Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University combines legal education with a deep understanding of society, communities, policy, and human behaviour. Designed for students interested in social justice, advocacy, law reform, and public policy, this dual degree develops the legal, analytical, and communication skills needed to make a meaningful impact across legal, government, and community sectors.

Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
Students begin by building foundational knowledge in both law and social science. Core law units such as Introduction to Law and Legal Analysis and Critique introduce legal reasoning and the Australian legal system, while social science studies explore topics such as Introduction to Sociology and People, Place and Social Difference, helping students understand the social factors that influence individuals and communities.

Year 2
The second year develops students' understanding of legal principles and social structures. Through units including Torts Law, Criminal Law, and Contemporary Society, students examine legal responsibilities, criminal justice processes, and the social issues shaping modern societies while strengthening their research and analytical abilities.

Year 3
Students progress to more specialised legal and social science studies. Subjects such as Contracts, Property Law, and Social Research Methods enable students to analyse legal relationships, property rights, and evidence-based approaches to understanding social challenges and public policy.

Year 4
Advanced legal and interdisciplinary learning become the focus during this stage. Units including Administrative Law, Equity & Trusts, and Policy, Power and Decision Making help students understand government decision-making processes, legal obligations, and policy development in complex social environments.

Year 5
In the final year, students complete advanced law studies and honours-level learning. Subjects such as Evidence, Civil Procedure and Arbitration, and the Law Honours Dissertation allow students to apply their legal knowledge to real-world issues, undertake independent research, and develop expertise that prepares them for professional practice or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas

Social Justice, Public Policy, Community Development, Human Rights, Legal Advocacy, Sociology, Research Methods, Government and Governance, Law Reform, Social Inclusion.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced legal knowledge and professional legal skills; understand social structures and community issues; apply critical thinking to legal and social challenges; conduct independent research; communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders; analyse public policy and contribute to social change initiatives.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements prescribed by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW) for admission to legal practice, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The degree also develops skills highly valued across government, community, policy, and social service sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Western Sydney University is recognised globally for its commitment to social impact and community engagement. The university is ranked among the world's leading institutions in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and maintains strong industry and community partnerships that support graduate employability and professional development.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University develop practical professional skills through a combination of case-based learning, collaborative problem-solving, legal advocacy training, research projects, and real-world industry experiences. Throughout the degree, students engage with authentic legal and social issues, applying theory to practical scenarios while building expertise in communication, negotiation, policy analysis, and community engagement. The program places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready and capable of addressing complex legal and social challenges. This practical approach is strengthened through a range of specialised facilities, industry experiences, and learning resources:

Collaborative case-based learning – Law students participate in face-to-face problem-based and case-based learning activities that mirror real legal practice and develop critical thinking, legal reasoning, and teamwork skills.
Legal advocacy and negotiation training – Students build practical advocacy, negotiation, and dispute-resolution skills through authentic legal exercises and assessments designed to reflect professional legal environments.
Western Sydney University Justice Clinic – Students can work alongside practising lawyers and academics on real client matters, gaining hands-on experience in legal research, drafting, case management, and community-focused legal practice.
Legal Internship opportunities – The program offers dedicated subjects such as Legal Internship, Judicial Internship, Access to Justice Clinic, First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic, and Street Law Clinic, providing direct exposure to courts, legal practitioners, and community legal services.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL) – Students extend their professional experience through structured work-integrated learning opportunities that connect classroom learning with industry practice.
International study experiences – Students may participate in international learning opportunities through subjects such as Foundations of Chinese Law, Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, and Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan, gaining valuable global legal perspectives.
Moot Court facilities – Law students develop courtroom advocacy and presentation skills through practical exercises conducted in the University's Moot Courts, which replicate professional court environments.
Social science research training – The Social Science component incorporates interdisciplinary research methods, field-based inquiry, policy analysis, ethnographic approaches, and community-focused research projects across areas such as sociology, criminology, anthropology, and development studies.
Digital learning technologies – Students are supported through online learning platforms, digital legal resources, and technology-enhanced learning materials that complement face-to-face teaching.
Library and research resources – Students have access to Western Sydney University's extensive library network, legal databases, academic journals, research collections, collaborative study spaces, and digital research tools that support both legal and social science studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University develop a valuable combination of legal knowledge and social science expertise, equipping them to understand and address complex social, legal, and policy challenges. This dual degree prepares graduates to work across the legal, government, community, and corporate sectors, where an understanding of both law and society is highly sought after. Typical career outcomes include Solicitor, Policy Advisor, Community Development Officer, Human Rights Advocate, Government Officer, and Social Research Consultant:

Dedicated career and employability support – Students have access to Western Sydney University's Careers team, which offers career planning appointments, résumé and interview workshops, networking events, internship guidance, employer engagement programs, and graduate recruitment support to help students build successful careers.
Practical industry experience – The program incorporates opportunities for work-integrated learning, internships, legal clinics, community engagement projects, and experiential learning activities that allow students to apply their legal and social science knowledge in real-world settings.
University–industry partnerships – Students benefit from connections with courts, legal practitioners, government departments, community legal centres, social service organisations, and public sector agencies through placements, collaborative projects, and professional networking opportunities.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are well positioned for careers across law, public policy, social services, advocacy, government, and consulting. Graduate salaries commonly range from AUD $70,000–$95,000, with opportunities for significant career progression and higher earnings as professional experience and qualifications grow.
Long-term accreditation value – The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. Upon completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT), graduates can apply for admission as a lawyer, while their Social Science qualification provides additional expertise for policy, community development, and social impact careers.
Strong graduation outcomes – Graduates leave with the ability to analyse legal issues within broader social contexts, making them valuable contributors to law reform, public policy development, community advocacy, social justice initiatives, and organisational leadership roles.

Further Academic Progression:

Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.A Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as Human Rights Law, Public Law, International Law, Criminal Law, or Commercial Law.Postgraduate qualifications in Social Policy, Public Administration, Criminology, International Development, Community Services, or Public Health.Specialist programs in mediation, dispute resolution, public sector leadership, social impact management, or community engagement.Research pathways including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related disciplines.