Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University is a five-year dual degree designed for students who want to combine scientific expertise with a professional legal qualification. Delivered at the Parramatta campus in Western Sydney, NSW, Australia, this program is ideal for students interested in solving complex real-world problems at the intersection of science, law, policy, and regulation. It suits future professionals aiming for careers in environmental law, biotechnology regulation, forensic science, intellectual property, or science policy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both disciplines through core units such as Legal Institutions and Method, Criminal Law, Biological Science Foundations, and Chemistry for Life Sciences. This year focuses on developing critical thinking, scientific literacy, and an introduction to the Australian legal system, helping students understand how science and law interact in real-world contexts.

Year 2:
Students progress into more specialised study, including units like Contract Law, Constitutional Law, Cell Biology, and Environmental Systems Science. This stage develops analytical reasoning in legal problem-solving while deepening scientific understanding, particularly in areas relevant to regulation, environment, and health sciences.

Year 3:
In the third year, students engage with advanced topics such as Torts Law, Administrative Law, Genetics and Molecular Biology, and Data Analysis in Science. The focus shifts toward applying legal principles to scientific issues, including liability, governance, research ethics, and scientific investigation methods.

Year 4:
Students undertake higher-level study including Equity and Trusts, Corporate Law, Advanced Scientific Research Methods, and Environmental Science Systems. This year strengthens professional readiness, with emphasis on regulatory frameworks, scientific problem-solving, and applied legal reasoning in complex environments.

Year 5:
The final year integrates both disciplines through advanced coursework such as Law Honours Research Project, Evidence Law, and specialised science electives in areas like environmental or biomedical science. Students complete research-based and applied projects that demonstrate mastery in both legal analysis and scientific inquiry.

Focus Areas:

Science–law integration, environmental regulation, biotechnology and health law, forensic science applications, legal research and advocacy, scientific ethics and governance.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will develop advanced legal reasoning, scientific analysis skills, research capability, interdisciplinary problem-solving expertise, and the ability to apply law within scientific and regulatory contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, while the science qualification aligns with contemporary scientific industry standards and research frameworks.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is internationally recognised in the QS World University Rankings 2025, reflecting strong global reputation, graduate employability outcomes, and research impact.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain hands-on experience by combining scientific investigation with real-world legal practice. Throughout the degree, you’ll build practical skills through laboratory-based learning, legal problem-solving, and industry-engaged projects. The program is designed to ensure you don’t just learn theory—you actively apply it through research work, case analysis, and professional-style simulations across both science and law disciplines. A strong focus on Work Integrated Learning (WIL) and applied assessment helps you graduate career-ready with confidence in both scientific and legal environments.

This is supported through structured practical training environments, specialist facilities, and real industry exposure across both faculties:

  • Moot Court Facilities: Students participate in simulated court proceedings, developing advocacy, legal reasoning, and courtroom communication skills in a professional legal setting.
  • Western Sydney University Law Clinic: Provides opportunities for students to engage with real legal issues under supervision, developing practical legal problem-solving and client-focused skills.
  • Science Teaching and Research Laboratories: Equipped for biology, chemistry, and environmental science experiments, allowing students to apply scientific methods in controlled, research-based environments.
  • Fieldwork and Research-Based Learning: Science components include structured field investigations and data collection activities that connect classroom theory to real environmental and scientific contexts.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Industry-linked projects and professional placements help students gain experience in legal, scientific, and policy-related workplaces.
  • Digital Research and Analysis Tools: Students develop skills using academic databases, legal research platforms, and scientific data analysis tools (including statistical software commonly used in science and research contexts).
  • University Libraries (Parramatta Campus & Westmead precinct access): Provide extensive legal databases, scientific journals, study spaces, and digital learning resources to support advanced research and coursework.
  • Research Institutes Exposure: Students benefit from the broader research environment of Western Sydney University, including engagement with interdisciplinary research culture across law, science, and policy-focused institutes.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University are uniquely positioned at the intersection of scientific expertise and legal knowledge, making them highly valuable in industries that rely on regulation, research, and evidence-based decision-making. This dual qualification prepares students for careers in areas such as environmental regulation, intellectual property, biotechnology law, and scientific policy development. Typical career paths include: Environmental Lawyer, Science Policy Advisor, Intellectual Property Specialist, and Regulatory Compliance Officer.

Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours): This program combines scientific training with advanced legal studies, enabling graduates to understand both technical scientific principles and the legal frameworks that govern them.

This degree offers strong professional outcomes supported by:

  • University employability services: Western Sydney University’s Careers Service provides tailored career counselling, internship and placement support, employer networking events, legal and science career workshops, and resume/interview preparation assistance.
  • Employment stats & salary figures: Graduates working across science, law, and regulatory sectors in Australia typically earn median salary ranges of approximately AUD $80,000 – $145,000, with higher earnings in specialised fields such as intellectual property, environmental regulation, and corporate compliance.
  • University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from collaborations with research institutions, environmental agencies, legal firms, government departments, biotechnology organisations, and scientific industry partners, providing practical exposure and networking opportunities.
  • Long-term accreditation value: The law component provides the accredited pathway toward legal admission in Australia, while the science qualification enhances credibility in technical, regulatory, and research-driven professions.
  • Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with advanced analytical thinking, legal reasoning, scientific literacy, research capability, and the ability to apply interdisciplinary knowledge to complex real-world challenges.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. They can also pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Science, Master of Environmental Science, or higher research degrees including a PhD, enabling further specialisation in fields such as environmental law, biotechnology regulation, intellectual property law, scientific research, and public policy.

Program Key Stats

$38,153
$17,399

Mar Intake : 1st NovJuly Intake : 30th Apr


30 %
No

Eligibility Criteria

DDD
3.0
24
60

980
-
6.5
82

Additional Information & Requirements

Country Requirements

Career Options

  • Patent lawyer
  • intellectual property lawyer
  • environmental lawyer
  • forensic science consultant
  • biotechnology lawyer
  • regulatory affairs specialist
  • compliance officer
  • legal consultant
  • research and development advisor
  • policy advisor

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