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Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 089312D
- IELTS
- 7.0 Overall Score (Individual Score of 7.0 in all tests)
- Fees (first year)*
- $31216
- Start dates
- February 2025, February 2026
Overview
The Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws combines the study of human behaviour with the study of the law. This double degree is designed to produce well-rounded graduates ready for legal practice and a range of professional careers in an increasingly global environment.
The program combines the study of human behaviour with the study of law. The psychological science component enhances the student’s specialist knowledge by providing a comprehensive understanding of psychology, including behavioural and mental processes. It offers an Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) sequence in psychology.
Students who have completed 120 credit points of law units with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.
Professional experience
You will complete 80 hours pro bono experience (after your first year).
Volunteer experience
The pro bono program provides practical, work place based experience in a community context.
Professional recognition
This degree has been approved by accreditation authorities as a prerequisite for admission to legal practice in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and is recognised for the purposes of admission in other Australian states and territories.
This course is currently accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) and approved by the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) as a suitable program of study for the purpose of registration as a psychologist. Please note that a minimum six-year sequence of education and training in psychology is required for an individual to become eligible for general registration as a psychologist in Australia.
Careers
Completing a Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws is excellent preparation for pursuing a career in areas such as:
- academic
- criminology researcher
- health department researcher
- human resources consultant
- in-house legal counsel for NGOs, community or health service organisations
- legal practitioner (barrister or solicitor)
- policy writer
- psychologist (after further studies)
- training consultant
- private legal practice as a solicitor or barrister
- legal officer in the public sector (for example in federal or state government departments and publicly funded organisations as diverse as national regulatory bodies, universities or public broadcasters)
- in-house counsel to a wide range of organisations from corporations to trade unions
- public interest legal work in community legal centres
- legal research.
within a variety of organisations such as:
- Australian Institute of Criminology
- Centrelink
- Department of Community Service
- Department of Health
- Department of Human Services
- rehabilitation centres.
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws, a student must complete 400 credit points (cp).
Graduate statement
AQF framework
Entry requirements
View transparency admission information
International applicants
Applicants whose first language is not English must have either:
- Successfully completed at least two full–time years of study in secondary or higher education where the medium of study was English; or
- Demonstrated their English proficiency, as set out below:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Overall Score 7.0, Individual Score of 7.0 in all tests.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL): from an Internet–based total of 94, achieve a minimum of 74 in writing, 23 speaking and 24 in reading and listening.
- Recognised international high school qualification
- English Language Proficiency.
English language requirements
- IELTS Overall score: 7.0, Individual score of: 7.0 in all tests
- PTE: 65 with a minimum of 65 in all four communicative skills
- TOEFL Internet based total of 94: minimum 27 writing, 23 speaking, 24 reading and 24 listening
- ACU English language test: A (75-100%)
- Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): Overall CAE score of 185, Individual score of 185 in all tests
Adjustment factors
If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.
Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.
Inherent requirement
There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.
Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you
Pathways
Pathways into course for international applicants
If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed.
Find out more about English language programs
Further study
A student who has completed at least 120 cp of LAWS units of the degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.75 may be eligible for Admission to the Bachelor (Honours degree).
An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
A student who achieves an Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) may be eligible for Admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate’s potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee’s reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $3902
- Average first year fee: $31216
- Estimate total cost: $156080
The tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.
Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.
Payment options
You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.
Scholarships
You could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.
How to apply
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowInformation on the application procedure.
International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
Deferment
Yes. See Defer your offer.
Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.
Staff Profile
Dr Joanne Bennett
Lecturer -Psychology – School of Behavioural and Health Sciences
Dr Joanne Bennett is an early career researcher who finished her PhD in 2017. Her primary research interests are in cognitive neuropsychology across the lifespan, applied driving psychology and road safety. Dr Bennett’s research has focused on understanding the relationships between cognitive function and driving behaviour across the lifespan. Her research aims to use this information to determine fitness to drive, in particular for older adults and individuals with neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. She specialises in teaching research design and statistics while enjoying the challenge of helping students understand not just the numbers, but what the numbers tell us about people.
Dr Chris Goff
Lecturer , Thomas More Law School
Dr Christopher Goff is a Lecturer in Law at the Thomas More Law School. Before joining ACU, he held academic positions at Bond University and Southern Cross University. His doctorate, awarded in 2021, is on the topic of terrorism and anti-terrorism law. Prior to that, Christopher completed his Master of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours). He also holds a degree in Psychological Science.
Christopher has a strong research interest in terrorism, counter-terrorism, and the associated legal and criminological aspects. Christopher is passionate about teaching and facilitating a positive and effectual learning environment for his students. Among the subjects he teaches at ACU are Terrorism, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law and Introduction to Australian Public Law.
Christopher also has significant publications in the area of constitutional law. These include the co-authorship of Principles of Australian Constitutional Law (5th ed, LexisNexis), and he is the co-editor and updating author of the Halsbury’s Laws of Australia title on Constitutional Law.
Christopher has been nominated for, and is the recipient of, multiple teaching awards.
Testimonial
“ACU has helped me realise my true academic potential. The lecturers and tutors know us by our names and provide me with the most personalised education I could ever hope for. I’ve had fantastic opportunities, including being the Vice President of the Law Society, competing in mooting and networking with leading firms in the industry.
I love studying across both campuses because I will graduate with a diverse experience and countless social connections.”