Where law and science intertwine.
Graduate after five years with two degrees and gain practical legal and scientific skills. You’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of science majors such as biology, biotechnology, chemistry, ecology, food and biosecurity, mathematics.
- 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.
Graduate after five years with two degrees and gain practical legal and scientific skills. You’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of science majors such as biology, biotechnology, chemistry, ecology, food and biosecurity, mathematics.
You will cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. You will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical skills right from your first year. For example, you will observe volunteer lawyers conducting client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
You will 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. You can further develop your skills by working with Legal Service clients under legal supervision in law professional practice, or undertake a legal internship.
This diverse double degree is designed to nurture your problem-solving and analytical skills and rewards attention to detail. If you have a passion for science and aspire to a career outside the laboratory, open up opportunities to work as a legal practitioner, patent attorney, scientist or government legal officer.
Law Honours is available, usually without extending the time required to complete your degree.
Majors
Science majors: Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology; Food and Biosecurity; Mathematics.
Career opportunities
This double degree program develops skills applicable to many areas of employment including as a solicitor, barrister, patent attorney, government legal officer, scientist or others depending on the science major studied.
Registration
The degree is an approved academic qualification for admission to the legal profession. Graduates must undertake a further period of practical legal training before being admitted as a legal practitioner.
Program structure
Law courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
COR109 International Justice and Human Rights
LAW101 Communication and Thought
LAW102 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW103 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW104 Criminal Law and Procedure A
Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units
14 required courses (168 units):
LAW201 Criminal Law and Procedure B
LAW202 Torts A
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
LAW414
LAW415
LAW416
LAW417
LAW418
LAW419
LAW420
The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into Honours in Law:
LAW440
LAW441
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.
Science courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
LFS100
SCI102
SCI105
SCI110
SCI113
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH100 Δ
MTH103 Δ
MTH104 Δ
Major courses (8) 96 units
Elective course (1) 12 units
Select 1 elective course (12 units) from the School of Education, School of Health and Sport Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine or School of Science and Engineering.
Δ Refer to Program Notes
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Recommended study sequences
- Animal Ecology Major Study Plan
- Biology Major Study Plan
- Biomedical Science Major Study Plan
- Biotechnology Major Study Plan
- Chemistry Major Study Plan
- Clinical Measurements Major Study Plan
- Environmental Science Major Study Plan
- Geography Major Study Plan
- Mathematics Major Study Plan
- Public Health Major Study Plan
- Sustainability Major Study Plan
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 2 commencement (February)
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses (180 units) in total, including the core course
- For students wishing to complete Honours in Law, they must complete a minimum of 2 Law elective courses (24 units) at a 400 coded level
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points 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 the academic calendar dates
- MTH103 and MTH104 assumes you have successfully completed a Years 11-12 mathematics subject (or equivalent) and preferably at least Mathematics B. Should you wish to proceed to 200 or 300 coded mathematics courses, you would first need to successfully complete MTH103 and MTH104 to meet prerequisite requirements. MTH100 does not meet the prerequisite necessary to enrol in developing and graduate level mathematics courses.
- 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
- 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
- Honours in Law available for high performing students
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Δ MTH100 not being offered in 2019