Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws

Within this combined degree program, students study a combination of Social Science and Law courses over a period of five years full-time. On completion of the first three years students will have completed all the required courses for the Bachelor of Social Science degree. In the final two years of the combined degree program students complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws and may enrol in these two years on a less than full time basis.

Students completing this combined degree meet the academic requirement to practise law in NSW, and acquire skills and knowledge through their social science studies. Social Science is especially concerned with theories about life cycle, gender, class, race, work, social justice and social organisation. Its theories are the result of systematic thinking, observation and reflection. Social Science theory and research seek to contribute to the political and moral debates in society, rather than attempting to dictate precise solutions to social problems. Students wishing to practise Law must also complete postgraduate professional training approved by the Legal Profession Admission Board. Alternatively, students completing this degree may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice program which allows immediate admission to legal practice on graduation.

Commencement in this program is only available in Semester 1. Due to timetabling issues this program is not available for a Semester 2 commencement.

Career opportunities are greatly enhanced by the completion of a combined degree program. Graduates have career options which are open to law graduates as well as those open to graduates of social science.

Some graduates may pursue careers in the area of their social science major or in teaching and social research for government bodies. Graduates of the welfare specialisation may find work with a variety of government and private welfare agencies. For those graduates who do not practise law, their qualifications provide an understanding of how our society functions, and foster skills of analytical and logical reasoning and will enhance their employment opportunities in areas of business, government and administration. Graduates may also secure employment in legal branches of large corporate organisations.

For more career information see: http://newcastle.edu.au//students/degrees-to-careers/

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Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

You may also be eligible to receive bonus points if you will be receiving an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/domestic-students/options-for-entry/bonus-points.html to see if you are eligible.

There is no assumed knowledge required for entry into this combined degree.

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program go to https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/catso/pages/credittransferhome.aspx to apply online.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. There is a minimum of 7.0 IELTS result (with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent. All International students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Student with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester commences or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School Officers will work together to ensure reasonable adjustments are provided in a timely manner. Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medial condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.

Students in combined degree programs are advised to consult with the relevant Program Officers for the Faculty of Education and Arts and the Faculty of Business and Law regarding their academic program.

Psychology Studies Major:

This major is for students with a general interest in Psychology and for those who see Psychology as complementary to their studies in Social Science. It is not accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).