Why study social science/laws at UoN?

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

Why choose a combined degree?

Studying Laws (Combined) will see you obtain two sought after degrees in the shortest possible time. Read 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). Read more ...

Become a graduate in demand

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. Read more ...

Why study social science/laws at UoN?

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.

Even if you choose not to practice law, a law degree will enhance your social science 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.

Practice as soon as you graduate

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 an 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.

Find out more

For more information, take a took at the:

• Bachelor of Laws
• Bachelor of Social Science

Why choose a combined degree?

Studying Laws (Combined) will see you obtain two sought after degrees in the shortest possible time.

You will be set on the path to becoming a lawyer, whilst also being equipped with another tertiary qualification. Some of the key benefits are detailed below.

Two degrees in less time

You can graduate with the Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws after only five years of full-time study, compared to six years if you completed the degrees separately. This represents a significant time and money saving.

In order to study law at the University of Newcastle, you must complete an undergraduate degree in a separate discipline.

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.

Pursue multiple interests

A combined degree allows you to pursue other academic interests in conjunction with your law degree.

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.

UoN Legal Centre and 'Law on the Beach'

As a Laws (Combined) student, you will help to run the University's own Legal 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. Through the program, you will provide a 'walk up' legal advice service on Newcastle Beach each summer.

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 2008 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

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
• Social and child welfare
• NGOs