Where law and science intertwine.
Graduate after five years with two degrees and gain practical legal and scientific skills. You’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of science majors such as biology, biotechnology, chemistry, ecology, food and biosecurity, mathematics.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2025 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
Graduate after five years with two degrees and gain practical legal and scientific skills. You’ll have the flexibility to choose from a range of science majors such as biology, biotechnology, chemistry, ecology, food and biosecurity, mathematics.
You will cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. You will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical skills right from your first year. For example, you will observe volunteer lawyers conducting client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
You will research answers to legal problems, prepare advice, present legal argument, observe court proceedings, and take part in simulated court presentations in our new Moot Court venue. You can further develop your skills by working with Legal Service clients under legal supervision in law professional practice, or undertake a legal internship.
This diverse double degree is designed to nurture your problem-solving and analytical skills and rewards attention to detail. If you have a passion for science and aspire to a career outside the laboratory, open up opportunities to work as a legal practitioner, patent attorney, scientist or government legal officer.
Law Honours is available, usually without extending the time required to complete your degree.
Majors
Science majors: Biology; Biotechnology; Chemistry; Ecology; Food and Biosecurity; Mathematics.
Career opportunities
This double degree program develops skills applicable to many areas of employment including as a solicitor, barrister, patent attorney, government legal officer, scientist or others depending on the science major studied.
Registration
The degree is an approved academic qualification for admission to the legal profession. Graduates must undertake a further period of practical legal training before being admitted as a legal practitioner.
Program structure
Law courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
COR109 Communication and Thought
LAW101 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW102 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW103 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW104 Criminal Law and Procedure B
Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units
14 required courses (168 units):
LAW201 Torts A
LAW202 Torts B
LAW203 Contracts A
LAW204 Contracts B
LAW205 Property A
LAW206 Property B
LAW301 Constitutional Law
LAW302 Equity & Trusts
LAW303 Corporations Law
LAW304 Civil Procedure
LAW401 Administrative Law
LAW402 Professional Conduct
LAW403 Evidence
LAW404 Regulation
PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:
LAW307 Commercial Law
LAW310 Children & the Law
LAW311 Law Professional Practice
LAW312 Competition and Consumer Law
LAW313 Building & Construction Law
LAW315 Indigenous Legal Issues
LAW318 Advocacy
LAW405 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW406 Planning and Environment Law
LAW407 Elder Law and Succession
LAW408 Intellectual Property
LAW409 Taxation
LAW410 Public International Law
LAW411 Private International Law
LAW412 International Human Rights Law
LAW414 Legal Internship
LAW415 Sports Law
LAW416 International Commercial Disputes
LAW417 Employment Law
LAW418 Health Law
LAW419 Family Law
LAW420 Anti-Discrimination Law
The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into Honours in Law:
LAW440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
LAW441 Law Honours Thesis
Please note: Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependent on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator.
Science courses
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
LFS100 Cell Biology
SCI102 Biodiversity and Ecology
SCI105 Chemistry
SCI110 Science Research Methods
SCI113 Discovering Science
PLUS select 1 course (12 units) from:
MTH100 Introduction to Mathematics Δ
MTH103 Introduction to Applied MathematicsΔ
MTH104 Introductory CalculusΔ
Major courses (8) 96 units
Elective course (1) 12 units
Select 1 elective course (12 units) from the School of Education, School of Health and Sport Sciences, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine or School of Science and Engineering.
Δ Refer to Program Notes
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Recommended study sequences
- Animal Ecology Major Study Plan
- Biology Major Study Plan
- Biomedical Science Major Study Plan
- Biotechnology Major Study Plan
- Chemistry Major Study Plan
- Clinical Measurements Major Study Plan
- Environmental Science Major Study Plan
- Geography Major Study Plan
- Mathematics Major Study Plan
- Public Health Major Study Plan
- Sustainability Major Study Plan
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 1 commencement (February)
- (Sippy Downs) Semester 2 commencement (February)
Program requirements and notes
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses (180 units) in total, including the core course
- For students wishing to complete Honours in Law, they must complete a minimum of 2 Law elective courses (24 units) at a 400 coded level
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- MTH103 and MTH104 assumes you have successfully completed a Years 11-12 mathematics subject (or equivalent) and preferably at least Mathematics B. Should you wish to proceed to 200 or 300 coded mathematics courses, you would first need to successfully complete MTH103 and MTH104 to meet prerequisite requirements. MTH100 does not meet the prerequisite necessary to enrol in developing and graduate level mathematics courses.
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependent on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator
- Honours in Law available for high performing students
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
- Δ MTH100 not being offered in 2019