Course overview
Complement an industry-leading legal education at a top 3 law school in Victoria* with an understanding of how power, incentives and ethics shape decisions across business, government and broader society. Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics to build a unique combination of legal expertise and global knowledge. Develop legal expertise alongside political, economic, moral and ethical thinking, equipping you for a wide range of future careers.
Tackle global challenges in business, government and society with an understanding of political issues ranging from inequality to environmental sustainability and public decision making. Build the skills to shape the way law, policy and economics influence communities and create change.
Looking to build a legal career backed by business, political and economic expertise?
Graduate with practical experience for a professional edge. In the law stream, work with real clients under the supervision of qualified solicitors at Deakin Law Clinic- our community legal service that offers free legal advice. In the politics, philosophy and economics stream, apply your skills through internships, volunteer placements and study tours, expanding your understanding of governance, policy and values. Across both streams, collaborate on team projects and global learning experiences to expand your networks and practical insight. Understand the social, economic, environmental and political factors that shape law and policy, and learn how to apply this knowledge in a professional context.
Deakin Law School provides a strong foundation in all major areas of law, including:
• contract law
• criminal law and procedure
• torts
• property law
• equity and trusts
• constitutional law
• administrative law.
With an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills, this course prepares you to address complex legal issues across areas such as:
• environment
• climate change
• sustainability
• population
• ageing
• health/mental health
• international trade
• economic strategy
• the economic and institutional drivers of inequality, poverty and conflict.
This combined course gives you the opportunity to complement your studies in law with a focus on two streams chosen from the disciplines of:
• philosophy
• politics and policy studies
• economic policy.
Learning from leading academics and researchers, you will build the skills to make an impact on society. Understand public decision making, resource management and business challenges through a social justice lens while building strong professional capabilities. Graduate ready to pursue roles in the public or private sector with the added knowledge, expertise and practical skills to succeed in a range of areas involving government policy, strategy, consulting or business management.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2026 close 21 June 2026
VTAC entries are closed.
Current Deakin students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
- Award granted
- Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- Year
2026 course information
- VTAC code
- 1400512131 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400612131 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS) - Deakin code
- D334
- CRICOS code?Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students
- 115517D Burwood (Melbourne)
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Mooting at Deakin Law School
Meet Swathika, a Deakin Law graduate who discovered her voice through mooting and now uses law as a tool for change. Discover how Deakin Law School nurtured Swathika's confidence and built career readiness through our mooting program and practical legal experiences.
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics, you must pass 40 credit points. This includes:
- DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
- 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
- 7 credit points of core units
- 2 discipline streams (4 credit points each), as described under course Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A336)
- 1 credit point from the Employability sequence
- a minimum of 4 credit points at level 3
- 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws
- 18 credit points of core units
- 1 credit point of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or practical course elective units (as outlined in the Bachelor of Laws)
- 5 credit points of course elective units
- course requirements for both the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A336) and Bachelor of Laws (M312) must be satisfied.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.
Students must complete 18 credit points of core units from the Bachelor of Laws
Note: MLP code denotes Priestley units, which teach the academic areas of knowledge prescribed for admission to legal practice.
Students must complete 7 credit points of core units from the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Students must complete five of the following law elective units:
*MLI code denotes optional residential version of the unit.
^MLT324 does not count as one of the WIL/Practical course elective units (listed above) required for the Bachelor of Laws.
Note: Not all units will be offered every year. The Law School might from time to time develop new units to strengthen the law elective list.
Students must complete one of the following experiential/practice units as one of their Law course elective units:
Further details can be found at WIL Opportunities for law students
Students must complete one credit point as part of their Politics, Philosophy and Economics course elective from the following employability sequence:
Students must complete 8 credit points of discipline study units comprising of 4 discipline study units chosen from two to the following discipline streams:
Philosophy
- To complete the Philosophy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
ASP224 Freud and Philosophy [No longer available for enrolment]
Politics and Policy Studies
- To complete the Politics and Policy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
AIR348 Activists Beyond Borders [No longer available for enrolment]
Economic Policy
- To complete the Economic Policy stream, 4 credit points of discipline study units must be chosen including at least 2 credit points at level 3.
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.
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Online
Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
Choose a Deakin degree for vital industry experience on placements, hands-on learning in world-class facilities and guidance from industry-expert academics. We offer lifetime career support and are the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment.
Course duration
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
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
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. 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.
Work experience
This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.
Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.
International Students:
This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.
For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.
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.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.
Academic requirements
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
Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent.
If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:
- successful completion of 4 credit points or more at an accredited higher education institution with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent
Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University.
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.
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.
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 of 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 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)
Subject adjustment
A study score of 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Politics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Access and equity
Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.
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 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – 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 (RPL) 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) ?Enrolling in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) means the Australian Government pays part of your course fees directly to Deakin, and you pay a 'student contribution'.
$17,306 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
Learn more about fees.
Scholarship options
We want to help you excel at Deakin. Our scholarships recognise your dedication and achievements, providing financial support that can ease the cost of living and studying. With less pressure, you’ll have more freedom to focus on what matters most – your education and future success.
Apply now
Apply through VTAC
Applications for Trimester 1, 2027 will open on 3 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 directly to Deakin
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and 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.
Readmission into law courses
All students seeking readmission into law courses must be readmitted into the latest version of a course. Please note that students readmitting may be required to pick up additional units or repeat units where prior studies were undertaken at Deakin more than 5 years ago; or where units were undertaken in a previous course version. This is due to units no longer being current so that students will have satisfied the requirements necessary for admission to the legal profession.
Pathways
Alternate exits
Articulated courses:
Career outcomes
Graduate from the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment with a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and step into a wide range of career areas, including:
- business
- community legal centre consulting
- diplomacy
- economics
- education (a law academic or legal studies teacher)
- government lawyer or policy adviser
- industrial relations
- in-house lawyer for businesses and corporations, including start-up companies
- international relations
- media/journalism
- police prosecutor
- private legal practice
- policy analysis
- politics
- research.
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 will be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in all legal fields.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the academic requirements necessary for admission to the legal profession set in Victoria by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying these academic requirements, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed practical legal training requirements also specified by VLAB 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 will likely be required to satisfy additional requirements. Please consult the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic requirements, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.
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.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Laws (M312) | Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics (A336) |
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian legal system and the fundamental areas of knowledge required for legal practice as situated within international contexts and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise. | Apply a broad and coherent knowledge in the Politics, Philosophy and Economics disciplines in academic and professional settings drawing on depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more of PPE disciplines. |
| Communication | Communicate legal knowledge effectively to legal and non-legal audiences, both verbally and in writing. | Employ highly developed skills in oral, written and electronic communication to communicate the outcomes of Politics, Philosophy and Economics problem solving and research in academic and professional contexts. |
| Digital literacy | Use a range of digitally-based technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate information. | Utilize a range of digital technologies in both academic and professional settings to research, analyse, synthesise and disseminate information to diverse audiences in the field of Politics, Philosophy and Economics. |
| Critical thinking | Exercise critical thinking, judgment and intellectual independence to evaluate, consolidate and synthesise knowledge relevant to legal doctrine and legal practice. | Use critical and analytical thinking and judgement in selecting and applying theories and methodologies to evaluate major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Problem solving | Apply legal reasoning and critical analysis to generate and articulate accurate and relevant responses to legal issues. | Utilise cognitive, technical, and creative skills to generate solutions to real-world political, philosophical and economic problems through drawing on methodologies from multiple disciplines. |
| Self-management | Exercise responsibility and accountability for own learning, and possess abilities to reflect on own capabilities, performance and feedback to support personal and professional development. | Act with autonomy, responsibility and accountability for personal actions through a commitment to self-directed learning and professional practice that contributes to solving political, philosophical and economic issues in society. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate effectively in a team environment demonstrating constructive engagement and contribution to the team and the ability to draw on strengths of others. | Work and learn collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and members of the wider community in addressing major political, philosophical and economic issues confronting society. |
| Global citizenship | Reflect on the ethical and professional behaviours and responsibilities of legal professionals and demonstrate an understanding of the impact that different social, ethical, global or environmental perspectives have on exercising legal practice in the community. | Engage respectfully with ethical issues, cultural diversity, and social responsibility when engaging in Politics, Philosophy and Economics scholarship and professional roles in the local, national or international community. |
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
