Where law and media intersect
Acquire the knowledge and ability for two professions in this double degree. The journalism component produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
Acquire the knowledge and ability for two professions in this double degree. The journalism component produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
In this program you will:
- Develop cutting-edge problem-solving and communication skills to work across a range of media platforms.
- Cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
- Research answers to legal problems, prepare advice, present legal argument, observe court proceedings, and take part in simulated court presentations in our new Moot Court venue.
- Develop your skills by working with Legal Service clients under legal supervision in law professional practice and also complete a journalism internship.
- Have the option to complete Law Honours, usually without extending the time required to complete your degree.
Career opportunities:
- Solicitor
- Government Legal Officer
- Journalist
- Digital communications officer
- Communications officer – corporate or government
- Technical writer
Program structure
Bachelor of Laws courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units
14 required courses (168 units)
LAW201
LAW202
LAW203
LAW204
LAW205
LAW206
LAW301
LAW302
LAW303
LAW304
LAW401
LAW402
LAW403
LAW404
PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:
LAW307
LAW310
LAW311
LAW312
LAW313
LAW315
LAW318
LAW405
LAW406
LAW407
LAW408
LAW409
LAW410
LAW411
LAW412 Engineering Hydrology
LAW414 Reservoir and Stormwater Engineering
LAW415 Design of Wastewater Treatment Systems
LAW416 Design of Water Supply Systems
LAW417 Introduction to Weather and Climate
LAW418 Applied Geospatial Analysis
LAW419 Applied Systems Modelling
LAW420 Chemistry
The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into honours in Law:
LAW440 International Human Rights Law
LAW441 Legal Internship
Please note: Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependent on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator.
Journalism courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
CMN101 Sports Law
CMN106 International Commercial Disputes
CMN130 Employment Law
CMN150 Health Law
COR109 Family Law
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
CMN202 Anti-Discrimination Law
CMN228 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
CMN235 Law Honours Thesis
CMN237 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
CMN240 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends
CMN277 Introduction to Journalism
CMN302 Visual Journalism
CMN305 Communication and Thought
CMN312 Screen Production and Editing
CMN313 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
CMN330 News Writing and Reporting
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 488 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level courses, including core courses
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
- Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependant on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator
- Honours in Law is available for high performing students and approval from the Program Coordinator