Course summary
Examining the criminal mind is a fascinating and revealing journey. In this double degree, you’ll experience the mindsets of criminals, the perspectives of victims and the motivations of people working within the legal process.
The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience required to embark on a career in law, as well as a strong grounding in psychology and psychological theory, providing insights into the workings of the human mind. Through an optional professional placement you can develop networks and gain vital insight into career possibilities.
Graduates may choose to pursue a career in one of the many facets of law, from health, social and disability services to youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education; or you can pursue postgraduate training for registration as a psychologist.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to be eligible to practise as a lawyer.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
5F/10P | Coffs Harbour | 1 |
| Gold Coast | 1, 2 | |
| Lismore | 1, 2 | |
| Online | 1, 2, 3 |
You'll study core units in both law and psychology, and select units from an extensive range of electives to suit your career aspirations.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues Apply knowledge of the scientific method in thinking about problems related to behaviour and mental processes Question claims that arise from myth, stereotype, pseudoscience or untested assumptions and recognise and defend against the major fallacies of human thinking |
| Creativity | Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis, research and evidence to generate appropriate responses to legal problems Demonstrate practical skills in laboratory- based and other psychological research Demonstrate an attitude of critical thinking that includes persistence, open- mindedness, and intellectual engagement Apply psychological concepts, theories, and research findings to solve problems in everyday life and in society |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and sustainability. Use information in an ethical manner (e.g., acknowledge and respect work and intellectual property rights of others through appropriate citations in oral and written communication) Exhibit a scientific attitude in critically thinking about, and learning about, human behaviour, and in creative and pragmatic problem solving Promote evidence-based approaches to understanding and changing human behaviour |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge that includes the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise. Demonstrate an understanding of the international and comparative contexts in which legal issues arise. Acquire an understanding of core topics and describe the basic characteristics of the science of psychology Explain the major themes (e.g., interaction of genetics and environment) and perspectives (e.g., behavioural, evolutionary, sociocultural) of psychology |
| Lifelong learning | Learn and work independently Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and seek and make use of feedback as appropriate, to determine personal and professional development needs and achievements Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal research and practice Demonstrate a capacity for independent learning to sustain personal and professional development in the changing world of the science and practice of psychology Apply psychological principles to promote personal development through self- regulation in setting and achieving career and personal goals; self-assess performance accurately; incorporate feedback for improved performance; and purposefully evaluate the quality of one’s thinking (metacognition) |
| Communication and social skills | Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences Write effectively in a variety of formats (e.g., essays, research proposals, reports) and for a variety of purposes (e.g., informing, arguing) using the appropriate conventions and referencing styles Demonstrate effective oral communication skills in various formats (e.g., debate, group discussion, presentation) and for various purposes |
| Cultural competence | Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice Recognise and respect social, cultural, linguistic, spiritual, and gender diversity Recognise how privilege, power, and oppression may affect prejudice, discrimination, and inequity Reflect on one’s experiences and learn from them in order to identify and articulate one’s personal, sociocultural, and professional values; demonstrate insightful awareness of one’s feelings, motives, and attitudes based on psychological principles |
The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit. They may include research proposals, research essays, reports, oral and written presentations, case studies, online and class participation, and examinations. The weighting of assessment marks between assignments and examinations also varies.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
Attendance at on-campus workshops is a requirement of the Bachelor of Laws for on-campus and online students. The workshops provide students with an opportunity to network, engage in a range of learning experiences and skills required at an LLB level that cannot be taught effectively solely online, and meet key representatives of the legal profession who address issues of contemporary legal practice and professional conduct. For more information, go to law workshops.
Employment opportunities exist as barristers or solicitors; or in law-related areas in private, corporate, or government organisations. There is a range of career opportunities in government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education. Graduates may also pursue further training to become a registered clinical psychologist with career options in health services, education, research and more.
You may can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms or offices to build their practical legal skills and develop their professional networks.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to practise as a lawyer.
Students who intend to practise law outside Australia should refer to the relevant country’s admission body to confirm their admission requirements.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.