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Bachelor of Arts / Law

Law & Justice
Join Sydney's #1 Law faculty
Develop critical thinking skills to understand real-world situations when you study the Bachelor of Arts/Law. Choose your own path with personalised course combinations and find a multidisciplinary pathway to careers including human rights, politics, international relations and media.
Commencing Terms
Term 1
Duration
5 Year(s)
Delivery Mode
Face-to-face (includes blended)
Campus
Kensington
Codes
UAC code 426000
Program code 4782
CRICOS code 005947G
Entry Requirements
ATAR/2023 lowest selection rank
94.25 + LAT
View all admission criteria
Fees
2024 Indicative first year full fee
$14,500*
2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
$79,500*

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts/Law allows you to tailor a bespoke study experience unique to your interests, aspirations and career goals. Develop your worldview through personalised course combinations unique to your passions and skills.

You’ll be encouraged to think critically, analytically and creatively about issues in law, justice, humanities, social sciences and more. Prepare to challenge your assumptions and apply your multi-disciplinary thinking to real-world problems like climate change, human rights, the ethical challenges of technology and more.

Through real-world experiences, including internships, field trips and practice in our on-campus legal clinics, you’ll have extensive opportunities to apply your knowledge in practical situations. You’ll graduate from this degree with excellent analytical skills, a capacity for scholarly research, communication skills, and a commitment to personal and professional development, ethical practice and social responsibility.

Key features

World-class Scholarship 
Learn from Australia’s leader in progressive and rigorous legal education at UNSW Law & Justice, ranked 13th in the world*. Study at a Group of Eight (Go8) university that has the highest quality teaching among Australia’s research-intensive law schools.

Design your degree 
At UNSW, you’ll study undergraduate law as part of a double degree. Be part of a diverse cohort of interdisciplinary thinkers that combine their passion for law and justice with expertise in other disciplines. Personalise your double degree unique to your interests, aspirations, and career goals. You can explore culture-defining knowledge that spans the humanities, languages, media, social sciences, the environment, and much more.

Exclusive Career Support 
Graduate career-ready with UNSW Law & Justice’s in-house careers service, dedicated to our students and alumni. The service includes a jobs board and a range of resources, presentations and workshops to maximise your employability.

Experiential Learning 
Learning from real-world experience is vital to getting ready for your next step. Put theory into practice with a work-integrated learning course or experiential learning opportunity included in both of your degrees. We help you arrange unique professional experiences with internships, clinics, diverse work placements, competitions and industry networking opportunities.

Global Student Opportunities 
Gain global perspectives by studying other countries’ legal systems through overseas electives in China, the USA, Switzerland, India, Vanuatu and Chile. Or you may wish to immerse yourself abroad through student exchange at one of UNSW’s more than 300 exchange hosts across 38 countries.

End-to-end Legal Education 
Prepare for legal practice all in one place. All law graduates in Australia must complete PLT to practise as a lawyer. UNSW’s PLT is the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), so you can graduate from one place with all the qualifications you need to launch your legal career.

*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2023

Why study this degree at UNSW?

  • Freedom to design your degree, your way
  • A supportive, diverse, and inclusive community
  • Practical work experience opportunities
  • Access established industry links and partnerships
  • Access to UNSW Law & Justice’s dedicated careers service
  • Connections to a worldwide alumni network 
  • Opportunities to study overseas through electives or student exchange
  • World-class teachers and leading researchers in their fields
Program Code

4782

CRICOS Code

005947G

Campus

Kensington

UAC Code

426000

Total Units of Credit (UOC)

240

Indicative Enrolments

314

Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?

Entry requirements

2023 Lowest Selection Rank
94.25 + LAT
2023 A levels
17 + LAT
2023 IB Diploma
37 + LAT
2023 Lowest ATAR
85.2*
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

Additional selection criteria

All domestic applicants*^ who wish to study an undergraduate law double degree at UNSW need to sit the Law Admission Test (LAT), including those:

  • enrolled in their final year of secondary schooling (Year 12 HSC or equivalent)
  • who have already completed their secondary schooling (e.g. those on a gap year)
  • who are currently studying at another university and wish to apply to transfer to UNSW Law & Justice
  • students in Year 11 who wish to sit the LAT before their HSC year (LAT results are valid for two years)

*Domestic applicants include Australian citizens and permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens.

^Domestic applicants that aren’t required to sit the LAT as they’re assessed under multiple other criteria include:

Assumed knowledge

None

Adjustment Factors

We offer adjustment factor schemes that take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies. 

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways

Alternative Entry
Not everyone applies to university straight from high school. That’s why UNSW considers a range of qualifications, life experience and pathway programs for admission into our degrees. Find out what you’ll need to apply to UNSW, depending on where you’re at in life.

Find out more

 

UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn’t require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won’t take you any longer to complete a law double degree.

Find out more

 

Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.

English language requirements

 

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways

UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals.

Learn more

 

UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn’t require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won’t take you any longer to complete a law double degree.

Find out more

 

Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program

Program structure

The Bachelor of Arts/Law is five years full-time and made up of 40 courses (240 Units of Credit (UOC)) that provide a depth and breadth of study.  

The Bachelor of Arts provides the opportunity to gain unique skills and critical perspectives to complement your study of the law. In your Bachelor of Arts, you’ll typically complete two specialisations through an eight-course major and a six-course minor.  

Two degrees don’t mean double the workload. Each year you’ll complete the same number of units as a full-time single degree, eight courses (48 UOC) across three terms. Our three-term calendar allows you to study part-time, and also take advantage of a flexible study load. With two three-course terms and one two-course term per year, you’ll have the time to focus on completing extra-curricular activities on campus or for-credit industry opportunities.

As part of your degree, you’ll undertake hands-on courses that integrate industry experience into your program. You’ll also participate in interactive teaching, group work, and a clinical component in which you’ll work with clients and lawyers at Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC), a fully functioning legal centre that operates out of the UNSW Law & Justice Building. 

Study areas

With a flexible degree tailored to pursue your passion and interests, you'll learn to think critically, communicate across boundaries, and solve problems creatively. Develop these highly demanded skills as you learn to create real-world solutions that apply to a range of exciting career opportunities.

Whether you want to major in a language with your sights set on a global career or want to study the justice system from a different angle through a major in criminology. You can choose different majors, minors and electives to tailor your studies to your passions and interests. 

  • You can complete a major in the following study areas:

    • Discover our closest neighbours' impact on the world and understand Australia's place within the Asian region. With an "all Asia" approach, learn from multilingual specialists who cover history, politics, social policy, health, philosophy, media and more. Prepare for a future in government, NGO, education, media, and the arts with a genuinely international perspective.

      Learn more about Asian studies.

    • Criminology and criminal justice are growing fields with increasing opportunities to create change in communities. Experience an approach beyond lectures that sees you visiting courts and prisons and hearing first-hand from the people in the justice system. See crime through a big-picture lens. Ask why people commit it. And help imagine a more just future.

      Learn more about studying criminology at UNSW.

    • Hone your writing practice by exploring fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and ficto-criticism. Learn from award-winning writers, join writing masterclasses and events, and create invaluable industry connections. Plus, have the chance to showcase your work in the UNSW literary journal.

      Learn more about creative writing.

    • We believe English is more than simply academic – it’s an opening to the world, a passport to different realities, and a stick of dynamite to narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Delve deep into memorable stories, poetic patterns, ringing phrases, and imaginative landscapes in one of the world’s top 50 universities.

      Learn more about English literary studies.

    • Want to make a change to climate change? One of the greatest questions of our times is how to meet environmental challenges head-on. From species extinction and GMOs to climate change and nuclear power – immerse yourself in the social, cultural, and political factors shaping human relations with the natural world.

      Learn more about environmental humanities.

    • Europe has a rich history as well as a complicated present. From Britain, Russia, and the Mediterranean to Northern Europe – delve into the intellectual history, politics, religion, and movement of minority peoples throughout history. You'll also have the opportunity to see Europe through our international exchange.

      Learn more about European studies.

    • Film helps us understand the world around us. If you want to tell stories, share human experiences, document reality, and expand horizons as an experimental art form – film studies set the foundation. This specialisation also takes you into the studio to learn practical film-making skills from industry professionals.

      Learn more about film studies.

    • The relationship between people, societies, and the environment underpins the greatest global challenges of our time. As a human geographer, you will explore how physical, social, cultural, economic, and political factors shape places. Together we will discover how we can plan for a better future by combining classroom study with hands-on experience in the field.

      Learn more about geographical studies.

    • Why are some countries developing so quickly while others seem left behind? Global development looks at the impact of change across social, political, and economic environments. Explore issues from urbanisation to widening disparity, environmental threats, and the dominance of communication technologies. Learn the many ways we can create practical and positive change at local, national, and global levels.

      Learn more about studying global development at UNSW.

    • The world we live in is the product of an ongoing, globally connected history. UNSW offers a particular strength in the histories of migration, gender, empires, with a strong focus on our region. Whether you're fascinated with ancient, early modern, or modern history – discover a uniquely global perspective taught by passionate, world-class historians. 

      Learn more about studying history at UNSW.

    • Gain an understanding of diverse First Nation cultures and societies. This program begins with exploring current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies, and cultural values tied to country. Complex themes cover popular culture, political history, government policy, colonialism, environmental justice, gender, and cultural heritage. Gain profound critical reflection skills and challenge your assumptions.

      Learn more about Indigenous studies at UNSW.

    • Learn to communicate in other languages, gain cross-cultural understanding, and benefit from a deep experience of other countries and cultures. The study of languages and cultures enriches your global perspective, opens you up to international opportunities, and transforms how you engage with the world. 

      You can major or minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish – whether you are just starting or ready to build on existing skills. In addition to the languages we offer as majors, you can study a minor in modern Greek, Indonesian and Italian.

      Learn more about studying languages at UNSW

    • Explore the foundations of language and the relationship between language, society, and self. Find out how your brain processes and uses language. Expand your knowledge by studying linguistic diversity in urban settings and Indigenous contexts. Prepare for a career using linguistics by learning how language policy impacts multilingual and multicultural communities in Australia and around the world. 

      Learn more about studying linguistics at UNSW.

    • The way we produce and consume media has a profound impact on modern life. It takes critical thinking and analysis to understand how media, technology and culture collide. Cut through the disinformation and understand the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of media through the 20th and 21st centuries across an ever-changing tech landscape.

      Learn more about media, culture and technology at UNSW.

    • The study of music is for anyone who wants to perform to a crowd, record, teach, compose a score, or work professionally in the industry. Learn practical, hands-on musicianship and discover how music can be an expression that defines both cultures and societies as well as an expression of yourself.

      Learn more about music studies.

    • Questions around the nature of reality, knowledge, society, and ethics are fundamental to who we are as humans. Philosophy students learn to ask these questions by thinking clearly, deeply, analytically, and creatively. These skills help you communicate and debate even the most complicated ideas. They set a solid foundation for tackling some of the world's significant challenges and prepare you for a whole world of career opportunities.

      Learn more about studying philosophy at UNSW.

    • Studying politics helps you to understand power. From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights – facing these challenges requires understanding the intricacy of domestic politics and foreign affairs. Pave your way for careers in government and business. Lead with difference and change the world.

      Learn more about studying politics and international relations at UNSW.

    • What makes life meaningful? Why do we disagree, and why do we care? What brings about social change? Answers to these questions differ depending on who you ask, but finding new insights is crucial to navigating reality’s conflicts and challenges. Join Australia’s oldest sociology department and discover insights from diverse cultures and the lived human experience.

      Learn more about studying sociology and anthropology at UNSW.

    • What drives human behaviour? Psychology is a science that aims to understand the causes of psychological disorders. It investigates your interactions with others, learning and memory, and ability to cope with pressure. Understand yourself and others better with analytical thinking skills and scientific methods learned from leading academics.

      Learn more about studying psychology at UNSW.

    • Take the stage and learn why performance matters in a media-savvy world. In this specialisation, you'll learn from industry professionals, collaborate with artists, and gain experience with production companies, venues, and publishers. And have the chance to bring your creativity to life at the unique UNSW Creative Practice Lab with dedicated studio and workshop spaces.

      Learn more about theatre and performance.

  • You can complete a minor in the study areas listed above, as well as:

Full program structure

Below is an example of what you could study in a standard five-year full-time study plan:

First Year

  • 3 Law Core Courses

  • 2 Arts Major Courses

  • 2 Arts Minor Course

  • 1 ADA Prescribed Elective

Second Year

  • 3 Law Core Courses

  • 2 Arts Major Courses

  • 2 Arts Minor Course

  • 1 ADA Prescribed Elective

Third Year

  • 5 Law Core Courses

  • 2 Arts Major Courses

  • 1 Arts Minor Course

Fourth Year

  • 5 Law Core Courses

  • 2 Arts Major Courses

  • 1 Arts Minor Course

Fifth Year

  • 1 Prescribed Law Elective

  • 7 Law Electives

Future careers

Study law as a double degree to be a well-rounded graduate that’s prepared for a career practising law or applying your legal mind and skills to other industries.

UNSW Law & Justice is ranked 1st in Sydney for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law and Legal Studies), 2023). That’s because we teach our students to think outside the box, so when it comes to your career, employers will seek you out for your critical thinking, persuasive communication, creative problem solving and analytical skills.

We work closely with industry partners to ensure our degrees provide the skills they’re going to need now and in the future. Beyond your first job, you’re setting yourself up with transferable skills for wherever your career might take you. Find employment anywhere in the world with a UNSW degree – consider NGOs, consultancies, public relations, media, creative arts, the Australian government, and so much more.

End-to-end legal education at UNSW

Completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UNSW will take you a step towards becoming a lawyer, followed by Practical Legal Training (PLT). All law graduates in Australia must complete PLT to practise as a lawyer. UNSW’s PLT is the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), so you can graduate from one place with all the qualifications you need to launch your legal career.

Step 1 – Complete your Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Step 2 – Complete your GDLPP at UNSW.

Step 3 – Apply to the Supreme Court for admission to practice.

UNSW Law & Justice students also have the opportunity to fast track their entry to the legal profession by completing their PLT while finishing their undergraduate degree.

Find out more

Potential careers

  • Academic

  • Activist

  • Advocate

  • Diplomat

  • General legal practice

  • Government and public policy

  • International relations

  • International business and finance

  • Journalist

  • Media consultant

  • Politician

  • Political strategist

  • Policy consultant

  • Public servant

  • Publisher

  • Research assistant

Explore your career options
Many career options lie ahead in your future. If you don’t know what you want to do yet, it’s ok. University is the time to test your ideas, discover potential career paths, or develop the knowledge to create a job that doesn’t even exist yet. 

Along with flexible course options, degrees from UNSW include opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. Wherever the future takes you, you’ll be set for life with experience and contacts among your classmates, lecturers, and UNSW graduates worldwide.

Accreditation

Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW)

How to apply

 

To apply for our Law double degrees at UNSW, you will need to apply for Double Law (426000) through the UAC application portal. Upon receiving an offer to for this degree, you will choose the second degree to pair with Bachelor of Laws during the acceptance process.


Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students* are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.

When applying for UNSW Bachelor of Arts/Law through UAC, you’ll need your Law Admission Test (LAT) registration number to ensure your LAT results are considered in the admission process. The LAT registration opens in May and is held in September each year. Keep up to date with LAT key dates and requirements here.

On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, most offers are made in December and January.

Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.

Find out more information on how to apply here.

*Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens

Ready to start your application?

For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.

Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.

*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.

Ready to start your application?

Fees & Scholarships

2024 Indicative First Year Full Fee
$14,500*
2024 Indicative Full Fee to Complete Degree
$79,500*

Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.

2024 Indicative First Year Fee
$46,000*
2024 Indicative Fee to Complete Degree
$268,000*

*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).

Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.

Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.

Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.

Scholarships


At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.

Featured scholarships

Several scholarships have been established to support students undertaking undergraduate law at UNSW, including the:

  • Joan Brown Memorial Scholarship
    Established to assist a female high school leaver student with financial assistance to undertake undergraduate study in Law at UNSW.
  • UNSW Law Disability Support Scholarship
    Established to support students with a long-term medical condition or disability and who are in financial need.

Featured scholarship

UNSW Law & Justice International Award (PUCA1028)

This award was established to empower the brightest and most passionate international students to achieve their goals through UNSW Law & Justice studies.


  • Top 20
    Worldwide

    QS World University Rankings, 2024.

  • Most
    Employable Graduates

    AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.

  • Leading
    Innovation

    #1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.

Studying Law at UNSW took learning out from a textbook and exposed us to the real world.
Khushaal Vyas

Khushaal Vyas

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