Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University combines global perspectives with professional legal education, preparing students to understand international issues while developing the legal expertise needed for a successful law career. Ideal for students interested in international affairs, diplomacy, global business, public policy, or law, the program offers opportunities for overseas study, language learning, practical legal training, and advanced honours-level research.

Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students build strong foundations in both international studies and law while developing academic, analytical, and communication skills. Early studies typically include subjects such as Australian Politics and Active Citizenship, Diversity, Language and Culture, and foundational law units that introduce legal systems, reasoning, and professional legal practice. These subjects help students understand how law operates within broader social and political contexts.

Year 2

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of legal principles while exploring international political systems and global issues. Studies may include advanced law subjects alongside international studies areas such as Global Politics and International Relations, helping students analyse international cooperation, governance, and contemporary global challenges. Students also continue developing language proficiency through their chosen language stream.

Year 3

Students expand their international expertise through specialised studies in international relations and Asian studies while continuing core legal education. Language studies remain an important component, with options including Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, or Arabic, and the program includes an opportunity for a semester of overseas study, allowing students to gain valuable international experience and cultural understanding.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on advanced legal knowledge and practical application. Students engage with areas of law that strengthen skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, research, and professional judgement. Practical opportunities such as Legal Internship, Judicial Internship, and Access to Justice Clinic subjects enable students to gain real-world legal experience and industry exposure.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level legal research through Legal Research and Methodology and the Law Honours Dissertation. This research-focused experience allows students to investigate complex legal issues in depth while demonstrating advanced analytical and professional capabilities. Graduates finish with both international expertise and an accredited law qualification that prepares them for global legal careers.

Focus Areas

International Relations, Global Politics, International Affairs, Comparative Legal Systems, Diplomacy, Asian Studies, Language Studies, International Governance, Legal Research, Legal Advocacy, Human Rights, Global Policy Development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills; analyse international political, social, and cultural issues; understand relationships between nation states and global institutions; communicate effectively across cultures; conduct sophisticated legal research; apply ethical and professional judgement; and evaluate international policy and legal frameworks within diverse global contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. Graduates are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board after completing prescribed Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Western Sydney University is internationally recognised for its strong focus on student success, practical learning, global engagement, and industry connections. The law program incorporates work-integrated learning, clinical placements, legal internships, and international experiences designed to enhance graduate employability and professional readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University is designed to provide hands-on learning that connects legal education with global perspectives. Students develop practical legal skills through problem-based learning, authentic assessments, advocacy activities, and real-world legal experiences, while International Studies students gain first-hand exposure to global cultures, political systems, and international issues. The program combines classroom learning with international opportunities, professional placements, and industry engagement to ensure graduates are career-ready in both legal and international fields:

Study Abroad Opportunity: Students complete a one-semester overseas study experience, providing valuable international exposure and the opportunity to develop intercultural communication skills while studying in another country.
Work Integrated Learning: The Law component includes opportunities for work-integrated learning, enabling students to apply legal knowledge in professional environments and gain practical workplace experience.
Clinical Placements: Students can participate in clinical placement experiences, working on real legal matters and developing professional legal practice skills under supervision.
Access to Justice Clinic: Students may undertake the Access to Justice Clinic, where they engage with real legal issues affecting the community while gaining practical experience in client-focused legal work.
First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic: This specialised clinic provides experience working on legal issues affecting First Nations communities and helps students understand access-to-justice challenges.
Judicial Internship: Students have the opportunity to complete a Judicial Internship, gaining insight into court operations, judicial decision-making, and the Australian legal system.
Legal Internship: The program offers a Legal Internship subject that enables students to gain practical experience within legal workplaces and build professional networks.
Street Law Clinic: Students can participate in the Street Law Clinic, developing legal communication and community education skills through public legal education initiatives.
Legal Technology Training: The Law degree specifically develops skills in legal technology, ensuring graduates are familiar with emerging digital tools used within contemporary legal practice.
Collaborative Problem-Based Learning: Students engage in face-to-face collaborative learning, case-based learning activities, legal problem-solving exercises, negotiation exercises, and advocacy training, mirroring professional legal practice.
International Field-Based Subjects: Students may undertake internationally focused subjects such as Foundations of Chinese Law, Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, and Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan, which include international travel opportunities.
Languages and Global Studies Training: International Studies students can study Chinese, Japanese, Indonesian, or Arabic, enhancing their global employability and intercultural competence.
Library and Learning Resources: Students have access to Western Sydney University's extensive library network, digital legal databases, research collections, study spaces, and online learning resources that support both legal and international studies research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of International Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University develop a unique blend of legal expertise, global awareness, intercultural communication skills, and advanced research capability. This dual degree prepares students to work across international legal, government, diplomatic, and policy environments where understanding both law and global affairs is essential. Graduates may pursue careers as International Lawyer, Diplomatic Officer, Policy Advisor, Human Rights Advocate, International Relations Consultant, or Government Legal Officer:

Dedicated career and employability services – Western Sydney University's Careers team supports students through personalised career consultations, résumé and interview preparation, career workshops, networking events, employer engagement activities, and internship guidance, helping graduates build strong professional networks and career readiness.
Practical industry and international experience – Students benefit from opportunities including international study experiences, exchange programs, legal clinics, internships, and work-integrated learning activities that provide valuable real-world exposure to legal and international affairs environments.
University–industry partnerships – The School of Law maintains connections with courts, law firms, community legal centres, government agencies, and international organisations, while International Studies students engage with global partners and institutions through overseas study and collaborative learning opportunities.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are highly employable across legal services, government departments, international organisations, multinational corporations, policy agencies, and diplomatic services. Typical graduate salaries generally range from AUD $75,000–$100,000, with substantial long-term earning potential as professional experience and specialist expertise develop.
Long-term accreditation value – The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. Following completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT), graduates may apply for admission as a lawyer. The Honours qualification also demonstrates advanced legal research and analytical skills valued by employers and postgraduate institutions.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates possess both legal qualifications and international expertise, enabling them to contribute to international law, foreign affairs, trade policy, human rights advocacy, global business operations, and cross-border legal practice. The Honours component further enhances competitiveness for leadership and specialist roles.

Further Academic Progression:

Practical Legal Training (PLT) to become eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.A Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in International Law, Human Rights Law, Commercial Law, Public International Law, or International Trade Law.Postgraduate studies in International Relations, Diplomacy, Public Policy, Global Security, Development Studies, or International Business.Specialist qualifications in mediation, international arbitration, foreign affairs, or public sector leadership.Research pathways including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, International Studies, Public Policy, or related disciplines.