Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)/Bachelor of International Relations

The Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)/Bachelor of International Relations at Flinders University is a comprehensive double degree designed for students aiming to develop expertise in both legal practice and the complex field of international relations. Based in Adelaide, this programme blends a rigorous honours-level law curriculum with in-depth knowledge of global politics, organisations, and diplomacy. The law component readies students for admission to legal practice in Australia, cultivating advanced analytical abilities, legal research, and advocacy skills, while the international relations element provides a thorough foundation in international systems, foreign affairs, and cross-cultural communication.

This double degree is usually completed over 5.5 years of full-time study and is structured as a series of units of study, each carrying designated credit points that contribute to the degree requirements. The programme is delivered via semesters and combines core law units with coursework in international relations. As part of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), students undertake a substantial research thesis or capstone project, enabling them to develop independent legal research skills under academic supervision. Professional legal practice training is integrated into the programme, ensuring graduates meet the requirements for legal admission in South Australia and are equipped for real-world legal work.

Students gain critical skills in legal reasoning, case analysis, negotiation, regulatory interpretation, and global policy analysis. Strong emphasis is placed on ethics, professional conduct, and understanding the impact of law in a global context. The addition of the international relations major enables graduates to contextualise legal issues within wider geopolitical frameworks.

The course is well suited to students seeking a dynamic, varied career that may span law, government, diplomacy, policy analysis, or international organisations. Flinders University's links with South Australian legal and international sectors, along with opportunities for work-integrated learning placements where available, further enhance graduate employability. International students must evidence English proficiency at a high level appropriate for legal studies (e.g., IELTS 7.0 or equivalent) and can take advantage of work rights of up to 48 hours per fortnight during studies. After graduating, eligible students can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. For full details, always check the official university page for the latest information.

• Solicitor or barrister (following admission requirements)
• Legal advisor in private, public, or not-for-profit sectors
• Policy analyst in government agencies or international organisations
• Diplomat or international relations officer
• Consultant for multinational corporations or NGOs
• Advocate for human rights or environmental law initiatives
• Researcher or academic in law or international relations

Australian industries hiring graduates include legal practices, government departments, foreign affairs, international development agencies, and research organisations.