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This double degree will enable you to be multi-skilled in communications and law, giving you increased marketability across diverse career paths. The Bachelor of Communication encompasses a wide range of subjects in the field of communication and media. Teaching includes both theory and practice with reference to real world contexts highlighting future career opportunities in a convergent digital media world.
The Bachelor of Laws program satisfies the academic degree requirements for admission to practice as an Australian lawyer. Students will engage in collaborative face-to-face problem and case-based learning, will be supported by online learning materials, and will participate in authentic assessment to develop knowledge and skills.
Study options
FULL TIME
5 years
PART TIME
10 years
Start times
Autumn
March
(2024)
Spring
July
(2024)
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At Western, we care how you do in all aspects of your life. We believe your future is unlimited and together the possibilities are endless.
As the uni named number one in the world two years in a row – 2022 and 2023 for our social, economic and environmental impact in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, apply today to discover your unlimited potential and start at Western in 2024.
Communication and Laws at Western
In the Bachelor of Communication, through classwork, independent study and engagement with the multicultural nature of our communities, students develop an understanding of the local and international relevance of their chosen studies, with opportunities to develop and produce a range of media outcomes as applied research and professional projects throughout their studies. Through self-directed, team-based and problem-based learning strategies requiring active participation in the community and professional contexts, graduates learn to reflect and value ethical and intellectual conduct as well as respect for diversity and social justice principles.
The Bachelor of Laws provides students with a broad progressive legal education with a strong practical orientation to the law. Students develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration, self-management, and ethical and professional awareness and judgement. Students will also develop skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, and legal technology and extend their professional and learning experiences through work integrated learning, clinical placement and international exchange engagements.
The Bachelor of Laws provides you with professional skills including: the ability to analyse legal material and understand fundamental legal principles; an understanding of the relationship between law and society; the skills to analyse and solve legal and non-legal problems and specialised study into the Australian legal system.
The Bachelor of Communication encompasses a wide range of subjects in the field of communication and media with a core program of media studies, practices and theory, and specialised major sequences in advertising, journalism, public relations and media arts production.
Professional accreditation
Our graduates from the Bachelor of Laws are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice in NSW after undertaking prescribed practical legal training.
The Bachelor of Communication is accredited with the International Advertising Association (IAA), the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and the Media Federation of Australia (MFA).
Program structure
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
The Advertising major gives students a thorough grounding in general principles of communication as well as practical skills in advertising.
The major offers a balance of advertising theory and practice and focuses on real, project-based outcomes.
Areas of study include advertising strategy, advertising creative and art direction, client and account management, digital and social media contexts, advertising campaigns.
The Journalism major combines an understanding of how the news media work with practical experience in broadcast, print and online journalism.
Students develop journalism skills suitable for newspapers, magazines, internet, radio and TV, corporate and community media.
The major in Media Arts Production is designed to provide students with production skills, complete with practical hands-on experience together with a theoretical foundation in the moving, visual media.
From 2017 this specialisation is available on Parramatta campus only.
The Public Relations major covers the skills and knowledge required in the profession of public relations, including event management, issues and crisis management and campaign development.
The major focuses on the role of the public relations practitioner or adviser and provides a theoretical framework of the industry. Students engage with both theory and practical projects and complete an internship placement.
Fees and delivery
Fees: Varies depending on subjects selected. View available subjects in our handbook.
For further information on University fees, please visit Fees and University Costs.
Delivery: On campus
Fees: AUD $32,344*
Delivery: On campus
Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
Your career
As a graduate of this double degree, you can look forward to career opportunities in:
- Courts and Legal Advice
- Advertising
- Human Rights
- State and Federal Public Services
- Media and Communications
- Policy development
- Legal Practitioner
Your career
Media Producer
Producers play an integral role in the creative industries. In this role you will oversee each project from conception to completion. There is also opportunites to contribute to the marketing and distribution process.
Solicitor
Solicitors provide legal advice, prepare and draft legal documents, and conduct negotiations on behalf of clients on matters associated with the law.
Advertising Professional
Advertising Professionals develop and coordinate advertising strategies and campaigns, determine the market for new goods and services, and identify and develop market opportunities for new and existing goods and services.
Barrister
Barristers receive briefs and verbal instructions concerning cases from Solicitors, other specialist Legal Professionals and clients to plead cases before civil, criminal and industrial courts and other tribunals.
Journalist
Journalists research and compile news stories, write and edit news reports, commentaries and feature stories for presentation in print and electronic media, and compose written material to advertise goods and services.
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Apply now and start your unlimited journey.
*The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.
** Lowest Selection Rank
