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Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies

Undergraduate degree

Develop competitive skills with cross-cultural relevance and graduate with two in-demand degrees and the expertise to build an international legal career.

Domestic International

Domestic student information

Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:
90.2
Waterfront:
85.7
Online:
NP?
Lowest selection rank

Duration

5 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Locations

Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)*

Online

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2024 close 23 June 2024

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

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. This combined course brings together two complementary areas of study so you can graduate with intercultural communication skills and legal expertise.

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 an exciting career.

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:

  • contract law
  • 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 as a well-rounded thought leader with the practical knowledge that organisations and future employers are looking for.

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies
Year

2024 course information

VTAC code
1400415331 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400515331 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400615331 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Deakin code
D323
CRICOS code?
075600M Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7

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, DAI001 Academic Integrity Module . 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):-

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

Students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

24

Credit points from Faculty of Business and Law

16

Credit points from Faculty of Arts and Education

40

Total credit points

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.

Trimester 1 - March

  • Start date: March
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)*
    • Online

Trimester 2 - July

  • Start date: July
  • Available at:
    • Burwood (Melbourne)
    • Waterfront (Geelong)*
    • Online

Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Laws degree will be taught at Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of International Studies degree will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.

Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

Additional course information

Course duration

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.

Placement can occur at any time, including during standard holiday breaks. Learn about key dates at Deakin.

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

Need help?

Ask a question about studying at Deakin

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Entry requirements

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

Academic requirements

Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 prerequisite subjects

  • Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an Additional Language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL

ATAR

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.

Higher education

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

  • successful completion of at least four credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent

Vocational education

This course does not accept VET study for entry, please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.

Work and life experience

This course does not accept work, volunteer and/or life experience for entry. Please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

  • Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
  • other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Selection adjustments

Subject adjustment

A study score of 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Access and equity

Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Recognition of prior learning

The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

RPL will generally be granted for a Priestley 11 unit where a student completed the unit within 5 years of the date on which they will commence their Law degree at Deakin University. Whether RPL is granted for a Priestley unit that a student completed more than 5 years before that date will depend on an assessment of the particular unit, including whether its content remains current and it is substantially equivalent to the relevant unit in the Deakin Law course for which RPL is sought. It is possible that RPL may not be granted where the coverage of Priestley 11 knowledge areas across units of study is structured differently in the Law course at Deakin University compared to the Law course at the university where the student previously studied.

You can also refer to the Recognition of prior learning system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

Fees and scholarships

Fee information

Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
$16,272 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.

The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.  Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value.

The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.  You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.  Learn more about fees and available payment options on our Current students fees website.

Scholarship options

A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

Apply now

Apply through VTAC

Applications for Trimester 1, 2025 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

Apply direct to Deakin

Some of our courses have limited places available - for the latest on courses still open for application, visit Courses by trimester.

Create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, start your application, enter personal details, education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.

Download the course flyer
Kickstart your career growth. We'll prepare you for the career you've always wanted. (PDF, 1.5MB)

Entry pathways

View pathways into the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Studies with our pathways finder.

Alternative exits

Contact information

Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

Careers

Want a degree that’s more than just a qualification? Our industry connections, world-class facilities and practical approach to learning are just some of the reasons why Deakin students graduate confident and ready to thrive in the jobs of tomorrow.

Deakin is ranked as one of Victoria’s top law schools**

Accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board

Tailor your degree by choosing from 10 international studies majors

A truly global course with overseas study or internships

Career outcomes

Obtaining a law degree is your first step to entering the legal profession. Upon completion of your degree and the additional practical legal training, you'll be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in all legal fields. 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 academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession. In Victoria these have been set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic qualifications, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.

A person seeking admission in a jurisdiction outside Australia may be required to satisfy additional requirements. Please check the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of the single degree.

**QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018