professional practice or postgraduate study. This final stage strengthens independence, advocacy skills, and legal problem-solving ability.
Focus Areas:
Criminal law, justice systems, community advocacy, legal practice, criminology, public policy, social justice, legal ethics
Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse complex legal and justice issues, apply legal reasoning in criminal and civil contexts, evaluate justice system effectiveness, and develop solutions for community and policy challenges. They also gain strong advocacy, research, and communication skills essential for legal and justice careers.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Bachelor of Laws component meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. Graduates can proceed to Practical Legal Training (PLT) before becoming eligible for admission as a solicitor in Australia.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
Western Sydney University is recognised for strong graduate employability outcomes and industry-connected learning, particularly in law, criminology, and social justice fields. Its law programs are regularly positioned in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law & Legal Studies) for producing work-ready graduates.
Experiential learning in the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University is designed to move you beyond theory and into real legal and justice environments from early in your degree. You’ll build practical skills through hands-on legal training, community engagement, and structured professional experiences that reflect how the justice system actually works in practice. Learning takes place through legal practice settings, simulated court environments, and direct engagement with community and justice organisations:
At the Parramatta campus, students also benefit from modern learning spaces, access to extensive legal research resources through the University library, and opportunities to engage with real casework and supervised legal practice.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University are prepared for meaningful careers at the intersection of law, justice, and community impact. They develop strong legal reasoning, an understanding of the criminal justice system, and practical skills in advocacy, policy, and community engagement. As a result, graduates can work across both legal and justice-focused environments: Solicitor, Criminal Lawyer, Community Justice Officer, Policy Advisor
Further Academic Progression:
Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in AustraliaA Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in Criminal Law, Human Rights Law, Public Law, or Justice StudiesPostgraduate studies in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Social Policy, Public Administration, or Law EnforcementSpecialist training in mediation, dispute resolution, corrections management, or justice administrationResearch pathways including a Master by Research or PhD in Law, Criminology, Criminal Justice, or related disciplines
The minimum English language requirement for admission is an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 82.Applicants must have a minimum IB score of 24 to meet the academic entry requirements.Applicants must have a minimum A Level grades of DDD to meet the academic entry requirements.applicants must achieve a minimum ATAR score of 60 to meet the academic entry requirement for the program.applicants must achieve a minimum ATAR score of 90 for domestic students to meet the academic entry requirement for the program.Recommended studies: HSC English standard (2 units) or equivalent.Students enrolling in these subjects may need to have a National Police Certificate and consent or prohibited employment declarations as they may be conducting their placement in circumstances where they work with minors. This would be managed on an as needs basis:LAWS 3074 Judicial Internship LAWS 4017 Access to Justice Clinic LAWS 3077 Legal Internship LAWS 4012 First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic LAWS 3080 Street Law Clinic JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System (corrective services field trip requirement) also records and identity check.The following subjects require a visa for the relevant country and the ability to travel at specified time:LAWS 3024 Foundations of Chinese Law LAWS 3025 Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India LAWS 3078 Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in TaiwanIndia : Applicants must have achieved a minimum score of 60 in their CBSE examinations or 70 in their State board to meet the academic entry requirement.US : As a minimum requirement, applicants must have successfully completed a High School Diploma and achieved either a minimum SAT score of 980 or at least 2 Advanced Placement scores of 2 or above.China : Applicants must have successfully completed Gao San with an 80% average over three years, or achieved a minimum Gaokao score in the Science Stream for Second Tier university admission according to their province’s thresholds, or completed the first year of a Bachelor degree at a recognised university.Criminal LawyerProsecutorDefence LawyerCommunity Justice OfficerLegal CounselCorrections ManagerPolicy AdvisorHuman Rights AdvocateCompliance ManagerCriminal Intelligence Analyst
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