Start Date
February
July

Duration
5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DHLD

SATAC Code
424831 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 90.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,A
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 90.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year of study and graduate industry ready.
  • Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for quality education in Lawand graduate skills in psychology2.
  • 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.
  • Develop 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.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in law, and well above world-class research in psychology3.
  • Gain a well-respected qualification accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Law and Paralegal Studies – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 

Snapshot

AA190220 - pmpCopy.jpgGain a competitive edge by combining law with psychology, and graduate with two degrees in just 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 psychology. This legal expertise, combined with the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from your specialisation, will set you on track for a leadership 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. During the final year of your Law Honours degree, you will also have the opportunity to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP), a compulsory qualification needed to practise as a barrister or solicitor in South Australia. You can use your GDLP qualification towards your law degree study, and shorten your pathway to practice*.

In your psychology studies you will develop an in-depth understanding of human behaviour, social interactions and why people think the way they do. Courses are taught by world-class researchers1 in the field of psychology – in fact, the curriculum is informed by the research of our academics.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

* The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is delivered by arrangement with the College of Law during your final year. Following completion of the GDLP, you can claim 4 course credits towards your law degree, shortening your pathway to practice. 

What you'll learn

P7240096-2_1.jpgThis degree is made up of 40 courses. You will do 24 courses in law and 12 courses in psychology.

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, in addition to practical learning experiences including mooting, negotiation, and witness examination; ensuring you’ll be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.

Psychology

In your psychology studies, you will develop a strong theoretical knowledge in the field as well as practical skills such as problem-solving, planning, judgement and decision-making. 

Through your choice of electives you can expand your knowledge in areas 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.

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
Torts LAWS 1032 4.5
Psychology 1A BEHL 1003 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
Psychology 1B BEHL 1004 4.5
Contracts LAWS 1029 4.5
Intercultural Communication, Interviewing and Negotiation LAWS 1025 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Criminal Law and Procedure LAWS 2030 4.5
Constitutional Law LAWS 2008 4.5
Lawyering and Leadership LAWS 1031 4.5
Developmental Psychology BEHL 3011 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Administrative Law LAWS 3006 4.5
International Law and Environmental Justice LAWS 2040 4.5
Community Justice Project LAWS 1028 4.5
Introductory Research Methods BEHL 2005 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Cognitive Psychology BEHL 3002 4.5
Personality Psychology BEHL 3024 4.5
Property Law LAWS 2038 4.5
Law Elective 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Legal Analytics and Research LAWS 2041 4.5
Social and Community Psychology BEHL 2006 4.5
Biological and Learning Psychology BEHL 2012 4.5
Clinical and Abnormal Psychology BEHL 3004 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Specialist Psychology Course 1 4.5 Note(s): 4
Specialist Psychology Course 2 4.5 Note(s): 4
Corporate Law LAWS 4022 4.5 Note(s): 3
Lawyers, Ethics and Society LAWS 4006 4.5 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Evidence LAWS 4003 4.5 Note(s): 3
Equity and Trusts LAWS 3084 4.5 Note(s): 3
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 3
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 3
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Civil Dispute Resolution LAWS 3087 4.5
Specialist Psychology Course 3 4.5 Note(s): 4
Capstone Law Elective 9 Note(s): 3
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 18 Rule(s): 5,6
OR
Research Methodologies and Methods SOCU 4006 9 Rule(s): 4
Honours Thesis 1 LANG 4010 9 Rule(s): 4

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 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 approximately 12 hours per week for classes and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

UniSA_Law-23 copy.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

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

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.

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 Psychology

0001_Michael.Mullan_7.11.13.jpgWith 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 graduate with professional honours and be ready to practise law, having completed your GDLP in your final year of study. 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.

Your psychology courses are taught by world-class researchers in the field of psychology – in fact, the curriculum is informed by the research of our academics.


You will develop an in-depth understanding of human behaviour, social interactions and why people think the way they do, as well as gain practical skills such as problem solving, planning, judgement and decision-making. 

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 our students placement, project, research and work opportunities. You can also choose to incorporate local or national internships and clerkships into your degree.

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 focuses on developing your practical skills and identifying opportunities for you to connect with industry beyond the classroom, which will ensure you graduate career-ready.

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

  • Arbitrator/Mediator: facilitating negotiation and settlement between disputing parties by providing direction and encouragement; working collaboratively with the parties and finding creative ways to reach a mutual solution.
  • Crime prevention specialist: working closely with/within government departments and agencies to reduce crime, enforce the law and maintain criminal justice.
  • Forensic psychologist (with further study): collecting and reporting evidence of a psychological nature for use in legal and criminal justice proceedings; undertaking psychological assessments, diagnoses and interventions; evaluating programs and conducting interviews.
  • Human resources manager: designing, organising and implementing human resources strategies, policies and programs; overseeing recruitment, performance management, and learning and development.
  • Learning and development officer: liaising with managers and interviewing employees to identify and assess training and development needs; delivering and overseeing training; monitoring progress made through training programs; designing training programs.
  • Policy analyst: analysing policies and their effects to provide advice and guidance to governments and organisations; offering strategic policy and planning advice on programs and operations; reviewing, developing, and implementing policies and strategies.
  • Project manager: ensuring projects are delivered on time and according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting; managing vendors and suppliers; managing budgets.
  • 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, in-house counsel and more, or undertake further study towards becoming a registered psychologist or research psychologist. 

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.

This program is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

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

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian

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

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree. You could consider the Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies).

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

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

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. 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 loads 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

Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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

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

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

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs

What others are saying

I chose to study at UniSA because of the sense of community that I felt when I stepped foot on campus at Open Day. I met several academics within the law school who were not only incredibly welcoming, but I could sense their passion about teaching and learning. UniSA has a focus on the student experience, particularly within the law school.

Courtney Dolphin

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Psychological Science
Solicitor | Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement

UNI_SA_TESTIMONIAL_PORTRAITS_0007_WEB_RES_.jpg

Courtney Dolphin

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Psychological Science
Solicitor | Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in law but I think having an additional degree is a way to differentiate yourself from other law graduates. It also provides flexibility if you decide to change your mind about the career path you want to take. I’ve developed strong advocacy and research skills in my law degree. I believe these skills, in combination with my psychology degree, will enable me to consult with clients and find solutions for them.

Ella Cameron

UniSA Laws and Psychology graduate
Solicitor | Resolve Divorce

PA190975 - Copy_1.jpg

Ella Cameron

UniSA Laws and Psychology graduate
Solicitor | Resolve Divorce