Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws
2020 Deakin University Handbook
| Year | 2020 course information |
|---|---|
| Award granted | Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws |
| Course Map | This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 1 2020. This course map is for new students commencing from Trimester 2 2020. Course maps for commencement in previous years are available on the Course Maps webpage or please contact a Student Adviser in Student Central. |
| Campus | Offered at Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Cloud Campus | No |
| Duration | 5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| CRICOS course code | 015203K Burwood (Melbourne) |
| Deakin course code | D331 |
| Approval status | This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework. |
| Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition | The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7. |
Course sub-headings
- Course overview
- Indicative student workload
- Professional recognition
- Career opportunities
- Participation requirements
- Mandatory student checks
- Fees and charges
- Course Learning Outcomes
- Course rules
- Course structure
Course overview
The commercialisation of rapidly evolving technologies has opened the door to a new kind of expert with specialist knowledge in both science and law. Study Deakin’s Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws to graduate with an increasingly sought-after skill set, to succeed in either field - or where science and law intersect.
Want to take your pick from a range of lucrative and rewarding careers?
As technology continues to advance, so too does interest in areas like biotechnology, environmental science and intellectual property. Law firms are looking for associates who can argue the finer points of science, while scientists with expertise in law need to navigate complex legal approval processes standing between them and their research.
The science stream of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws degree trains you to solve tomorrow’s global issues through science and discovery. You’ll build your foundational knowledge by studying a range of science-related study areas before focusing on one of 10 majors:
- animal biology
- cell biology
- chemistry
- chemistry and materials science
- environmental science
- genomics
- geography
- human biology
- mathematical modelling
- plant biology.
Our broad spectrum of science specialisations lets you tailor your degree to your unique career aspirations. Follow a life-long passion and get more out of your degree by learning about the things that matter to you.
Deakin’s Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and covers all major areas of the law, including:
- contract
- torts
- property
- legal practice and ethics
- constitutional law
- criminal law and procedure
- administrative law.
After your double degree you’ll just need to complete an additional 12-month traineeship or 6-month legal practice course to become a fully qualified lawyer.
Deakin Law School consistently ranks among the top in the country and the world for teaching quality and student satisfaction. Given our teaching staff are leaders in their field, your studies prepare you for real issues currently faced by those in the legal sector.
Throughout your degree, you’ll develop practical legal skills including:
- negotiation
- mediation
- preparing for court appearances
- legal drafting
- statutory interpretation.
Learning also extends beyond the classroom. You’ll gain practical experience through programs in modern teaching laboratories, completing a Community Science Project and undertaking industry-based learning placements. In the Deakin Law Clinic, you’ll even get to work on real legal cases, interview real clients, offer advice where appropriate and, in some cases, attend courtroom proceedings.
Indicative student workload
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Laws fulfils the academic requirements to practise as an Australian lawyer, as set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB).After completion, you’ll be required to work for one year as a legal trainee or undertake a practical legal training course before admission to the Australian legal profession.
Career opportunities
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws, you’ll be uniquely placed to thrive in fields where science and law intersect. Depending on your area of specialisation, you could work in:
- biotechnology
- forensic science
- environmental science
- research science.
If you want to become a practising lawyer, a law degree is a significant first step towards entering the legal profession. Upon completion of your degree and the additional practical legal training, you’ll be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in all legal fields including:
- commercial law
- criminal law
- family law
- public international and human rights law
- refugee law
- personal injury law.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.Fees and charges
Fees and charges vary depending on your course, your fee category and the year you started. To find out about the fees and charges that apply to you, visit the Current students fees website.
Course Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.
Course rules
To complete the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws, students must attain a total of 40 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Science and 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point unit, MAI010 Academic Integrity. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Science (S320) and the Bachelor of Laws (M312) must be satisfied. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.
Compulsory 0-credit point unit (to be completed in first trimester of study):-
The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Science include:-
- 8 credit points of core units
- a 6 credit point approved science major sequence
- 2 credit points of Science elective units
- Level 3 - at least 4 credit points of Science units
- SLE010 Laboratory and Fieldwork Safety Induction Program (0 credit point unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point unit)
The 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws include:-
- 18 credit points of core units
- 6 credit points of law elective units, including 1 credit point of WIL/practical unit.
Course structure
Units
To assist you in following the course rules:
Please see course entry for Bachelor of Science (S320) and Bachelor of Laws (M312).
Course structure
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in first trimester of study.
Other course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Further information
Student Central can help you with course planning, choosing the right units and explaining course rules and requirements.
- Contact Student Central