Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University combines an in-depth understanding of society, culture, and human behaviour with a professionally accredited legal education. Ideal for students interested in social justice, public policy, community advocacy, and legal practice, this five-year dual degree develops both the social insight and legal expertise needed to address complex contemporary issues. Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Parramatta, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin by building strong foundations in both social science and law. Core social science subjects introduce students to social theory and contemporary social issues, while law studies commence with subjects such as Introduction to Law, Legal Analysis and Critique, and Torts, helping students understand legal reasoning, legal institutions, and the Australian legal system.

Year 2

In the second year, students deepen their understanding of social science concepts while developing essential legal knowledge. Subjects such as Criminal Law, Contracts, and Property Law are combined with social science core studies and major-specific units, enabling students to analyse social problems through both legal and social perspectives.

Year 3

Students progress into more specialised learning and begin exploring their chosen Social Science major, which may include areas such as Criminology and Criminal Justice, Sociology, Anthropology, or Peace and Development Studies. Legal studies continue with subjects including Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, and Constitutional Law, strengthening analytical and advocacy skills.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses primarily on advanced law studies and practical legal application. Students undertake subjects such as Evidence, Civil Procedure and Arbitration, and Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics, while opportunities for Legal Internship, Judicial Internship, and Access to Justice Clinic experiences provide valuable workplace exposure.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced law electives and the Honours component. Key subjects include Legal Research and Methodology and the Law Honours Dissertation, allowing students to undertake substantial legal research while demonstrating advanced critical thinking, research capability, and professional expertise.

Focus Areas:

Social theory, social research, criminology, sociology, anthropology, public policy, human rights, legal advocacy, legal technology, constitutional law, social justice, community engagement, dispute resolution, ethics, and professional legal practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal knowledge and research skills; analyse social and cultural issues using evidence-based approaches; apply legal principles to real-world problems; demonstrate advocacy, negotiation, communication, and critical thinking skills; understand ethical and professional responsibilities; and evaluate social policy and justice outcomes in diverse communities.

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 globally recognised for its strong focus on student success, social impact, industry engagement, and graduate employability. The university's practical learning opportunities, clinical legal education, internships, work-integrated learning experiences, and community partnerships help prepare graduates for professional careers across legal, government, policy, community, and advocacy sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University develop practical skills by combining social science research with hands-on legal training. Throughout the degree, learning goes beyond traditional lectures through collaborative problem-based learning, case analysis, authentic assessments, legal advocacy exercises, and research projects. Students gain experience investigating real-world social issues while building professional legal skills in negotiation, legal research, policy analysis, and client-focused problem solving. The Honours component further strengthens research capability through an advanced law dissertation under academic supervision. As students progress through the program, they can apply their knowledge in professional settings through internships, clinics, placements, and international learning opportunities:

Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities allow students to gain practical industry experience through professional legal and community-based placements.
Access to Justice Clinic provides supervised experiential learning where students engage with real legal and social justice issues while developing client-focused legal skills.
First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic offers practical exposure to legal issues affecting First Nations communities and access-to-justice initiatives.
Legal Internship and Judicial Internship subjects enable students to gain firsthand experience within legal workplaces and court environments.
Street Law Clinic allows students to develop community legal education and public engagement skills by communicating legal concepts to diverse audiences.
Moot Court facilities provide opportunities to practise courtroom advocacy, legal argument, and presentation skills in a realistic legal setting. Western law students regularly use these facilities as part of their professional training.
Legal technology training is embedded within the law curriculum, helping students develop digital capabilities increasingly required in modern legal practice.
Collaborative case-based and problem-based learning projects mirror professional legal and policy work, allowing students to work in teams to analyse complex legal and social challenges.
Social science research training equips students with qualitative and quantitative research methods, ethics training, policy analysis skills, and investigative techniques applicable across government, community, and research sectors.
International study experiences are available through subjects such as Foundations of Chinese Law, Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, and Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan, giving students valuable global perspectives on law and society.
Corrective services field trip experiences may be undertaken through criminal justice-related studies, providing direct exposure to justice system operations.
Western Sydney University Library provides access to extensive legal databases, social science journals, research collections, study spaces, and digital learning resources that support both coursework and Honours-level research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University graduate with a unique combination of legal expertise and a deep understanding of social issues, human behaviour, communities, and public policy. This dual qualification prepares students to address complex social and legal challenges while developing strong analytical, advocacy, and research skills. Graduates are well suited to careers as a Solicitor, Policy Advisor, Community Development Manager, Human Rights Advocate, Social Policy Officer, or Government Consultant:

Dedicated career and employability support – Students can access Western Sydney University's Careers service, which provides personalised career advice, résumé and interview workshops, employer networking opportunities, internship support, job search assistance, and graduate recruitment programs to help students transition successfully into the workforce.
Practical industry experience – Students benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities, legal clinics, internships, community engagement projects, and practical legal experiences through initiatives such as the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic, allowing them to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
University–industry partnerships – The School of Law collaborates with courts, legal practitioners, community legal centres, government agencies, and social service organisations, helping students build professional networks and gain valuable industry exposure throughout their studies.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are highly employable across legal, government, policy, community services, advocacy, and corporate sectors. Entry-level salaries commonly range from AUD $70,000–$95,000, with significant earning potential as graduates gain professional experience and qualifications.
Long-term accreditation value – The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. After completing Practical Legal Training (PLT), graduates may apply for admission as a lawyer, while the Social Science qualification adds valuable expertise for policy, community, and social justice careers.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates possess both legal and social science expertise, enabling them to pursue careers that influence law reform, public policy, community development, social justice initiatives, and legal advocacy. The Honours component also demonstrates advanced research and analytical capability that is highly regarded by employers and postgraduate institutions.

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 areas such as Human Rights Law, Public Law, International Law, Criminal Law, or Social Justice.Postgraduate qualifications in Social Policy, Criminology, Public Administration, International Development, Community Services, or Public Health.Research-focused programs including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Social Sciences, Public Policy, or related disciplines.Specialist professional development programs in mediation, dispute resolution, public sector leadership, community engagement, or social impact management.