Aspiring lawyers with a passion for the environment can now apply for a new combined degree in Law and Environmental Management at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

Starting in 2017, the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Environmental Management will offer students the chance to build a legal career specialising in environmental issues, as well as opening up opportunities in industry regulation and sustainability.

The five-year program will allow students to complete two degrees with only one extra year of study.

Lecturer in Environmental and Natural Resources Economics Dr Graham Ashford said graduates of the new study program would have a broad range of career opportunities within government, industry, and international organisations.

“The combination of these degrees will give students a deeper understanding of how to work with political, economic and social systems to improve environmental outcomes,” he said.

“Graduates could use their legal qualification to assist in designing, implementing or enforcing environmental laws within a country, or they could work to improve international cooperation through multilateral environmental treaties.

“Another career path would be working with private sector enterprises to interpret and comply with environmental laws and regulations.”

USC Law students can work in a legal clinic from their first year, while Environmental Management students gain hands-on experience in locations like USC’s Dilli Village on Fraser Island and the Noosa Biosphere.

Head of USC Law School Professor Pamela O’Connor said the practical focus of both study programs would allow graduates of the combined degree to hit the ground running.

“Our focus is on providing an engaging program that gets students job-ready,” she said.

“This includes introducing students to applied legal practice in their foundation courses, by working with local legal practitioners during advice sessions at the Suncoast Community Legal Service.” 

USC will introduce a range of new study programs in 2016, including a Bachelor of Midwifery and a Bachelor of Recreation and Outdoor Environmental Studies. For more information, go to www.usc.edu.au/learn.

— Gen Kennedy