Start date
February
July

Duration
5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DHLD

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 36,100 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2024

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [7.0]
  • IELTS reading [7.0]
  • IELTS writing [7.0]
  • IELTS speaking [7.0]
  • IELTS listening [7.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
098293E

Degree overview

  • Study at a university ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in Law1.
  • Study at a university ranked No.1 in South Australia for student satisfaction in the Humanities2.
  • Gain a competitive edge with expertise in two fields and graduate with two degrees in just 5 years.
  • Study a law degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
  • Develop an advanced understanding of key legal principles, processes and methods with a professional law honours degree.
  • Explore the global contexts of politics and history including understanding Australia’s role domestically and within the broader currents of regional and global politics.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an optional internship or student exchange opportunity.
  • Experience our on-campus moot court and learn what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge.
  • Participate in our student-run Legal Advice Clinic and provide advice to clients under the supervision of a managing solicitor.
  • Gain international experience as part of the Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program or stay local and take part in the Professional Experience Program.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Law3.
  • Experience a university ranked No. 1 in South Australia for law campus facilities4 and resources5.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Law and Paralegal Studies – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22, Humanities, Culture and Social Sciences – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Ranked #4, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Law and Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate). Public universities. 5Ranked #4, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Law and Paralegal Studies – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities.

Snapshot

0001_Michael.Mullan_7.11.13.jpgGain a competitive edge by combining law with history and global politics, and graduate with two degrees in 5 years. 

A double degree expands your knowledge and opens doors to a broad range of career opportunities.

You will graduate with professional honours, an advanced understanding of legal principles of Australian law and the latest legal concepts in history and global politics. This legal expertise, combined with the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from your arts specialisation, will set you on track for a rewarding career.

In your law studies you can undertake a Community Justice Project, practice advocacy and negotiation, or gain industry experience through participation in our Legal Advice Clinic or a professional placement. You’ll also be involved in mock-trials in our moot court, learning what it’s like to act as an advocate and argue a case before a judge. 

In your arts studies you will explore the global contexts of politics and history which includes Australia’s role domestically, and within the broader currents, of regional and global politics. The expertise you gain in your arts major, in addition to your law studies, will further improve your employment prospects. Our lecturers are world-class researchers1 and under their guidance you will also develop strong skills in analysis, advanced writing, communication, and research and problem solving.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 

What you'll learn

AA190274.jpgThis degree is made up of 40 courses. You will do 24 courses in law and 12 courses in arts. 

Laws (Honours)

As a UniSA Law student, you’ll gain valuable skills from day one, including in reasoning, reporting, analysis, negotiation, communication and advocacy. You will also experience what it's like to argue a case and provide legal advice.

Throughout your degree you will study core courses that teach you the fundamental legal concepts that underpin the Australian legal system. Courses such as torts, contracts, criminal law and constitutional law will give you a good understanding of basic legal principles.

Our Law program also features courses that build your leadership skills, intercultural communication, project management and capacity for community engagement.


You will have the opportunity to complete your GDLP in your final year of study and practical learning experiences, including mooting, negotiation, and witness examination. You will also engage in a Community Justice project, high-level research or an industry placement, ensuring you’ll be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.

Arts (History and Global Politics)

The History and Global Politics major will illuminate the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you analyse and predict events in our contemporary world. You will study areas such as:

  • Framing international politics through film and documentaries
  • Global aid and development
  • The politics of environmental change in Australia and Asia
  • World history trends and transformations
  • Australia in the Asian Century
  • Marginalisation in world affairs
  • Power and resistance
  • The US in world affairs

Through your choice of electives you can expand your knowledge in an area of professional interest such as health law, sports law, family law and human rights law.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Law, Governance and Citizenship LAWS 1030 4.5
Lawyering and Leadership LAWS 1031 4.5
Torts LAWS 1032 4.5
Common Law in Context LAWS 1027 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Legal Policy, Lawmaking and Justice LAWS 1020 4.5
Community Justice Project LAWS 1028 4.5
Contracts LAWS 1029 4.5
Intercultural Communication, Interviewing and Negotiation LAWS 1025 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 2)
Criminal Law and Procedure LAWS 2030 4.5
Constitutional Law LAWS 2008 4.5
Arts Minor, Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 2,5
Global Politics and Development POLI 1020 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Arts Minor, Course 2 4.5 Note(s): 2,5
International Law and Environmental Justice LAWS 2040 4.5
World History Trends and Transformations HUMS 1055 4.5
Framing the International: Representations of Global Politics POLI 2030 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
The Politics of Environmental Change in Australia and Asia POLI 2031 4.5
Arts Minor, Course 3 4.5 Note(s): 2,5
Property Law LAWS 2038 4.5
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Legal Analytics and Research LAWS 2041 4.5
Administrative Law LAWS 3006 4.5
United States History and Cultural Identities HUMS 3055 4.5
Villains, Victims and Outsiders: Marginalisation in World Affairs POLI 3019 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Arts Minor, Course 4 4.5
Global Power in the Indo-Pacific Region POLI 2032 4.5
Power and Resistance: 1900 - Present HUMS 3049 4.5
Lawyers, Ethics and Society LAWS 4006 4.5 Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Evidence LAWS 4003 4.5 Note(s): 4
Equity and Trusts LAWS 3084 4.5 Note(s): 4
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Civil Dispute Resolution LAWS 3087 4.5
Corporate Law LAWS 4022 4.5 Note(s): 4
Capstone Law Elective 9 Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 18 Rule(s): 4,5
OR
Research Methodologies and Methods SOCU 4006 9 Rule(s): 3
Honours Thesis 1 LANG 4010 9 Rule(s): 3

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. In addition, you will need hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). As a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate about 12 hours per week for classes and 14 – 28 hours per week for independent study. 

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy_2.jpgYour studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • essays and research papers
  • assignments and in-class tests
  • examinations
  • various law moots
  • industry-relevant, research-based projects
  • practical, team-based projects

Global opportunities

Our strong connections with prestigious universities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas open up doors to new possibilities and experiences, giving you the opportunity to undertake international exchanges and study tours. Travelling and studying with leading academic staff and your peers is a wonderful opportunity to develop first-hand knowledge of the international business environment. You’ll find the experience invaluable for your personal and professional development, giving you a global perspective.

UniSA has links with universities worldwide. You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests. Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Once you are a current student, you will be able to explore various study tours and exchanges and take advantage of Student Mobility Grants to make going on an overseas exchange or study tour achievable.

Global opportunities

Research

Our research in the area of law is recognised as world-class1. We are committed to research that changes the profession. Our law researchers make an impact on the content, practice, administration and development of the law and legal education.

UniSA’s high-quality research shapes the thinking of society, government and the legal profession. Our specialists examine both future and emerging legal challenges and topical issues, and have extensive industry connections and experience. Research areas of focus at UniSA are:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law: researching corporate governance, competition and consumer law, and Chinese commercial law
  • Environmental and Natural Resources Law: exploring water law, climate change and environmental regulation, and the conservation of scarce resources
  • Criminal Law and Sentencing: investigating societal issues including juries and sentencing, policing and security, digital identity and cybercrime
  • Public Law and Human Rights: leading the way in research into Indigenous law, constitutional law, judicial power, children’s rights in family law proceedings, and the rights of older people

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Arts (History and Global Politics)

Case_Study_26 copy - Copy.jpg

With our law research recognised as world-class1, you’ll be taught by industry experts. Learn from those at the forefront of the legal profession with our teaching staff committed to developing not only your knowledge, but also your confidence. 

You will have an advanced understanding of legal principles and methods from participating in a Community Justice Project, undertaking a professional placement, or participating in our Legal Advice Clinic, solving the legal problems of clients under the guidance of a managing solicitor.

In your arts studies you can benefit from our on-campus facilities including the industry standard digital radio and TV studios, Hartley Playhouse and the Multimedia Languages Lab. 

More ways to study

Our study options and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from two study intakes, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities, as well as accelerated learning pathways.

You can also join our active student community with the UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, and hosts a variety of social and networking events.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

Become a global citizen with our overseas exchange program. We have more than 60 partner universities worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year. We collaborate with over 2,500 companies worldwide to bring you placement, project, research and work opportunities. You can also choose to incorporate local or national internships and clerkships into your degree.

Gain industry connections and valuable work experience by taking part in the Hawke Professional Experience Program.

We also host regular university-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This could be you

At UniSA you'll learn practical, industry-ready skills to future-proof your career. Hear from our graduates Murtaza and Aria and find out where a UniSA law degree could take you.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching, focus on developing your practical skills and opportunities to connect with industry beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

You will hold a desired skillset for a diverse range of careers including:

  • Diplomat: an official appointed by a country to conduct diplomacy with one or more other countries or international organisations
  • Foreign correspondent: gathering and analysing events of international importance, and preparing reports for public release
  • Foreign policy adviser: researching issues such as trade, energy and human rights, and providing the government with findings to inform decision-making
  • International relations specialist: providing high level policy advice on current legislation and coordinating policy projects of national and international scale
  • Solicitor:
    Commercial Solicitor: focusing on business-specific legal practice such as: corporate, contract, competition, communications, commercial property, finance, employment, intellectual property, transport, sports and media law
    Personal Solicitor: focusing on areas such as personal injury, family and tort law, criminal litigation, succession and inheritance, residential property, taxation and trusts
  • Barrister: advocacy, litigation and dispute resolution, preparing matters for trial.

You can also consider other legal careers such as lawyer, judge's associate, mediator and more. 

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program covers in a comprehensive way the academic requirements for admission to practice as specified by the national Law Admissions Consultative Committee and applied in South Australia by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council. In addition to the academic requirements of the program, students seeking admission to practice are required to complete an approved practical legal training (PLT) program. Students seeking admission to practice in other Australian jurisdictions should apply to the appropriate admitting authority.

Admission to practise

If you wish to seek admission to practise law in South Australia you must satisfy a number of specified course requirements in your degree, followed by the completion of Practical Legal Training.

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

Employment for Solicitors is expected to increase by 21 per cent by November 20261.

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

Opportunities for legal professionals are becoming more diverse, with a 61% increase in the number of lawyers working in corporate and government sectors.

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

job-listings

The legal profession in Australia is growing, with practising solicitors increasing by 33% over the past seven years.

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

How to apply

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

Alternative Pathways

Australian

There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

UniSA law students can join our active UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) and benefit from a like-minded community while participating in a variety of social and networking events.

Student services

Student services

International Student Services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help we will be there to assist. Support services include: 

  • careers advice
  • help with student visas and health cover
  • personal counselling
  • academic counselling
  • fees and finance help
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • services offered through our student association, USASA
  • accommodation services

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers. You can work with them face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies. They also offer help with the English language.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

The creation of law through judgments handed down by judges over centuries makes law one of the most significant and profound intellectual achievements of our society. Law speaks to the human condition. It cements core values – integrity, loyalty, perseverance and compassion. And it has never been needed as much it is needed today. I believe that this philosophy, which is integral to the law program at UniSA, equips you with the skills, passion and commitment to excel in your future careers – the legal profession, government, business, community enterprise and postgraduate study.

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

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Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson
Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

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What others are saying

"I decided to combine my studies in law because of my interests. To further expand my studies, I travelled overseas and undertook a program at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. The program benefited my studies by adding a global perspective, allowing me to understand international law and human rights from a UN and EU perspective."

Philippa Jones

Laws Double Degree
Lawyer, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc

Law and Arts student, Philippa Jones

Philippa Jones

Laws Double Degree
Lawyer, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc

"UniSA embraces modern learning styles, provides exposure to professional development opportunities and integrates real-world projects into the classroom. I was also able to complete an internship overseas with the United Nations, working on the Khmer Rouge Trials. This diverse learning experience will help me pursue a career in international law."

Lachlan Merrigan

Laws Double Degree
Assistant Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Lachlan_Merrigan.jpg

Lachlan Merrigan

Laws Double Degree
Assistant Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade