Course overview

Build an international legal career and develop competitive skills with cross-cultural relevance in Deakin's Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies. Learn about and analyse the forces shaping Australia, investigate the internationalisation of the law, and apply it all at a global level through Deakin's study abroad experiences.

Deakin's hands-on approach to study and practical experience includes opportunities to study abroad, and to build on your classroom learning by working on real cases at the Deakin Law Clinic. Under supervision from qualified solicitors, you will conduct research on legal issues, offer advice and sit in on real courtroom proceedings. Graduate from this accredited course with two in-demand degrees, setting yourself up for a career without limits.

Want to take your legal career to the world stage?

Our first-rate law school provides a competitive foundation in all major areas of law, including:

• contracts law
• legal practice and ethics
• criminal law and procedure
• torts
• property law
• constitutional law
• administrative law.

Gain access to the latest concepts, ideas and approaches by learning from teachers who are active in the field, and benefit from networking with their industry connections.

You'll graduate a well-rounded thought leader with the practical knowledge that organisations and future employers are looking for.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies, students must attain a total of 40 credit points consisting of 24 credit points from the Faculty of Business and Law and 16 credit points from the Faculty of Arts plus the compulsory 0-credit point unit, MAI010 Academic Integrity. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.

Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-

• MAI010 Academic Integrity

The 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws include:

• 18 credit points of Bachelor of Laws core units
• 6 credit points of Law elective units, including 1 credit point of an experiential unit from the WIL/Practical Elective units list.

For students who commenced from 2014 onwards, the 16 credit points from the Bachelor of International Studies include:

• 6 credit points of core units
• an 8 credit point major sequence
• an approved international experience (2 credit points minimum) to be completed in the third or fourth year of the course

Intakes by location

The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

Additional course information

Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

Mandatory student checks

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

Workload

As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Participation requirements

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. More information available at Disability support services.

Recognition of prior learning

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

Entry pathways

Alternative exits

• Bachelor of International Studies (A326)
• Bachelor of Laws (M312)

Careers

Career outcomes

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies graduates are suitable candidates for a wide range of career opportunities, including:

• corporate lawyer
• crime analyst
• criminal lawyer
• law reform officer
• judge
• jury consultant
• law academic
• legal adviser
• mediator
• diplomat
• federal police officer
• trade agreements negotiator
• ASIO officer
• foreign affairs officer
• politician
• NGO policy officer.

Professional recognition

Deakin’s Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the university component of the requirements to become an Australian Lawyer set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB).  In addition to completing an approved Law degree, a person seeking entry to legal practice is required to work for one year as a supervised legal trainee, or to undertake am approved practical legal training (PLT) course.