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Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws

Bachelors Double Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Course abbreviation

    BPsychSc, LLB

  • Course code

    3207007

  • Credit points

    480

  • Equivalent units

    40

  • Indicative Fee


Overview

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.

From this five-year degree you will emerge with skills and knowledge required for a career in law, as well as a strong grounding in 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. 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.

It has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training. 

Course Learning Outcome

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

Law students can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms or offices to build their practical legal skills and develop their professional networks.

Students study core units in both law and psychology, and select units from an extensive range of electives to suit their career aspirations.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Session 1 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A
Lismore Session 1 , Session 2 N/A N/A
Online Session 1 , Session 2 , Session 3 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

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. 

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws, students must complete 40 units (480 credit points), comprising:

  • 32 core units (384 credit points); and
  • 8 Law electives (96 credit points).

Course structure

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.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
LAW00051 -  Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW00111 -  Legal Process Introductory Note 1
BHS11001 -  Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BHS11004 -  Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
LAW72002 -  Torts Intermediate
BHS11002 -  Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
BHS11003 -  Introduction to Psychological Investigation Introductory
BHS20008 -  Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
LAW10001 -  Contract Law I Introductory
LAW10002 -  Australian Criminal Law I Introductory
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
BHS20001 -  Psychological Assessment Intermediate
Year 2, Session 2
LAW10003 -  Contract Law II Intermediate
LAW10004 -  Australian Criminal Law II Intermediate
LAW00112 -  Constitutional Law Intermediate
BHS30002 -  Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
Year 3, Session 1
LAW30005 -  Statutory Interpretation Advanced
LAW00527 -  Corporations Law Intermediate
BHS20007 -  Learning and Memory Advanced
BHS72001 -  Advanced Psychological Investigation Intermediate
Year 3, Session 2
BHS30004 -  Biological Psychology Advanced
LAW71005 -  Property Principles Introductory
LAW72009 -  Principles of Equity Advanced
PSY73001 -  Applied Psychological Investigation Advanced
Year 4, Session 1
LAW72005 -  Evidence Advanced
LAW72001 -  Civil Litigation and Procedure Intermediate
BHS30001 -  Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
BHS30005 -  Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
LAW00117 -  Administrative Law Advanced
LAW00519 -  Professional Conduct Advanced
BHS20006 -  Social Psychology Advanced
Select unit from Law Electives
Year 5, Session 1
LAW00520 -  Jurisprudence Intermediate
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

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 2
LAW00051 -  Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW00111 -  Legal Process Introductory Note 1
LAW10004 -  Australian Criminal Law II Intermediate
BHS11003 -  Introduction to Psychological Investigation Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
LAW10001 -  Contract Law I Introductory
LAW10002 -  Australian Criminal Law I Introductory
BHS11001 -  Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BHS11004 -  Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology Introductory
Year 2, Session 2
LAW10003 -  Contract Law II Intermediate
LAW72002 -  Torts Intermediate
LAW00112 -  Constitutional Law Intermediate
BHS11002 -  Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
Year 3, Session 1
LAW30005 -  Statutory Interpretation Advanced
BHS30003 -  Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
BHS20001 -  Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS72001 -  Advanced Psychological Investigation Intermediate
Year3 , Session 2
LAW71005 -  Property Principles Introductory
LAW72009 -  Principles of Equity Advanced
BHS20008 -  Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
PSY73001 -  Applied Psychological Investigation Advanced
Year 4, Session 1
LAW00527 -  Corporations Law Intermediate
LAW72005 -  Evidence Advanced
LAW72001 -  Civil Litigation and Procedure Intermediate
BHS20007 -  Learning and Memory Advanced
Year 4, Session 2
LAW00117 -  Administrative Law Advanced
LAW00519 -  Professional Conduct Advanced
BHS30002 -  Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
BHS30004 -  Biological Psychology Advanced
Year 5, Session 1
BHS30005 -  Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology Advanced
BHS30001 -  Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
Select unit from Law Electives
Select unit from Law Electives
Year 5, Session 2
LAW00520 -  Jurisprudence Intermediate
BHS20006 -  Social Psychology Advanced
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

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 3
LAW00051 -  Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW00111 -  Legal Process Introductory Note 1
From Year 2, Session 1 follow the course progression for Session 1 Commencement excluding the completed units.

Note 1:

Attendance at a compulsory workshop is required.

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Core Units

LAW00051 Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW00111 Legal Process Introductory Note 1
LAW10001 Contract Law I Introductory
LAW10002 Criminal Procedure Introductory
LAW10003 Contract Law II Intermediate
LAW10004 Criminal Law Intermediate
LAW00527 Corporations Law Intermediate
LAW72005 Evidence Advanced
LAW72001 Civil Litigation and Procedure Intermediate
LAW72002 Torts Intermediate
LAW00112 Constitutional Law Intermediate
LAW30005 Statutory Interpretation Advanced
LAW71005 Property Principles Introductory
LAW72009 Principles of Equity Advanced
LAW00117 Administrative Law Advanced
LAW00519 Professional Conduct Advanced Note 1
BHS11001 Introduction to Psychology I Introductory
BHS11004 Fundamentals of Career Success in Psychology Introductory
BHS11002 Introduction to Psychology II Introductory
BHS11003 Introduction to Psychological Investigation Introductory
BHS20001 Psychological Assessment Intermediate
BHS20006 Social Psychology Advanced
BHS20007 Learning and Memory Advanced
BHS20008 Quantitative Methods in Psychology Intermediate
BHS30001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology Advanced
BHS30002 Abnormal Psychology Intermediate
BHS30003 Development across the Lifespan Intermediate
BHS30004 Biological Psychology Advanced
BHS72001 Advanced Psychological Investigation Intermediate
PSY73001 Applied Psychological Investigation Advanced
BHS30005 Cross Cultural and Indigenous Issues in Psychology Advanced
LAW00520 Jurisprudence Intermediate

Electives

Choose eight (8) units from the following electives

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
ACC00132 Taxation Advanced
ACC00134 Advanced Taxation Advanced
LAW00054 Family Law Practice Intermediate
LAW00057 Conveyancing Law Intermediate
LAW00059 Welfare Law Intermediate
LAW00061 Drugs, Crime and the Law Intermediate
LAW00062 Wills and Estates Intermediate
LAW00104 Employment and Industrial Relations Law Advanced
LAW00106 EEO and OH&S Law and Practice Advanced
LAW00119 Local Government and Planning Law Intermediate
LAW00120 Victimology Intermediate
LAW00121 Intellectual Property Advanced
LAW00122 Clinical Legal Experience Intermediate
LAW00123 Law Placement Advanced
LAW00124 International Business Law Intermediate
LAW00125 Information Technology and the Law Advanced
LAW00126 Competition and Consumer Law Intermediate
LAW00214 Mediation and Dispute Resolution Introductory
LAW00216 Mediation Practice and Procedure Intermediate
LAW00514 Criminology Intermediate
LAW00516 Advanced Advocacy Intermediate
LAW00521 International Law Intermediate
LAW00522 Human Rights Advanced
LAW00523 Commercial Law Intermediate
LAW00524 Independent Legal Research Advanced
LAW00525 Cyberlaw Intermediate
LAW00526 International Criminal Justice Advanced
LAW00529 Restorative Justice Intermediate
LAW01125 Stock Exchange and Finance Law Intermediate
LAW10160 Public Interest Advocacy Advanced
LAW10168 Privacy Law and the Private Sector Intermediate
LAW10170 Race and the Law Intermediate
LAW10167 International Intellectual Property Law and Public Policy Intermediate
LAW10169 Human Rights and the Global Economy Advanced
LAW10166 Entertainment Law Advanced
LAW10171 Mediating Across Cultures Introductory
LAW10181 Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method Advanced
LAW10206 The Holocaust, Genocide and the Law Intermediate
LAW10207 Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law Advanced
LAW10288 Mooting Advanced
LAW10292 Education and the Law Intermediate
LAW10472 International Human Rights Law Intermediate
LAW10487 Animal Law Intermediate
LAW10488 Crime, Globalisation and Governance Intermediate
LAW10489 Australian Military and National Security Law Intermediate
LAW10490 Trials and Witnesses Intermediate
LAW10491 Sexual Orientation and the Law Intermediate Note 1
LAW10527 Comparative Law Advanced
LAW10698 International Trade and Development Law Advanced
LAW10727 Marine Animal Protection Law Intermediate
LAW30002 Advanced Sports Law Advanced
LAW30001 Ecological Jurisprudence Intermediate
LAW30003 International Humanitarian Law Intermediate
LAW30004 Comparative Criminal Law Advanced
LAW30005 Statutory Interpretation Advanced
LAW73003 Remedies Advanced
LAW72006 Climate Law and Policy Intermediate
LAW72010 Property in Land Intermediate
LAW72007 International Business Negotiations Intermediate
LAW00118 Environmental Law Intermediate
LAW72008 Indigenous Jurisprudence Intermediate
LAW71006 The Rhetoric of Law Introductory
LAW73004 Legal Fictions: Writing the Law Advanced
LAW72011 Why the State Needs to Kill: law, violence and the production of political authority Intermediate
LAW72015 Law, Film and Ideology Intermediate
LAW72014 Struggles, Movements, and the Idea of Communism Intermediate
LAW73051 Global Legal Pluralism Advanced Note 1
LAW73050 Jessup Moot Advanced Note 1
LAW72013 Wisdom, Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property Intermediate
LAW73049 Information Environmentalism Advanced Note 1
LAW72016 Crimen Exceptum: The English Witch Prosecution in Context Intermediate
LAW72021 Myths for the Future: Law and Climate Fiction in the 21st Century Intermediate Note 1
LAWS2027 Introduction to Chinese Business Law Intermediate
LAW72018 Performances and Power in Literature and the Law Intermediate
LAW72019 Justice Framed: Law in Films and in Graphic Novels/Comics Intermediate
JUST2006 Shifting Cultural Paradigms: Law & Literature After Postmodernism Intermediate
JUST2012 The Art of Advocacy: Mooting and Performance Rhetoric Intermediate