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Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

This program is designed for high achieving law students who wish to undertake an extended level of study and research. There is no direct entry into the Honours program. Entry is by application only following completion of at least 160 credit points of Law study and by meeting other specified criteria.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Duration

Full Time: 4 Years (Available Part Time)*

Next Start Date

01 March 2027

Closing Date

Campuses^
Parramatta South Campbelltown
Domestic Student Fees
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Indicative annual fee from $11,885

Additional Information

Program Code: 2849

A law degree for the future

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 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. The program 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 have the opportunity to 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. Students are further supported to broaden their academic interest and to extend their career options by undertaking an additional year of non-law study in an academic area or areas of their own choice.

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Graduates of this program are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice in NSW after undertaking prescribed practical legal training.

Develop your skills in our moot courts. Connect with a network of pre-eminent, respected professionals.

Join one of our immersive programs at the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic and take your legal education beyond the classroom. Work with practicing lawyers and academics to gain practical experience, contribute to real client cases, and reflect on the role of law in advancing justice. You'll enhance your legal skills through research, drafting, and case management, while collaborating with community partners to address current legal issues and make a real impact.

If you have successfully completed one full-time year of study at a recognised university, or completed a diploma, you might be granted Advanced Standing for the eight non-Law electives – reducing the program to three years full-time or six years part-time.

What you can expect to study

The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:

  • Barrister – advocate in courts, tribunals and inquiries, specialising in litigation and dispute resolution.
  • Solicitor – provide legal advice to clients in areas such as commercial law, family law, criminal law, property, employment or intellectual property.
  • Judge's Associate or Judicial Clerk – work directly with judges on complex legal issues and court decisions.
  • Corporate Lawyer – advise major companies on mergers, acquisitions, governance and strategic transactions.
  • International Human Rights Lawyer – work with international organisations, NGOs or governments on human rights, refugee law and humanitarian issues.
  • Diplomat or Foreign Affairs Officer – represent Australia overseas and contribute to international negotiations and policy.
  • Policy Adviser – shape public policy in government, Parliament, think tanks or advocacy organisations.
  • Legislative Drafter – draft legislation, regulations and legal instruments that govern society.
  • Intelligence or National Security Analyst – work on security, cyber threats, counter-terrorism and strategic policy.
  • Environmental Lawyer – assist governments, corporations and communities on climate change, conservation and environmental regulation.
  • Sports Lawyer – advise sporting organisations, clubs, athletes and governing bodies.Entertainment and Media Lawyer – work with musicians, film producers, publishers, streaming services and content creators.
  • Technology and AI Lawyer – advise on emerging issues involving artificial intelligence, data governance, privacy and digital regulation.
  • Public Prosecutor – represent the state in criminal proceedings.
  • Criminal Defence Lawyer – defend the rights of individuals accused of offences.
  • Public Interest Lawyer – advance social justice through legal advocacy and law reform.
  • Academic or Legal Researcher – conduct research, teach at universities and influence law reform.
  • Law Reform Commissioner or Research Officer – help modernise and improve legal systems.
  • Political Adviser – work with ministers, parliamentarians or political parties on legislative and policy issues.
  • United Nations or International Organisation Officer – work on peacebuilding, development, migration or international law.
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Alumni

"Western Sydney University prepared me very well for my career because they had such an emphasis on the practical application of work."

— Aleisha Nair, Bachelor of Laws

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements

This program is designed for students in the Bachelor of Laws program who wish to undertake Honours.

Students must meet all of the following criteria for admission:

  • Completion of at least 160 credit points of law study (or 140 credit points if two Summer subjects are undertaken)
  • Demonstration of the likelihood of graduating with an Honours Weighted Average Mark (HWAM) of at least 70 at the time of graduation or an Admission Average Mark (AAM) of at least 70 at the time of admission to the Honours program.

Refer to Honours page for details.

Special Requirements Prerequisites

Students enrolling in these subjects may need to have a National Police Check and consent or prohibited employment declarations as they may be conducting their placement in circumstances where they work with minors. This would be managed on an as needs basis:

  • LAWS 3074 Judicial Internship
  • LAWS 4017 Access to Justice Clinic
  • LAWS 3077 Legal Internship
  • LAWS 4012 First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic
  • LAWS 3080 Street Law Clinic
  • JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System (corrective services field trip requirement) also records and identity check.

The following subjects require a visa for the relevant country and the ability to travel at specified time:

  • LAWS 3024 Foundations of Chinese Law
  • LAWS 3025 Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India 
  • LAWS 3078 Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan

Please consult the handbook for more information.

B Psychological and Social Sciences

Entry requirements for international students

**The Part-time option is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.

Applicants who have undertaken studies overseas may have to provide proof of proficiency in English. Local applicants who are applying through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) will find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on the UAC website. Local applicants applying directly to the University should also use the information provided on the UAC website.

International students currently completing an Australian Year 12 in or outside Australia, an International Baccalaureate in Australia or a New Zealand National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) level 3 must apply via UAC International.

All other International applicants must apply directly to the University via the International Office.  

International students applying to the University through the International Office can find details of minimum English proficiency requirements and acceptable proof on their website.

Overseas qualifications must be deemed by the Australian Education International - National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) to be equivalent to Australian qualifications in order to be considered by UAC and Western Sydney University.

Special Requirements Prerequisites

Students enrolling in these subjects may need to have a National Police Check and consent or prohibited employment declarations as they may be conducting their placement in circumstances where they work with minors. This would be managed on an as needs basis:

  • LAWS 3074 Judicial Internship
  • LAWS 4017 Access to Justice Clinic
  • LAWS 3077 Legal Internship
  • LAWS 4012 First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic
  • LAWS 3080 Street Law Clinic
  • JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System (corrective services field trip requirement) also records and identity check.

The following subjects require a visa for the relevant country and the ability to travel at specified time:

  • LAWS 3024 Foundations of Chinese Law
  • LAWS 3025 Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India 
  • LAWS 3078 Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan

Please consult the handbook for more information.

Indicative annual fee

UG Direct

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.

You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.

If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.

New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.

However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.

Find out more about HECS-HELP

Find out more about OS-HELP

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

UG Direct

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.

To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.

You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.

The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.

If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.

New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.

However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.

Find out more about HECS-HELP

Find out more about OS-HELP

Scholarships

Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees. 

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If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.

Australian students
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International students
+61 2 9852 5499

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OTHER STUDY OPTIONS

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws

Full Time: 5 Years (Available Part Time)*

Bachelor of Laws

Full Time: 4 Years (Available Part Time)*

The fee estimates provided are indicative only and subject to change. These estimates are based on the current fee structures for a normal full time study load. However, the final fees may vary depending on several factors, including the specific subjects chosen, the duration and timing of study, and annual fee adjustments (subject to Commonwealth student contribution band rates). Please note that these estimates do not include the Student Services and Amenities Fee. We encourage all prospective and current students to consult with our Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

As a multi-campus institution, Western Sydney University and its entities reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary.