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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.

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. 

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Access, manage, research and evaluate sources of information using intellectual and practical skills relevant to legal research and policy issues in professional practice

Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach

GA2: Creativity

Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems

Demonstrate independence and integrity in scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology

GA3: Ethical practice

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 sustainability in service to the community

Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and sustainability.

Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate evidence, tolerate ambiguity, recognise biases, and apply values and ethics necessary for professional conduct in psychology.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

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.

Apply appropriate research and assessment methods in psychology.

GA5: Lifelong learning

Learn and work independently by reflection and assessment of 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

Apply knowledge and skills of psychology to meet personal, professional, and societal needs

GA6: Communication and social skills

Collaborate and communicate using appropriate academic skills in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences

Analyse and evaluate information, theory, and research in the discipline of psychology and apply academic literacy skills to communicate these in a variety of written and oral forms

Employ interpersonal and communication skills conducive to effective collaboration

GA7: Cultural competence

Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice

Demonstrate a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

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.

You'll study core units in both law and psychology, and select units from an extensive range of electives to suit your career aspirations.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Coffs Harbour Term 1 N/A N/A
Gold Coast Term 1 , Term 3 N/A N/A
Online Term 1 , Term 3 , Term 5 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited with the the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and 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. 
 
Students who intend to practise law outside Australia should check with the relevant country’s admission body to confirm their practising requirements.
 
The optional subject ‘LEGL2012 – Mediation Practice and Procedure’, meets the training and assessment threshold requirements as specified in the National Mediator Accreditation System. As such, Southern Cross University is recognised as an Education and Training Provider Member of the Mediation Standards Board. Upon successful completion of the unit, students may apply to a Registered Mediation Accreditation Body (RMAB) to finalise their accreditation.

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.

Entry requirements

Language requirements

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

Course requirements

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:

  • 36 core units (432 credit points), and
  • 4 Law Option Units (48 credit points).


Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Laws after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), as per the Bachelor of Laws Schedule of Units.

Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Psychological Science after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), the Bachelor of Psychological Science Schedule of Units.

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 Notes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

LEGL1001 Legal Research and Writing
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
LEGL1005 Legal Process
Term1,3,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
Term2,4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2,4
Term2,4
Gold Coast
Term2,4
Term2,4
Online
Term2,4
Term2,4
LAWS2005 Constitutional Law
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
PSYC1001 Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
LAWS2002 Contract Law I
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites Must have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment information Students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
PSYC1010 Positive Psychology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
LAWS2003 Contract Law II
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites LAWS2002 - Contract Law I
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment information Students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au

Second Year

HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar
Term1,3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1,3
Term1,3
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Lismore
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3
Term1,3
LAWS2015 Torts
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2011 Statutory Interpretation
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
PSYC1002 Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
LEGL1006 Jurisprudence
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
LAWS2008 Criminal Procedure
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites Must have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment information Students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2017 Principles of Equity
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites This unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
PSYC2002 Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
LAWS2012 Property Principles
Term2,5
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

Third Year

STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Enrolment information Students should have basic mathematical skills equivalent to Year 10 Maths. Students should have basic computer literacy and familiarity with a spreadsheet program, such as Excel.
LAWS2016 Evidence
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisites This unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition AND STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
LAWS2006 Administrative Law
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law
PSYC3005 Culture and Psychology
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC1002 - Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
LAWS2009 Criminal Law
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites Must have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process

Fourth Year

LAWS2013 Civil Litigation and Procedure
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisites This unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2010 Environmental Law
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process OR LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System
Law Option Units
PSYC2005 Psychological Investigation I
Term2
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term2
Term2
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
LAWS2007 Corporations Law
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites Must have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment information Students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS3007 Private Law Remedies
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisites LAWS2002 - Contract Law I, LAWS2003 - Contract Law II, LAWS2012 - Property Principles, LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity, LAWS2015 - Torts LAWS2007 - Corporations Law
PSYC3002 Psychological Investigation II
Term4
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term4
Term4
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites PSYC2005 - Psychological Investigation I
LAWS3006 Public Law Remedies

Not currently available

12
Pre-requisites LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law, LAWS2010 - Environmental Law, LAWS2006 - Administrative Law LAWS2009 - Criminal Law

Fifth Year

PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
Term1
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term1
Term1
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisites PSYC1001 - Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition AND must have completed or be currently enrolled in STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Law Option Units
Law Option Units
Law Option Units
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisites STAT2002 - Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2004 Lifespan Psychology
Term3
12
Location Domestic International
Coffs Harbour
Term3
Term3
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
LAWS3003 Professional Conduct
Term4
12 Note 1
Location Domestic International
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisites LAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure, LAWS2016 - Evidence, LAWS2008 - Criminal Procedure
Anti-requisites Not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment information This unit requires attendance, for all students, at a compulsory two-day residential school held on the Gold Coast campus. Students may attend the residential in person or online. Students who can demonstrate that attendance at the residential will cause hardship, may apply to the Unit Assessor for an exemption.

Note 1:

Attendance and participation in the workshop/s for this unit is mandatory. A student who cannot attend at the scheduled time must contact the Unit Assessor promptly to negotiate to determine if an acceptable alternative arrangement can be put in place, documenting reasons that warrant Special Consideration, or else the student may fail the unit.

Note 2:

Attendance at a compulsory 3 day workshop is required in order to meet the training and assessment requirements prescribed by the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS).

Unit Code Unit Title Notes

Core Units

LEGL1001 Legal Research and Writing
LEGL1005 Legal Process
LEGL1006 Jurisprudence
LAWS2011 Statutory Interpretation
LAWS2002 Contract Law I
LAWS2003 Contract Law II
LAWS2015 Torts
LAWS2007 Corporations Law
LAWS2012 Property Principles
LAWS2017 Principles of Equity
LAWS2010 Environmental Law
LAWS2009 Criminal Law
LAWS2006 Administrative Law
LAWS2005 Constitutional Law
LAWS2016 Evidence
LAWS2008 Criminal Procedure
LAWS2013 Civil Litigation and Procedure
LAWS3003 Professional Conduct Note 1
LAWS3006 Public Law Remedies
LAWS3007 Private Law Remedies
PSYC1001 Psychology Foundations: Brain and Cognition
PSYC1002 Psychology Foundations: Self and Situation
PSYC2001 Psychological Assessment
PSYC3001 Social Psychology
PSYC3003 Learning and Memory
STAT2002 Quantitative Methods in Psychology
STAT3001 Advanced Quantitative Methods in Psychology
PSYC2002 Understanding Psychological Diagnoses
PSYC2004 Lifespan Psychology
PSYC3004 Biological Psychology
PSYC2005 Psychological Investigation I
PSYC3002 Psychological Investigation II
PSYC3005 Culture and Psychology
PSYC1009 Introducing Health Psychology
PSYC1010 Positive Psychology
HLTH1004 The Reflective Learner and Health Science Scholar

Unit Code Unit Title Notes
Select four (4) Law Option Units
JUST2004 Human Rights
JUST2005 EEO and OH&S Law and Practice
LAWS2014 Local Government and Planning Law
LAWS2018 Wills and Estates
LAWS2019 Employment and Industrial Relations Law
LAWS2020 Intellectual Property
LAWS2021 International Business Law
LAWS2022 Competition and Consumer Law
LAWS2023 International Law
LAWS2024 Commercial Law
LAWS2028 Animal Law
LAWS2032 Comparative Law
LAWS2035 International Business Negotiations
LAWS2038 Advanced Advocacy
LAWS2056 Family Law Practice
LAWS2057 Welfare Law
LAWS2063 Race and the Law
LAWS2065 Ecological Jurisprudence
LAWS2066 Climate Law and Policy
LAWS3001 Clinical Legal Experience
LAWS3002 Law Placement
LAWS3004 Jessup Moot
LEGL2008 Conveyancing Law
LEGL2009 Mooting
LEGL2011 Mediation and Dispute Resolution Note 1
LEGL2012 Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 2
LEGL2017 Public Interest Advocacy
LAWS2060 Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS4001 Independent Legal Research
LAWS2052 Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law
LAWS4002 Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method