Why study laws (combined) at UoN?

The Bachelor of Laws (Combined) is your passport to a career as a lawyer and a range of exciting careers. In just five years of full-time study, you can achieve your law degree and a second degree of your choice.

You also have the opportunity to complete the Professional Program (Diploma of Legal Practice) within your final two years of study. Completing the Professional Program means you can practice as soon as you graduate.

As a laws (combined) graduate you will be highly competitive in the marketplace. Recent data reveals 88.1% of graduates found full-time employment within four months of completing the combined degree - 95% if the Professional Program had been completed.*

Laws (combined) has a strong focus on practical experience, allowing you to apply the extensive knowledge and skills you acquire to real clients and cases.

Even if you choose not to practice law, a law degree will enhance your other tertiary qualifications and make you a competitive graduate. Employers recognise that as a law graduate you have an excellent work ethic, strong communication skills, and can apply analytical and logical reasoning to solve a problem.

*2009 Australian Graduate Survey.

Two degrees in less time

Studying laws (combined) allows you to study law and another degree that interests you. It is also a requirement of the University of Newcastle that you complete a second undergraduate degree in conjunction with the Bachelor of Laws.

At the University of Newcastle, you can graduate with a law degree and a second degree in only five years of full-time study - compared to six if you completed the degrees separately. This represents a significant time and money saving.

Practice as soon as you graduate

In order to be admitted as a lawyer you must graduate with an Australian law degree and successfully complete a practical legal training course. At Newcastle, you can fulfil both of these requirements by also choosing to study our Professional Program.

The Newcastle Law School is the only Law School in New South Wales where upon completion of your studies you can be a certified practicing Lawyer, saving you time and money by not having to sit the bar exams.

You can take advantage of this unique opportunity by enrolling in the Embedded Diploma of Legal Practice during your final two years of study.

Personalised learning environment

You will experience a friendly and supportive learning environment at the University of Newcastle Law School. You will benefit from a comfortable student-teacher ratio, which creates a personalised learning environment. You can expect:

• Small tutorial sizes
• Dedicated and accessible teachers
• First-name terms with academic staff
• A tight-knit student community

Join a vibrant student body

The Law Student Association is the heart of the student community at Newcastle Law School. The LSA builds a strong relationship between students and staff by creating a positive culture and spirit of collegiality.

From student advocacy and careers information to competitions and social events, the LSA is committed to enhancing your experience at the University of Newcastle. Annual LSA events include:

• Mooting (mock trials)
• Negotiating and client interview competitions
• Sport competitions
• Social events, including the much anticipated Law Ball

For more information, visit UNLSA.

Expand your career options

In today’s competitive employment market, employers are looking for highly qualified graduates with a wide range of skills. Therefore, it goes without saying that two degrees are better than one.

At the University of Newcastle, we offer a variety of combined degrees that enable you to tailor your undergraduate study to your desired career path.

For example, if you want to become a commercial lawyer, you might consider combining your law degree with a business or commerce degree. If you want to work in the field of environmental law, you could choose to combine your law studies with science.

Even if you do not want to become a lawyer, a law degree will provide you with a multifaceted skill and knowledge base to help you in your chosen career. It will enhance your academic and professional qualifications and make you a more desirable employee.

Choose the laws combination that is right for you

In just five years of full-time study you are able to graduate with two degrees - the Bachelor of Laws and your choice of one of seven degrees. Find out more

Responsive teaching and real-world experiences

First-rate classroom tuition combined with practical, hands-on experience prepares and qualifies you to enter legal practice immediately after completing your Bachelor of Laws (Combined). Find out more

Become a graduate in demand

Graduates of the Professional Program (Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice) are eligible to apply for admission to practice as a lawyer without further study. Find out more

Meet our achievers

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates and current students. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Find out more

Choose the laws combination that is right for you

In just five years of full-time study you are able to graduate with two degrees - the Bachelor of Laws and your choice of one of seven degrees.

To practice law you will need to be complete a practical legal training course. You can choose to do this as part of your laws (combined) study through enrolling in the Professional Program.

Whether you choose to practice law or pursue another career, the skills and extensive knowledge you acquire through this combined degree will be invaluable. As a laws (combined) graduate, prospective employers will value your dedication, intellect and potential to achieve in high pressure environments.

The valuable skills you will acquire include:

• Strong oral and written communication
• High level task management
• Advanced research
• Analytical problem solving
• Negotiation
• Advocacy

Whether in a legal capacity or not, laws (combined) is an excellent springboard for careers in:

• Business
• Government
• Journalism
• Politics
• Non-governmental organisations
• Private enterprise

Why aboriginal professional practice/laws?

The Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws equips you to pursue a career as a lawyer, or to follow a separate career path in Aboriginal affairs.

Whether you are Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, the Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws provides you with an opportunity to improve social justice by preparing you for a career within Aboriginal affairs.

In studying this combined degree you will develop:

• An understanding of the social, political and justice issues impacting the Aboriginal community
• Effective communication with Aboriginal clients
• Strong cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the Aboriginal community

The skills you develop in advocacy, negotiation and high-level communication will give you a competitive advantage for Aboriginal affairs roles in health, education, community development and a range of other areas.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why arts/laws?

With over twenty majors to choose from, arts allows you to pursue your passions and interests, whilst also building your research capabilities, communication skills, and your understanding of how our society functions.

Studying arts also adds significant value to your study of law. For example, choosing to study history will broaden your understanding of legal issues by allowing you to see them within a wider context. A major in politics and international relations will improve your analytical and logical problem solving skills.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Arts.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why business/laws?

With businesses and corporations subject to extensive regulation, a law degree is a highly valued and useful asset within the business sector.

Many large companies employ in-house lawyers to provide specialist legal advice. In-house lawyers must not only have in-depth legal knowledge but also possess a strong understanding of business affairs. As such, combining business with laws is extremely valuable if you undertake a career as a corporate lawyer.

Even if you choose not to practice as a lawyer, a law degree will enhance your business qualifications and increase your employability. The global business world demands highly qualified employees who will contribute to future success and development in a competitive environment. Employers recognise that as a graduate of both business and law, you are professional, highly motivated and possess both business acumen and legal knowledge.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Business.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why commerce/laws?

The skills and knowledge you will gain studying commerce will complement and enhance the skills you will learn in your law degree. Both degrees teach critical thinking, analytical problem solving, task management and strong communication skills.

Commerce and the financial services industry are heavily regulated. A law degree will improve your understanding of important legislation that is relevant to economics, finance and accounting. Employers also recognise that as a law graduate you have a strong work ethic and are committed to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Many law firms seek out professionals with both legal skills and expertise in commerce, accounting and finance. Lawyers with commerce expertise are also highly valued as in-house lawyers for large companies and government departments.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Commerce.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why communication/laws?

Several legal practice areas focus on the media, communication and technology sectors. Mass media and communication technology are increasingly powerful and influential within our society, meaning associated laws and regulations are constantly developing.

The disciplines of laws and communication complement each other, with both serving to develop your analytical problem solving, critical thinking and research skills. Your communication degree will also teach you valuable inquiry and investigation skills, which will be beneficial if you choose to practice law.

If you are planning on entering the highly competitive fields of media or telecommunications, a law degree will enhance your communication qualifications and increase your career opportunities.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Communication.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why science/laws?

The science/laws combination is an excellent spring-board for an exciting legal career. You will be able to apply your scientific knowledge to a range of legal contexts including industry, agriculture or the information revolution.

With several majors to choose from within the Bachelor of Science, you can use this area of specialisation to shape either your career in law or science

If you decide not to practice law, your laws qualifications will equip you with analytical and logical reasoning skills and an understanding of how our society functions that will hold you in good stead for any science focused career you choose to pursue.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Science.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Why social science/laws?

The Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws is ideal if you are interested in improving social justice, anti-discrimination and human rights.

Choosing to combine social science and laws equips you to practice as a lawyer or pursue a range of rewarding careers in the field of social science.

Your social science degree will improve your cultural sensitivity, ethical awareness and your understanding of how people interact.

For more information, take a look at the Bachelor of Social Science.

See complete study details in the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws Program Handbook.

Responsive teaching and real-world experiences

First-rate classroom tuition combined with practical, hands-on experience prepares and qualifies you to enter legal practice immediately after completing your Bachelor of Laws (Combined).

The University of Newcastle's law school is the first in Australia to offer an integrated learning experience. Your degree integrates experiential learning and skills training with the conventional Bachelor of Laws curriculum.

The Professional Program - Diploma of Legal Practice

A Bachelor of Laws degree requires the completion of a practical legal training course before you can practice as a lawyer. Through enrolling in the Professional Program you will complete the Diploma of Legal Practice as part of the Bachelor of Laws (Combined), which means you can practice law as soon as you graduate.

The Professional Program has a strong focus on supervised professional legal experience, giving you a range of legal experiences before you enter the profession. You will gain essential legal skills, a critical understanding of the law and an ethical approach to the practice of law.

UoN Legal Centre and 'Law on the Beach'

As a laws (combined) student, you will complete part of your professional placement time helping to run the University's own Legal Centre. You will gain invaluable experience by participating in the day and evening advice sessions held at the centre.

In first year you will conduct observations of clients at the Legal Centre. In your final years, you will take charge of clients’ files, providing advice where necessary or appropriate.

You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the unique 'Law on the Beach' program. Each summer on Newcastle Beach, you will provide a 'walk up' legal advice service that targets young people. The program gives you the opportunity to interview clients, brief lawyers, sit in on legal advice and do follow-up case work.

Professional placement

If you elect to do the Professional Program (Diploma of Legal Practice) in your final two years of study you will complete at least 180 hours of legal professional placement, in addition to attending seminars and undertaking skills training.

You will enrol in eight semester-long courses and two semester-long 'clinical' courses amounting to a 100 unit load, 20 units more than the standard full-time load. Courses are taught from University House in the city and on the Newcastle campus at Callaghan.

The University of Newcastle's Law School encourages you to pursue professional placements at external law firms and other organisations that you may be interested in joining at the completion of your studies. To help you arrange placements, you can take advantage of the many external relationships held by the University.

Learn from leading academics

You will be taught by a team of leading academics and legal professionals. Your teachers combine their knowledge, research findings and professional experience to deliver contemporary lessons that are relevant to legal practice.

Our academics receive national commendations for their dedication to teaching and learning.

In 2008, Katherine Lindsay, Senior Lecturer and Director of Curriculum in the Law School, was awarded the ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning for her efforts with first year students. In 2009 she was also commended with the Australian College of Educators Teachers' Recognition Award.

Dr John Anderson, Senior Lecturer in the Law School, is also a recipient of a number of teaching awards. Most recently, he received the NSW Quality Teaching Award from the Australian College of Educators and NSW Minister for Education, and a Carrick Institute Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.

Gain experience through national competitions

University of Newcastle law students have a competitive reputation and frequently excel in national law competitions. Recent highlights include:

• 2012 - Two students represented Australia in the International Client Counselling Competition in Dublin.
• 2011 - Grand finalists in the ALSA interviewing competition.
• 2008 - Won the prestigious Kirby Cup at the Australian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) conference. The Kirby Cup, named in honour of cup sponsor Justice Michael Kirby, tests your ability to argue a case for law reform based on real issues of social concern.

Become a graduate in demand

Graduating with the Bachelor of Laws (Combined) gives you the skills and knowledge to practice law as a solicitor or a barrister, and is also the springboard to a range of exciting non-legal careers. As a graduate you will have the flexibility to tailor a career path that matches your professional, financial and lifestyle aspirations.

This combined degree will make you highly competitive in the marketplace. Recent data reveals 88.1% of graduates found full-time employment within four months of completing the combined degree - 95% if the Professional Program had been completed.*

You will also receive an excellent general education, giving you an understanding of how society functions, and equipping you with analytical and logical reasoning skills. From the boardroom or political campaign trail, to the journalist’s desk or United Nations headquarters, a law degree from the University of Newcastle can lead you almost anywhere.

Practice as a solicitor

Solicitors are responsible for providing clients with legal advice and expertise. This includes helping clients with legal problems, advising them of their legal rights and obligations, and drafting documents such as contracts, affidavits and other court forms. Solicitors also appear in Court and as advocates to represent their clients and run hearings.

Depending on your employment situation, you may practice across a variety of different areas or choose to specialise in one or two areas. Traditional practice areas include:

• Civil litigation
• Commercial law
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Personal injury
• Property law
• Tax law
• Wills and estates

Our society is governed by laws and regulations. Therefore, it is not surprising that political, social and technological developments often give rise to new legal practice areas. As a solicitor, you can also practice in developing areas such as:

• Computer and internet law
• Climate change law
• Energy and resource law
• Human rights law
• International law
• Sports law

Become a barrister

Instead of becoming a solicitor, you can practice law as a Barrister. Barristers provide clients with expert legal advice and usually specialise in only one or two areas of the law.

Your primary role as a barrister is to be an advocate for your client and to take responsibility for arguing a case before the court. The best barristers have a reputation as being eloquent public speakers, and usually have an excellent understanding of procedure, tactics and the rules of evidence.

As a barrister, you are often involved in more complex legal matters. You may often give advice on the drafting of forms and documents, but are rarely involved in the initial preparatory work of a case.

It is typically a client’s solicitor who will engage a barrister to provide expert counsel, particularly when it is clear that a matter is going to proceed to a hearing.

Many Barristers first practice as solicitors to gain the necessary experience and professional connections before joining the Bar.

Go into private practice

Working in private practice ranges from being an employee, owner or partner in a sole practitioner firm to working in a large, top-tier firm with international offices, dozens of partners and hundreds of employees.

Become a government lawyer

Government lawyers perform a variety of duties depending on the role of the department in which they are employed. For example, lawyers employed by the Department of Defence may have to advise on international and military law. Government lawyers are also involved in research, policy development, law reform and drafting legislation.

Pursue corporate or 'in-house' law

Large corporations employ solicitors to provide legal services tailored exclusively to their business needs. These services may include representation in litigation matters, company law advice, advice on complying with occupational health and safety laws, and drafting contracts and other company documents.

Work in legal aid/ community legal centres

These organisations provide legal services to members of the community who are disadvantaged or who cannot afford to pay for legal advice.

Pursue a non-legal career

The Bachelor of Laws (Combined) not only opens doors to legal professions, it provides you with professional skills and values that are valued by many other industries. Employers generally consider law graduates to be highly intelligent, critical thinkers with excellent work ethics.

As a laws (combined) graduate, you will be highly competitive in the business and corporate sector because of your task management skills, knowledge of corporate law and negotiation skills. Your analytical problem solving skills and critical thinking abilities will also be highly valued.

A law degree also demonstrates a commitment to justice, equality and the rule of law - qualities which are valued by national and international non-governmental organisations, and by government departments and political bodies.

Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice/Bachelor of Laws opens up extensive career opportunities. Whether you use the law aspect of your degree or not, employers will recognise your understanding of how our society functions and your analytical and logical reasoning skills.

If you plan on becoming a lawyer, combining law with Aboriginal Professional Practice will furnish you with an important understanding of Aboriginal affairs. This understanding can be applied across a variety of practice areas, including:

• Anti-discrimination Law
• Child Law
• Constitutional Law
• Criminal Law
• Human Rights Law
• Property Law

This is an excellent degree if you aspire to become an advocate for indigenous rights and will be useful if you wish to work in organisations such as:

• Aboriginal Land Council
• Aboriginal Legal Service
• Department of Community Services
• Department of Aboriginal Affairs
• Legal Aid
• NGOs and Charities
• Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws careers

This combined degree offers extensive career opportunities. Whether you use the law aspect of your degree or not, employers will recognise your analytical and logical reasoning skills and your understanding of how our society functions.

• Government departments
• Private legal practice
• International law and diplomacy
• Social justice
• NGOs and charities
• Politics
• Research and analysis

Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws will give you a competitive edge in a range of legal and business careers, as well as any entrepreneurial enterprises you wish to undertake.

A sound knowledge of business and management will be valuable if you choose to run your own law firm as a sole practitioner, or if you become a managing partner in a larger firm.

The exciting legal careers you could pursue include:

• Corporate law
• Commercial law
• Employment law
• Insurance law
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Occupational health and safety

You will be an attractive candidate for a range of non-legal careers including:

• Administration
• Corporate management
• Human resource management
• Marketing

Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws will give you a competitive edge in a range of legal and commerce careers, as well as any entrepreneurial enterprises you wish to undertake.

A commerce degree allows you to major in either accounting, finance or economics. The commerce/laws combined degree can lead to a range of exciting careers including:

• Banking and finance
• Commercial law
• Corporate law
• Insolvency and reconstruction
• International trade and foreign banking
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Superannuation
• Taxation law

Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws will provide you with a wide range of career opportunities in both the communication and legal sectors.

Legal practice areas include:

• Corporate law
• Intellectual property law
• Media and entertainment law
• Telecommunications law

A law degree will enhance your communications qualifications and make you a competitive candidate for a variety of careers including:

• Corporate management
• Editorial positions
• Investigative journalist
• Policy development

Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws prepares you for a range of exciting and rewarding careers in both law and science. Legal roles that involve science and technology will be particularly well suited to your skill set including:

• Climate change law
• Energy and resources
• Environmental law
• Forensics
• Medical law
• Space law

Additionally, your law degree will give you a competitive edge in a variety of other areas including:

• Government departments
• Law reform and policy development
• Management
• Research and analysis

Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws careers

The Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws gives you the opportunity to become a lawyer, or you can pursue a range of exciting careers using your social science qualifications.

This combined degree is particularly beneficial if you want to practice as a lawyer in areas such as:

• Anti-discrimination law
• Child law
• Criminal law
• Family law
• Human rights law
• Immigration law

In addition to a career as a lawyer, this combined degree will make you a competitive candidate for a variety of other careers including positions in:

• Government departments
• Human resources
• NGOs
• Social and child welfare

[*2009 Australian Graduate Survey]

Meet our achievers