Bachelor of Communication/Bachelor of Laws

Within this combined degree program, students study a combination of Bachelor of Communication and Bachelor of Laws courses over a period of five years full-time. On completion of the first three years students will have completed all the courses required for the Bachelor of Communications 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 practice law in NSW, and also become specialists in a field of Communication. However, students must also complete postgraduate professional training approved by the Legal Profession Admission Board to practice as a solicitor. Alternatively, students completing this degree may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice Program - see separate handbook entry - 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 Communications.

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. Their skills and knowledge in Communications will be applicable to broadcasting, corporate communications, marketing and public relations, journalism and education. Graduates may also secure employment in legal branches of large corporate organisations. For further career information see: http://newcastle.edu.au//students/degrees-to-careers/

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.

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.

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.

There will be a requirement for a minimum 7.0 IELTS result (with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent.

Student with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability support Service before semester 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 Science and Information Technology and the Faculty of Business and Law regarding their academic program.