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Bachelor of Psychological Science/Bachelor of Laws
Course information for - 2024 entry
Offered at 2 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- VTAC code
- 1200210181
- ATAR
- 75.00 for Melbourne
- Fees (first year)*
$12632 CSP
- Start dates
-
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024Applications open August 2023Midyear (Semester 2) intake: to be advised
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).
AQF framework
Entry requirements
View transparency admission information
Applicants with recent secondary education
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
For current year 12 students
If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above.
For non-school leavers
If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.
ACU has partnerships with ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.
Applicants with higher education study
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.
If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.
Applicants with work and life experience
You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.
If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.
- If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.
- If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.
- You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.
- If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.
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 current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
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 Regulation 5.2.
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 2022 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
Fees
Course costs
$12632 CSP
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- the number of units studied per semester;
- the choice of major or specialisation; and
- elective units.
The University reviews fees annually.
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
Domestic applicants
If you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC. Unfortunately, a Direct application cannot be considered.
You can apply Direct to ACU if you are not a recent school leaver and have not already applied through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
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.”