Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
This degree is part of the Year 12 Subject Spotlight Early Offer Program
Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
For additional information about this degree you can refer to the pages for the corresponding single degrees:
Bachelor of Social Science, and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) Combined
Program handbook
Description
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.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Demonstrate the capacity to provide professional advice, based on specialised knowledge of law and its application in diverse contexts, to employers, government and individual clients.
Details
| Information correct as at | 24 Jul 2021 3:41 am | ||||||
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| Program code | 12341 | ||||||
| AQF level | Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree | ||||||
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| Term type | Semesters | ||||||
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| CRICOS Code | 043947D |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
There are a number of ways to gain entry to the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle. Students may be considered for admission on the basis of:
1.1.1. NSW HSC or equivalent - irrespective of age of qualification;
1.1.2. Completed or partly completed higher education studies;
1.1.3. TAFE qualifications;
1.1.4. Overseas qualifications equivalent to Australian studies (International);
1.1.5 A University approved special admission adjustment scheme:
i. Educational Access Scheme (EAS); and
ii. Regional and Rural Adjustment Scheme.
1.1.6. A University approved special admission scheme:
i. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Scheme;
ii. Elite Athletes Admission Scheme;
iii. Special Circumstances Admission Scheme; and
iv. Guaranteed Entry Admission Scheme.
Minimum English language proficiency requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
There is a requirement for a minimum 7.0 IELTS result (with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent.
Credit transfer
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, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
400 units
Program duration
5 years full-time.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
The Bachelor of Social Science/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is undertaken over five years of full-time study. To satisfy the requirements of both degrees, students must comply with the specific requirements detailed in this section, and in the Bachelor of Social Science and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) handbook entries.
To meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Social Science within the combined degree program, students must complete 80 units of Approved Core Courses plus one Approved Social Science major comprising of compulsory and directed courses from one area as follows: 20 units at 1000 level (including all 1000 level compulsory courses); 20 units at 2000 level (incl. all 2000 level compulsory courses); 40 units at 3000 level (incl. all compulsory courses). Students will need to choose courses in their first year of study that will contribute to their major. For information on majors available within the Bachelor of Social Science please refer to the Bachelor of Social Science online program handbook: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-social-science-laws-honours
Please note combined Law students receive an exemption from LEGL1001 in the Bachelor of Social Science (Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations major) as LAWS1010 count towards the major. Students in this major will need to study an additional course in the Bachelor of Social Science to meet the requirements of the program.
Credit towards the Bachelor of Social Science degree is granted for the 80 units of Bachelor of Laws (Honours) courses taken in the first three years, taking the total Bachelor of Social Science units to 240. Thus, on successful completion of the first three years of the combined degree program outlined you will have completed all the required courses for the Bachelor of Social Science degree.
To meet the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree you must complete 240 units as listed. The final two years of the combined degree program studies LAWS courses only.
Program plans
Download a program plan for further details on what you will study. Please refer to the program plan for the year that you commenced or transitioned into this program.
- B Social Science B Laws (Hons) 2018-2020 210.0 KB
- B Social Science B Laws (Hons) 2021 229.1 KB
Transition arrangements
Changes to Law Core Courses - 2020
From 2020, the following Law core courses have been replaced as listed below:
- LAWS1001A and B replaced with LAWS1010 legal System and Method I and LAWS1020 Torts I
- LAWS2001A and B replaced with LAWS2030 Criminal Law and Procedure and LAWS4001 Consitutional Law
- LAWS3001A and B replaced with LAWS3040 Contracts I and LAWS3041 Contracts I
Important Information for Students who commenced in this program prior to 2021
This program was revised in 2020 for 2021 implementation. Students should refer to both the Bachelor of Laws (Hons) Transition Arrangements and Bachelor of Social Science Transition Arrangements.
Changes to Law Directed Courses - 2021
Some 5000 Level LAWS Directed courses have been replaced with 6000 Level LAWS Directed courses in 2021. All 5000 and 6000 Level LAWS Directed courses completed prior to 2021 will continue to count toward completion of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program.
Program structure
Students are advised to read their program handbook information in conjunction with the program plans for course sequence/enrolment advice. Please refer to the Program Plan for the year that you commenced, or transitioned into, this program - Program Plans are available above.
Advanced course filters
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Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS1010 | Legal System and Method I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1011 | Legal System and Method II |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1020 | Torts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1021 | Torts II |
| 10 units |
| SOCA1010 | Society and Culture: A Sociological Introduction |
| 10 units |
| SOCS1100 | Professional Practice and Key Debates in Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| LAWS2030 | Criminal Law and Procedure |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2100 | Organisational Management and Social Behaviour |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2200 | Social Analysis: Key Perspectives in the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2300 | Ethical Debates in the Social Sciences |
| 10 units |
| SOCS2400 | Applied Social Research |
| 10 units |
| LAWS3040 | Contracts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS3041 | Contracts II |
| 10 units |
| SOCS3100 | Policy Development, Program Management and Evaluation |
| 10 units |
| SOCS3200 | Applied Social Research Project |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4001 | Constitutional Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4002 | Administrative Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4003 | Civil Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4004 | Evidence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4005 | Company Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4007 | Professional Conduct |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4010 | Equity and Trusts |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4011 | Property |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4012 | Public International Law |
| 10 units |
Directed Courses - Law
Choose 80 units from the following directed courses | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAWS5010 | Environmental Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5013 | Health Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5016 | Law Review |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5017 | Legal History | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5028 | Competitive Mooting | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5032 | Alternative Dispute Resolution | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5033 | Native Title Law and Practice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5034 | Crime and Australian Society | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5036 | International Clinical Legal Externship | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5039 | Internet Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5040 | Financial Services Regulation | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5041 | Mining Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5043 | International Study Experience | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6016 | Taxation Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6017 | Family Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6018 | Commercial Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6019 | International Human Rights Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6021 | Advanced Criminal Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6023 | Jurisprudence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6024 | Employment Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6029 | Social Justice/Public Interest Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6035 | Competition Law and Policy | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6037 | International Environment Law and Policy |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6038 | Law and Economics of Climate Change | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6043 | Advanced Legal Research Project |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6050 | Commercial Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6085 | International Trade Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6086 | Intellectual Property Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6091 | Special Interest Topic |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6094 | Indigenous Peoples, Issues and the Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6095 | Law and Religion | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6096 | Child Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6098 | Equal Opportunity Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6099 | Sport and the Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6100 | Workplace Health and Safety Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6103 | International Arbitration |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6106 | Advanced Communication Skills | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6116 | Legal Innovation and Design | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Honours
Honours is embedded in the Law component of this program. All students who successfully complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Students who excel in their studies will have access to graded Honours, which will be calculated according to the University's policy. The policy is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000990.html . See Program Convenor for further information regarding eligibility for Graded Honours.
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.
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).
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.
International students
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 our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
Additional support
AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the Faculty or School to ensure that this happens 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 medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.