Course summary
Examining the criminal mind is a fascinating and revealing journey. In this double degree, you’ll experience the mindsets of criminals, the perspectives of victims and the motivations of people working within the legal process.
The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience required to embark on a career in law, as well as a strong grounding in psychology and psychological theory, providing insights into the workings of the human mind. Through an optional professional placement you can develop networks and gain vital insight into career possibilities.
Graduates may choose to pursue a career in one of the many facets of law, from health, social and disability services to youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education; or you can pursue postgraduate training for registration as a psychologist.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to be eligible to practise as a lawyer.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
Examining the criminal mind is a fascinating and revealing journey. In this double degree, you’ll experience the mindsets of criminals, the perspectives of victims and the motivations of people working within the legal process.
The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience required to embark on a career in law, as well as a strong grounding in psychology and psychological theory, providing insights into the workings of the human mind. Through an optional professional placement you can develop networks and gain vital insight into career possibilities.
Graduates may choose to pursue a career in one of the many facets of law, from health, social and disability services to youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education; or you can pursue postgraduate training for registration as a psychologist.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to be eligible to practise as a lawyer.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
You'll study core units in both law and psychology, and select units from an extensive range of electives to suit your career aspirations.
Course Learning Outcome |
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Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions and recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking |
Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis, research and evidence to generate appropriate responses to legal problems Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory- based and other psychological research Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open- mindedness, and intellectual engagement Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to solve problems in everyday life and in society |
Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and sustainability. Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication) Exhibit a scientific attitude in critically thinking about, and learning about, human behaviour, and in creative and pragmatic problem solving Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour |
Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge that includes the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise. Demonstrate an understanding of the international and comparative contexts in which legal issues arise. Acquire an understanding of core topics and describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology Explain the major themes (e.g., interaction of genetics and environment) and perspectives (e.g., behavioural, evolutionary, sociocultural) of psychology |
Learn and work independently Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and seek and make use of feedback as appropriate, to determine personal and professional development needs and achievements Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal research and practice Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology Apply psychological principles to promote personal development through self- regulation in setting and achieving career and personal goals; self-assess performance accurately; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition) |
Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences Write effectively in a variety of formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing) using the appropriate conventions and referencing styles Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes |
Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity Recognise how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and inequity Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles |
You may can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms or offices to build their practical legal skills and develop their professional networks.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to practise as a lawyer.
Students who intend to practise law outside Australia should refer to the relevant country’s admission body to confirm their admission requirements.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
Course overview
Course code
3207007
Course abbreviation
BPsychSc, LLB
Credit points
480
Equivalent units
40
Duration
5 years full-time; 10 years part-time
Duration
5 years full-time
Availability details
Domestic
Location | Teaching period | UAC code | QTAC code |
---|---|---|---|
Coffs Harbour | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
Gold Coast | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
Online | Session 1 | N/A | N/A |
Fee information
Course requirements
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws, students must complete the equivalent of 40 units (480 credit points), comprising:
- 32 core units (384 credit points), and
- 8 Law electives (96 credit points).
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 1 | |||
LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
LEGL1005 - Legal Process | Note 1 | ||
PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I | |||
PSYC1005 - Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology | |||
Year 1, Session 2 | |||
LAWS2015 - Torts | |||
PSYC1002 - Introduction to Psychology II | |||
PSYC1004 - Introduction to Psychological Investigation | |||
STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology | |||
Year 2, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2002 - Contract Law I | |||
LAWS2008 - Criminal Procedure | |||
PSYC2004 - Development across the Lifespan | |||
PSYC2001 - Psychological Assessment | |||
Year 2, Session 2 | |||
LAWS2003 - Contract Law II | |||
LAWS2009 - Criminal Law | |||
LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law | |||
PSYC2002 - Abnormal Psychology | |||
Year 3, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2011 - Statutory Interpretation | |||
LAWS2007 - Corporations Law | |||
PSYC3003 - Learning and Memory | |||
PSYC2005 - Advanced Psychological Investigation | |||
Year 3, Session 2 | |||
PSYC3004 - Biological Psychology | |||
LAWS2012 - Property Principles | |||
LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity | |||
PSYC3002 - Applied Psychological Investigation | |||
Year 4, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2016 - Evidence | |||
LAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure | |||
STAT3001 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology | |||
PSYC3005 - Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology | |||
Year 4, Session 2 | |||
LAWS2006 - Administrative Law | |||
LAWS3003 - Professional Conduct | |||
PSYC3001 - Social Psychology | |||
Select unit from Law Electives
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Year 5, Session 1 | |||
LEGL1006 - Jurisprudence | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Year 5, Session 2 | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 2 | |||
LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
LEGL1005 - Legal Process | Note 1 | ||
LAWS2009 - Criminal Law | |||
PSYC1004 - Introduction to Psychological Investigation | |||
Year 2, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2002 - Contract Law I | |||
LAWS2008 - Criminal Procedure | |||
PSYC1001 - Introduction to Psychology I | |||
PSYC1005 - Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology | |||
Year 2, Session 2 | |||
LAWS2003 - Contract Law II | |||
LAWS2015 - Torts | |||
LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law | |||
PSYC1002 - Introduction to Psychology II | |||
Year 3, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2011 - Statutory Interpretation | |||
PSYC2004 - Development across the Lifespan | |||
PSYC2001 - Psychological Assessment | |||
PSYC2005 - Advanced Psychological Investigation | |||
Year3 , Session 2 | |||
LAWS2012 - Property Principles | |||
LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity | |||
STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology | |||
PSYC3002 - Applied Psychological Investigation | |||
Year 4, Session 1 | |||
LAWS2007 - Corporations Law | |||
LAWS2016 - Evidence | |||
LAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure | |||
PSYC3003 - Learning and Memory | |||
Year 4, Session 2 | |||
LAWS2006 - Administrative Law | |||
LAWS3003 - Professional Conduct | |||
PSYC2002 - Abnormal Psychology | |||
PSYC3004 - Biological Psychology | |||
Year 5, Session 1 | |||
PSYC3005 - Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology | |||
STAT3001 - Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Year 5, Session 2 | |||
LEGL1006 - Jurisprudence | |||
PSYC3001 - Social Psychology | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Year 6, Session 1 | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives | |||
Select unit from Law Electives |
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
Year 1, Session 3 | |||
LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
LEGL1005 - Legal Process | Note 1 | ||
From Year 2, Session 1 follow the course progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed units. |
Notes
Note 1: | Attendance at a compulsory workshop is required. |
Unit groups
Law Electives
Title | Note | ||
---|---|---|---|
ACCT2001 - Taxation | |||
ACCT3001 - Advanced Taxation | |||
LAWS2056 - Family Law Practice | |||
LEGL2008 - Conveyancing Law | |||
LAWS2057 - Welfare Law | |||
LAWS2060 - Drugs, Crime and the Law | |||
LAWS2018 - Wills and Estates | |||
LAWS2019 - Employment and Industrial Relations Law | |||
JUST2005 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | |||
LAWS2014 - Local Government and Planning Law | |||
JUST2001 - Victimology | |||
LAWS2020 - Intellectual Property | |||
LAWS3001 - Clinical Legal Experience | |||
LAWS3002 - Law Placement | |||
LAWS2021 - International Business Law | |||
LEGL2010 - Information Technology and the Law | |||
LAWS2022 - Competition and Consumer Law | |||
LEGL2011 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | |||
LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure | |||
LAWS2054 - Criminology | |||
LAWS2038 - Advanced Advocacy | |||
LAWS2023 - International Law | |||
JUST2004 - Human Rights | |||
LAWS2024 - Commercial Law | |||
LAWS4001 - Independent Legal Research | |||
JUST2002 - International Criminal Justice | |||
JUST2003 - Restorative Justice | |||
LAWS2025 - Stock Exchange and Finance Law | |||
LEGL2017 - Public Interest Advocacy | |||
LAWS2063 - Race and the Law | |||
LAWS2026 - Entertainment Law | |||
LEGL2018 - Mediating Across Cultures | |||
LAWS4002 - Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method | |||
LAWS2052 - Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law | |||
LEGL2009 - Mooting | |||
LAWS2059 - International Human Rights Law | |||
LAWS2028 - Animal Law | |||
LAWS2031 - Sexual Orientation and the Law | Note 1 | ||
LAWS2032 - Comparative Law | |||
LAWS2050 - International Trade and Development Law | |||
LAWS2046 - Advanced Sports Law | |||
LAWS2065 - Ecological Jurisprudence | |||
LAWS2048 - International Humanitarian Law | |||
LAWS2011 - Statutory Interpretation | |||
LAW73003 - Remedies | |||
LAWS2066 - Climate Law and Policy | |||
LAWS2035 - International Business Negotiations | |||
LAWS2010 - Environmental Law | |||
LAWS2037 - Indigenous Jurisprudence | |||
LAWS2034 - The Rhetoric of Law | |||
LAWS2041 - Legal Fictions: Writing the Law | |||
POLT2005 - Struggles, Movements, and the Idea of Communism | |||
LAWS3004 - Jessup Moot | Note 1 | ||
LAWS2049 - Wisdom, Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property | |||
LAWS2042 - Information Environmentalism | Note 1 | ||
LAWS2044 - Crimen Exceptum: The English Witch Prosecution in Context | |||
JUST2010 - Myths for the Future: Law and Climate Fiction in the 21st Century | Note 1 | ||
LAWS2027 - Introduction to Chinese Business Law | |||
JUST2007 - Performances and Power in Literature and the Law | |||
JUST2008 - Justice Framed: Law in Films and in Graphic Novels/Comics | |||
JUST2006 - Shifting Cultural Paradigms: Law & Literature After Postmodernism | |||
JUST2012 - The Art of Advocacy: Mooting and Performance Rhetoric | |||
LAWS2067 - Crossing the Line: Law and Morality in Fiction | |||
LAWS2068 - Borders and Boundaries: Writing About Family in the 21st century | |||
LAWS3005 - European Union: Internal Market | |||
LAWS2069 - Troubling Transactions in Private Law |