Studying the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws at UNE will equip you with an extensive portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to write for, research, argue and apply the law, as well as explore a full breadth of contemporary science topics and issues. You will graduate with knowledge and skills to apply to a wide range of professions, benefitting from UNE's regional, rural and remote expertise in both fields to ensure you are ready to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Why study the Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Laws with UNE?

UNE has a long tradition of delivering innovative education in both science and law.

We are home to Australia’s largest law school outside a capital city, and our research in many fields of science and law is world class. Our researchers are internationally renowned and our collaborations with industry and government produce research of national and international significance.

Our students come from diverse backgrounds, and go on to become active contributors in law, industry, education, government and research. We focus on more than just theory, giving you significant research challenges and real-world case study experiences, where you will also benefit from our specialist understanding of regional, rural and remote issues.

The Bachelor of Science component in this double degree is designed to provide you with the skills and techniques necessary for solving problems associated with a broad of range of issues in science. The extensive range of majors, which are available in established and emerging, generalist and specialist sciences, are all underpinned by cutting-edge research.

In the Bachelor of Laws, you will develop your knowledge in how to write for, research, argue and apply the law in a broad range of law-related occupations. You will also develop the skills to advocate on behalf of others, analyse complex emerging legal issues and conduct your own legal research – practical skills in high demand by a wide range of employers.

With training in law and science you will understand both the legal framework, and the processes and technical factors relating to scientific areas such as genetics, biotechnology, biology, medicinal chemistry and forensic science. This knowledge and understanding is highly valuable across a broad range of areas such as research ethics, intellectual property, forensic evidence and the commercial exploitation of research.

What makes our course different?

This course in science and law gives you opportunities to:

Learn from UNE’s School of Law with specialist expertise in legal issues related to regional, remote and rural Australia, not just metropolitan areas.
Gain versatile knowledge and skills to apply to current and new legal and scientific careers emerging as a result of new technology developments.
Build a solid foundation in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, resilience, flexibility, perseverance and research skills.
Apply your professional judgment and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with a science and law double degree, including an understanding of international and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
Access UNE’s state-of-the-art science equipment and facilities used in multidisciplinary research and teaching.
Use innovative technology to study online to balance your work and life commitments or join us on campus and take advantage of our small staff-student ratio and supportive environment.
If you choose to study online, some science units include mandatory intensive schools on campus, which give you the opportunity to interact and engage face-to-face with your peers and academic staff and gain essential practical skills.
Study overseas for a trimester with one of our international partner universities and get credit towards the Science component of your degree while you broaden your global perspective.
Complete a short-term overseas study experience and count it towards your law degree or undertake a work integrated learning unit to enhance your skills and knowledge of law in the workplace.
If you are a high achieving student, you may choose to undertake Honours in law as part of your degree. If you are interested in undertaking Honours in science, you may apply for entry to the Bachelor of Science (Honours) after completing your course. Undertaking an Honours pathway can lead you to higher degree research opportunities and enhance your career options.
Complete two degrees in as little as 5 years (full time) or up to 12 years (part time).
At UNE, our collaborative learning environment allows you to interact directly with friendly academic staff and your peers, supporting your success.

Year after year, students award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide. We are proud to be Australia’s longest continuous provider of distance (now online) education.

Students with a weak background in Chemistry are advised to complete CHEM100 before enrolling in CHEM110.

Students who have not completed Year 12 HSC Mathematics or equivalent are strongly advised to complete either MTHS100 and MTHS110 or MTHS110 ONLY, before enrolling in MTHS120 or STAT100.

MTHS120 and MTHS130 assume that students have completed Year 12 HSC Mathematics Extension 1 or equivalent and are designed for those completing majors in the Physical Sciences.

Students with a weak background in Physics are advised to complete PHYS100 before enrolling in PHYS131.

To qualify for the two awards a candidate must pass units to the value of 240 credit points comprising:
Bachelor of Science component: 96 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level. Except with the permission of the Head of School of Science and Technology, candidates shall pass the units stated in the Approved Majors for the Bachelor of Science component as soon as possible after enrolment. Candidates may enrol in the units LAW100 and LAW101 in their first year;
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 credit points with not more than 48 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level or higher.

To qualify for the award with Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 48 credit points at 100-level; at least 36 credit points at 300-level; and at least 36 credit points at 400-level or higher including LAW490 and LLM500.

• Bachelor of Science component
• Bachelor of Laws component

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

A combination of science and law expertise allows you to easily step into a variety of career pathways and add significant value to your current role. By giving you a breadth of real-world skills, this degree gives you the opportunity to focus on  safeguarding your career and choosing the direction you want to take. Career options include working in:

• legal aid agencies, advocacy organisations and commercial law firms
• government departments
• banking, finance and commerce
• business management
• research and/or laboratory scientist
• education
• research, policy development and analysis.

Please note, to be admitted to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal practitioner in Australia, you will need to undertake a course of professional legal training (PLT).

For direct admission into undergraduate courses offered by UNE you must have completed an educational qualification considered to be at least equivalent to completion of Year 12 in Australia.

An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum sub-band of 6.5 for writing and no other sub-band less than 6.0, or

TOEFL IBT score of 91 with no less than 22 in writing and no less than 20 in listening, speaking and reading.