Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

• 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
• 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
• 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.
• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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

Employment opportunities exist as barristers or solicitors; or in law-related areas in private, corporate, or government organisations. There is a range of career opportunities in government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education. Graduates may also pursue further training to become a registered clinical psychologist with career options in health services, education, research and more.

Professional recognition

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. 

Secondary education

ATAR 80 or equivalent

English Proficiency Requirements

Overall – 6.0

Listening - minimum 5.5

Reading - minimum 5.5

Speaking - minimum 5.5

Writing - minimum 5.5

Practicum placement

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.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit for knowledge and skills you have already acquired. Credit gained through prior learning, experiences and qualification can reduce the duration and cost of your course.

Duration: 5 years full time, 10 years part time

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. 

Recommended Study Pattern

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

Award 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 Points

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.