Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

This double degree at Western Sydney University pairs criminology with law, and it runs five years full time. You graduate with an honours-level law degree and a criminology degree in one go. The law side covers the subjects you need for admission to legal practice in Australia, contract, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, evidence, property, equity and procedure. The criminology side looks at why crime happens, how it is policed, how courts and corrections work, and how policy gets made. Because it is an honours degree, you also complete a research component, usually a supervised thesis or major research project in your later years.

How the degree is structured

Australian bachelor degrees are built on units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. A full-time year is normally eight units. This double degree runs over five years, so you take a heavier load than a single degree. Teaching is usually split across semesters, with some universities using trimesters. Western Sydney publishes its own calendar, so check the official course page for the exact pattern. Expect core law units in the early years, criminology units alongside them, and more choice later through electives and law options. The final year typically includes the honours research project, which means working with a supervisor, doing your own research, and writing it up.

Work-integrated learning and practical experience

Law and criminology both use placement and practical work. Law students often do a clinical placement or professional experience unit, working with community legal centres, legal aid, or other organisations under supervision. Criminology students may take placements in agencies connected to policing, corrections, youth justice or community programs. These placements are usually assessed and count towards your degree. They also give you referees and examples for job applications. Confirm the placement requirements, hours and locations on the official page, because they can vary.

Skills and who it suits

You will learn to read legislation and case law closely, argue a position, research a legal problem, and write clearly. The criminology side teaches you to evaluate evidence, understand data, and think about how criminal justice policy affects different communities. This degree suits someone who wants to be a lawyer but is also interested in the criminal justice system more broadly, police, courts, corrections, policy, or research. It also suits people who want to work in government or community organisations where legal knowledge and an understanding of crime and justice both matter. The law component is recognised for admission to practice, but you must complete the practical legal training or supervised workplace experience required in your state or territory. Check with the relevant admitting authority. International students should note the English requirement for law is higher than for many other courses, IELTS Academic 7.0 to 7.5 overall is common. The Department of Home Affairs also sets its own English threshold for the Student visa. While studying, a student visa generally allows work of up to 48 hours per fortnight. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register. Always confirm details on the official Western Sydney University course page.

• Solicitor or barrister (after completing practical legal training and admission in your state or territory)
• Legal officer in government departments, regulators or statutory bodies
• Policy officer in justice, policing, corrections, or attorney-general portfolios
• Crime analyst or intelligence analyst in law enforcement or security agencies
• Community legal centre solicitor or advocate
• Corrections officer, parole officer, or youth justice caseworker
• Compliance, investigations, or integrity officer in banking, insurance, or the public sector
• Researcher or policy analyst in criminology, criminal justice, or social policy organisations