Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University is a powerful double degree that blends scientific knowledge with legal expertise, preparing graduates to understand complex real-world problems from both a technical and regulatory perspective. Studying at the Parramatta campus in Western Sydney, New South Wales, students gain access to a vibrant academic environment with strong industry links and practical learning opportunities.

This program is ideal for students who are equally interested in science and law, and who want to build careers in areas like environmental policy, forensic science, regulation, intellectual property, or scientific consultancy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations across both disciplines, beginning with core legal studies and introductory science units. Law studies typically include foundational units such as Legal Methods and Skills and Torts, which develop analytical thinking and an understanding of the Australian legal system. On the science side, students explore introductory scientific inquiry and disciplinary basics such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science depending on their chosen science major.

Year 2

The second year deepens legal understanding through core subjects like Criminal Law and Contracts, while also advancing scientific knowledge through more specialised science units. Students begin developing interdisciplinary thinking, learning how scientific evidence interacts with legal frameworks and regulatory systems in practice.

Year 3

By third year, students engage with more complex legal areas such as Australian Constitutional Law and Property Law, alongside intermediate to advanced science subjects in their chosen major. This year often focuses on building research capability, critical reasoning, and applied problem-solving across both disciplines.

Year 4

In the fourth year, legal study becomes more specialised with units such as Administrative Law and Equity & Trusts, while science studies focus on advanced electives and applied scientific research. Students begin integrating their knowledge more deeply, often engaging in practical projects or advanced lab and case-based learning.

Year 5

The final year is focused on professional readiness, with advanced law electives, research-focused science subjects, and capstone experiences. Students consolidate their expertise through complex legal problem-solving, scientific analysis, and applied interdisciplinary projects that prepare them for real-world professional environments.

Focus Areas

Interdisciplinary training in law and science; legal reasoning and advocacy; scientific analysis and research methods; environmental and regulatory systems; forensic and data-driven investigation; ethics and public policy integration.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong legal reasoning skills, scientific literacy, and the ability to interpret and apply evidence across legal and scientific contexts, enabling them to work effectively in regulatory, environmental, forensic, or policy-driven careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The law component aligns with Australian legal education standards required for progression toward legal practice, while the science component supports pathways into research, government agencies, environmental organisations, and private sector scientific roles.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Western Sydney University is recognised for strong graduate employability outcomes and industry-connected learning, consistently performing well in global rankings such as the QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for engagement and opportunity-focused education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Western Sydney University, students in the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws are trained through a highly practical, hands-on learning model that connects scientific inquiry with real legal practice. The Parramatta campus environment gives students access to modern science laboratories, law facilities such as moot courts, and industry-style learning spaces where they can apply theory to real-world situations. Throughout the degree, students also engage in collaborative case analysis, research projects, and problem-solving tasks that mirror professional environments in both science and law.

This strong blend of academic and applied learning is supported through advanced facilities, industry engagement opportunities, and structured skill-building experiences:

Law Moot Court Facilities: Students practice advocacy, legal argumentation, and courtroom procedure in simulated court environments designed to replicate real legal settings.
Science Laboratories (Parramatta Campus): Equipped for biology, chemistry, and environmental science experiments, allowing students to develop practical scientific research and analytical skills.
WSU Library & Digital Legal Resources: Access to extensive legal databases such as case law repositories, scientific journals, and research archives essential for academic and professional development.
Western Sydney University Justice Clinic: Provides opportunities for experiential legal learning through community-based legal assistance and supervised practical engagement.
Interdisciplinary Projects: Students undertake group-based assignments that integrate scientific data analysis with legal reasoning, policy evaluation, and regulatory problem-solving.
Research Exposure: Engagement with university research strengths including environmental science, sustainability, and policy-related studies supported by institutes such as the MARCS Institute.
Industry-Relevant Learning Tools: Use of digital platforms for legal research (case analysis systems) and scientific modelling tools depending on chosen science specialisation.
Field and Applied Learning Opportunities: Selected science units include practical fieldwork and data collection activities linked to environmental and laboratory-based investigations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University are well-prepared for hybrid careers that combine scientific expertise with legal and regulatory knowledge. Many go on to work in high-impact roles where science, policy, and law intersect: environmental law specialist, scientific consultant, compliance officer, policy advisor, or intellectual property associate.

This dual qualification opens doors across both government and private sectors, particularly in areas where technical evidence and legal frameworks must work together:

University career support services: Students benefit from dedicated career development through WSU Careers, Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placements, and employer networking events that connect students directly with industry partners in law firms, government departments, and scientific organisations.
Employment outcomes & salary range: Graduates typically enter roles with estimated starting salaries ranging from AUD 70,000 – 120,000+, with higher earning potential in specialised legal practice, environmental regulation, and scientific consultancy as experience grows.
Industry partnerships: Strong collaborations with legal institutions, NSW government agencies, environmental organisations, research bodies, and corporate partners provide real-world placement and internship opportunities during the degree.
Long-term accreditation value: The law component supports eligibility for legal practice pathways in Australia (subject to further professional training), while the science qualification strengthens credibility in research, compliance, and regulatory careers.
Graduate outcomes: Students graduate with a rare interdisciplinary skill set that is highly valued in sectors dealing with climate policy, forensic analysis, biotechnology regulation, and corporate compliance.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Environmental Science, or specialised research degrees (MPhil/PhD), allowing them to deepen expertise or move into academic and advanced professional roles.