Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Media and Communications / Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England is a double degree for students who want to combine legal knowledge with strong skills in media, communication, and public discourse. It is a great fit if you’re interested in careers where law and media overlap, such as policy, advocacy, journalism, or corporate communication.

This program helps you build both legal expertise and media literacy, preparing you to think critically, argue effectively, and understand how law and media shape society.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build the foundations of both law and media. Core law units such as Foundations of Law (LAW100) and Law in Context (LAW101) introduce legal systems and reasoning, while media units like Screen Media (COMM101) and Creative Industries (COMM103) develop your understanding of communication and media industries. This year focuses on developing strong academic writing, analytical thinking, and an introduction to both disciplines.

Year 2

In the second year, students move into key law subjects including Torts Law (LAW131), Criminal Law (LAW162), and Contract Law (LAW172), while continuing to strengthen media and communication skills. You begin applying legal principles to real-world scenarios while also developing deeper research and critical analysis abilities across both fields.

Year 3

By the third year, students study more advanced law units such as Property Law (LAW283) and Constitutional Law (LAW399), alongside more specialised media and communication subjects. This year strengthens your ability to interpret complex legal issues and understand how media influences law, politics, and society.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students focus on higher-level legal study including Administrative Law (LAW400), Equity and Trusts (LAW340), and Corporations Law (LAW351), while also completing advanced media units. You develop stronger professional and analytical skills through case-based learning, problem-solving, and applied communication work.

Year 5

The final year brings advanced legal and media study together with units such as Remedies and Advanced Legal Skills (LAW480) and Technology and the Law (LAW499). Students refine their legal reasoning and communication skills while preparing for professional pathways in law, media, or policy-related careers.

Focus Areas

Law, media and communication, legal research, criminal and constitutional law, corporate law, media regulation, digital media, public policy, ethics, advocacy, critical thinking

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong legal knowledge alongside advanced media and communication skills. You will be able to analyse complex legal and social issues, build persuasive arguments, and communicate effectively in professional and public contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales, allowing graduates to progress toward becoming a qualified lawyer in Australia after completing practical legal training. Combined with media studies, this degree opens pathways into law, journalism, government, policy, corporate communication, and advocacy roles.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

The University of New England is known for strong student support, flexible learning options, and consistently high student satisfaction. It has a strong reputation in law and humanities education, with graduates achieving solid outcomes in both legal and communication-related careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Media and Communications / Bachelor of Laws at the University of New England develop practical, job-ready skills by combining legal training with hands-on media and communication learning. Throughout the degree, you don’t just study legal and media theory—you apply it through case analysis, communication projects, research tasks, and problem-solving activities that reflect real professional settings. The program also builds confidence in legal reasoning, writing, advocacy, and media analysis through structured academic and applied learning experiences:

Moot-style learning and advocacy training where students practise legal argumentation, courtroom-style reasoning, and structured communication through law units such as Legal Professional Skills (LAW102) and Civil Dispute Resolution (LAW310)
Research-based assessment tasks that strengthen legal research skills, critical thinking, and the ability to interpret case law and legislation in advanced law units
Media and communication projects focused on analysing screen media, digital platforms, and creative industries through units like Screen Media (COMM101) and Creative Industries (COMM103)
Development of professional legal writing skills, including case summaries, statutory interpretation, and formal legal communication across core law subjects such as Criminal Law (LAW162) and Contract Law (LAW172)
Capstone-style integration of law and media knowledge in later years, where students explore real-world issues involving regulation, ethics, and communication strategy
Access to digital learning tools, online legal databases, and university library resources that support both legal research and media analysis throughout the program
Collaborative assignments and group projects that build teamwork, negotiation, and professional presentation skills relevant to careers in law, media, and public policy

These learning experiences are supported through the University of New England’s study resources and facilities, which provide strong academic and digital support for both law and media students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Media and Communications / Bachelor of Laws are well prepared for careers across law, media, communication, and public policy. The combination of legal expertise and strong communication skills allows you to work in roles that require analysis, advocacy, and clear decision-making in professional environments. Common career pathways include legal practitioner (after completing practical training), media lawyer, policy advisor, journalist, communications officer, corporate adviser, or public relations specialist.

This degree is designed to support long-term career growth and professional readiness:

UNE careers and employability support services that help students with resume writing, interview preparation, internships, and connecting with employers across legal, media, and government sectors
Strong graduate employment outcomes in law and communication-related fields, with UNE graduates consistently performing well in national employment surveys and graduate outcome reports
Industry-relevant learning through an accredited law program and media-focused curriculum that aligns with real workplace expectations in legal practice, media organisations, and public institutions
Long-term professional value through the Bachelor of Laws accreditation with the Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales, allowing graduates to complete Practical Legal Training and become eligible for admission as a lawyer
Practical learning opportunities throughout the degree, including applied legal training, communication projects, and research tasks that build workplace-ready skills

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double degree, students can progress into Practical Legal Training to qualify as a legal practitioner in Australia. Graduates may also continue into postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws, Master of Media and Communications, or research pathways including honours and doctoral study in law, media, or public policy.