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BB-LAWPSY

Law and Psychology

Bachelor double degree

In this double degree, you will be prepared for legal practice and gain a strong understanding of human behaviours, actions and motivations.

Course outline
  • ATAR

    ATAR

    Guaranteed ATAR 90
  • Qualification
    Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
  • Duration

    Duration

    5 years, 6 months full-time
  • Credit

    Credit

    1200
  • CRICOS

    CRICOS

    096308G
  • Location

    Location

    Curtin Perth
Course outline

Select your preferred campus:

2024

Semester 1

On campus

Semester 2

On campus

Trimester 1

On campus

Trimester 2

On campus

Trimester 3

On campus

2025

Semester 1

On campus

2026

Semester 1

On campus

Course outline

Outline

Outline

This double degree is ideal if you want to pursue a career in psychology within the criminal justice system.

You will gain the skills for legal practice along with a strong understanding of human behaviours and motivations. You’ll learn how to examine, explain and predict what people do as individuals and in groups.

Curtin’s Bachelor of Laws degree provides the first qualification you need to practise as a lawyer in Australia. Combining this with a degree in Psychology is ideal if you want to develop a deeper understanding of human behaviour, or pursue a career in psychology in areas such as the criminal and justice systems.

Our Law degree offers a rich and professionally relevant foundation in legal knowledge. You’ll learn core skills essential to effective legal practice and build a strong commercial awareness. From early on in your studies, you’ll start to recognise the importance of respecting the rule of law, along with the responsibilities and ethics of legal practice.

You’ll also have the opportunity to select optional units in areas such as forensic advocacy, family law, human rights law, native title law and policy, and law and technology. These optional units enable you to tailor your degree to suit your interests.

In the Bachelor of Science (Psychology), you will gain a strong understanding of emotion, behaviour, cognition, interpersonal relationships, perception and personality. You’ll learn how to examine, explain and predict what people do as individuals and in groups.

The first four years are delivered in semesters at Curtin Perth, while the fifth year, plus one trimester, is delivered at Curtin Law School in Perth city. If you choose to study full-time, you can graduate with two degrees in 5.5 years.

While studying in Perth city, you can gain practical experience by undertaking simulated proceedings in our high-tech moot court and working on real cases at the John Curtin Law Clinic. You’ll also benefit from the proximity of the Supreme Court, the District Court and the Federal Court; and from relationships with Curtin academics and practising solicitors and barristers based at Curtin Law School.

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the inherent requirements before applying.

What jobs can the Law and Psychology course lead to?

Careers

  • Policy advisor
  • Social researcher
  • Support worker
  • Youth worker
  • Program officer
  • Mental health advocate

With further study:

  • Lawyer
  • Psychologist

Industries

  • Law
  • Business
  • Healthcare
  • Mining and resources
  • Government
  • Non-profit organisations
  • Education

What you'll learn

  • apply knowledge of the Australian legal system, statutory rules and case law principles in both the fundamental areas of legal knowledge and a range of elective fields to the resolution of legal problems; apply psychological theory to evidence based practice and extend the boundaries of knowledge through research; discriminate between valid discipline knowledge and questionable esoteric theory and practice
  • critically and creatively analyse legal problems to articulate the issues involved and apply legal reasoning to make a considered choice between competing solutions; apply logical and rational processes to critically analyse problems and generate innovative solutions to psychological questions
  • identify, access, assess and synthesise relevant information from primary legal sources such as cases and legislation and secondary sources such as journal articles and commentaries (including electronic versions of these sources) and gather relevant oral and documentary evidence; access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information and evidence from a range of sources applicable to psychology
  • communicate the outcomes of legal research and analysis effectively, appropriately and persuasively to colleagues, to clients and to other professionals and the broader community; communicate effectively with individuals, groups and communities
  • use appropriate electronic legal databases for research purposes and be able to communicate effectively in electronic forms; select and effectively use appropriate technologies relevant to psychological research and practice
  • maintain intellectual curiosity as to justice and its practical application in the legal system, be able to identify areas where their legal knowledge and skills require further development, and to critically reflect on their own performance as legal professionals, making use of feedback as appropriate; demonstrate ability for self directed learning and reflective practice
  • articulate the similarities and differences between local and other jurisdictions, including interstate and overseas ones, and be aware of the principles of public and private international law; demonstrate knowledge and understanding of international perspectives in psychology
  • articulate distinct concepts of law, justice and human rights, with an awareness of different legal traditions and cultures, particularly indigenous cultures; identify how and where indigenous persons and other identifiable social groups are differentially impacted by the legal system; demonstrate understanding and respect for human rights and cultural diversity
  • work independently, as well as collaboratively, with a developing sense of the ethical issues that arise in legal practice and how these may be resolved; independently and collaboratively apply professional skills in an ethical manner

Why study Law and Psychology

Simulated and real-case experiences

While studying in Perth city, you'll gain practical experience by undertaking simulated proceedings in our high-tech moot court and working on real cases at the John Curtin Law Clinic.

Proximity to industry

You’ll benefit from the proximity of the Supreme Court, the District Court and the Federal Court; and from relationships with Curtin academics and practising solicitors and barristers based at Curtin Law School.

World-ranked, global university

Curtin is ranked in the top 1% of universities, by the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

Professional recognition

An undergraduate degree in law is the first qualification you need if you want to practise as a lawyer in Australia. Further practical legal training must be undertaken after completing the Bachelor of Laws to be eligible for admission as a barrister and solicitor in Western Australia.

To be eligible for admission as a lawyer in Western Australia you must undertake the Practical Legal Training course or complete 12 months articles of clerkship. For more information, visit the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia website.

The Bachelor of Science (Psychology) degree is recognised by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) as meeting the first three years of study in psychology. A further year in psychology is necessary to apply for associate membership of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) or to apply for postgraduate training (pathway to registration) in psychology.

Admission criteria

What you need in order to get into this course. There are different pathway options depending on your level of work and education experience.

Select an option that best suits you:

You’re considered a high school leaver if you:

  • Completed year 12 in Australia or overseas in the past two years, or
  • Completed TAFE or VET studies in the past two years.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 90

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 90

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

StepUp Entry

StepUp Entry

Successful StepUp Entry and StepUp Equity Adjustment Admission Pathway (StepUp Bonus) applicants will be eligible to be considered for admission into this course.

Alternative pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT must achieve the required ATAR equivalence.STAT Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative will be assessed.  

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

How others gained admission

View the ATAR breakdown to see the low, median and high ATAR scores of students who started studying this course recently.

To see the other pathways students have taken, see the pathway breakdown.

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone with work and life experience if:

You have left secondary education more than two years ago (i.e. who are not classified as recent secondary education applicants) and have not undertaken vocational education training (VET) or higher education study since then.

How we define ‘experience’
‘Experience’ includes a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education such as mature-age entry, professional experience whether completion of the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is required or not, community involvement or work experience. Applicants may have undertaken non-formal programs that have helped prepare them for tertiary education or are relevant to the proposed higher education field of study.

Pathways

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT must achieve the required ATAR equivalence.STAT Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative will be assessed.  

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 90

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 90

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who studied at TAFE or have done an apprenticeship if:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a VET course. This includes study at a public TAFE or other VET provider, whether a qualification was completed or not. Applicants with VET study may have other qualifications such as a Year 10 or Year 12 secondary school certificate.

Pathways

  • TAFE entry

    Not accepted. VET studies cannot meet the equivalent ATAR requirement.  

  • STAT entry

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    STAT must achieve the required ATAR equivalence.STAT Written English and either Multiple Choice Verbal or Quantitative will be assessed.  

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 90

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 90

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

You’re considered someone who has recently left university if:

Applicants with higher education are those whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course, such as a university degree. This may include applicants who are currently studying a higher education course at another education provider and want to transfer to Curtin University, or applicants who are currently studying at Curtin but want to switch to a different course. It may also include applicants who have completed past study with university and non-university higher education providers.

Curtin course switcher criteria

To switch into this course, you need to have:

An ATAR of 90;

or

Completed 8 or more undergraduate level units with a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 70% or above.

Higher education course switcher criteria

You will need to meet one of the following admission criteria: 

A minimum ATAR of 90

or

Completed 8 or more undergraduate level units with a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 70% or above.

Graduate entry course switcher criteria

If you have a completed bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution, a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 65% or above, or equivalent, is required.

or 

If you have a completed master degree from a recognised higher education institution, a Course Weighted Average (CWA) of 70% or above, or equivalent, is required.

ATAR pathway

  • Guaranteed ATAR 90

    This course has a guaranteed ATAR of 90

  • Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    Essential WACE subjects (prerequisites)

    There are no essential WACE subjects for this course.

  • Desirable WACE subjects

    Desirable WACE subjects

    Mathematics Applications ATAR

Please see our correlation comparability for previous TEE subjects, WACE courses and WACE ATAR courses.

English requirements

Curtin requires all applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. Specific English requirements for this course are outlined in the IELTS table below.

You may demonstrate English proficiency using the following tests and qualifications.

IELTS Academic (International English Language Testing System)

Writing

6

Speaking

6

Reading

6

Listening

6

Overall band score

6.5

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Unsure what option suits you?

We’re here to help you navigate the complexities of university admission. Choose the support you need from the options below.

Find your pathway to Curtin

Think you don’t have the marks or qualifications to study at Curtin? We have several pathways to help you meet admission. Use our pathway finder to find your best way to studying with us.

Pathway finder tool

Application Requirements

Other requirements and notes for this course

This can be a physically and mentally challenging course. Please familiarise yourself with the Inherent requirements | Study (curtin.edu.au) before applying. Reasonable adjustments can be made for students with disability.

Applications to the Bachelor of Laws courses are for Semester 1 only.

Applications to the Bachelor of Laws courses for Semester 2, Trimester 1, Trimester 2, and Trimester 3 may be available to:

Existing law students who have partially completed Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor degrees from other recognised institutions;

or

Curtin students who are eligible to Course Switch and are seeking to add the Bachelor of Laws to their existing course and enrol in a Bachelor of Laws double degree course.

Please submit an online inquiry and include an application for Credit for Recognised Learning (CRL) along with your application for admission, so it may be determined if you have completed the units required to enter this degree outside of the standard intake.

In addition to the course-specific admission criteria listed above, please read our general admission criteria. Our general admission criteria apply to all courses at Curtin University.

Credit for recognised learning (CRL)

Use your experience to get credit towards your degree

Finish your course sooner with credit for your previous study or work experience.

Fees and charges

Australian and New Zealand student indicative fees

2024 Fee year:

$12,600*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

2025 Fee year:

$13,200*

Commonwealth supported

Commonwealth supported

Fees are indicative first year only and are subject to passage of legislation.

*The indicative first-year fee is calculated on 200 credit points, which is the typical full-time study load per year, however some courses require additional study to be completed, in which case the fee will be higher than that shown.

This fee is a guide only. It may vary depending on the units you choose and does not include incidental fees (such as lab coats or art supplies) or the cost of your textbooks – visit other fees and charges for more information. For more information on fees and to determine your eligibility for HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, please visit fee basics or the Study Assist website

To be eligible for the Commonwealth supported fee:

  • Australian citizens must complete some of their course of study while residing in Australia.
  • Australian permanent residents or New Zealand citizens must be residing in Australia for the entire course.

For further information on eligibility please refer to the Australian Government Study Assist website.

If you’re not an Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen, please see information for international students.

Looking for more detail on the course structure?

View course structure

Location

For start dates, please view the academic calendar.

Curtin Perth flag

2024

Semester 1
  • On campus
Semester 2
  • On campus
Trimester 1
  • On campus
Trimester 2
  • On campus
Trimester 3
  • On campus

2025

Semester 1
  • On campus

2026

Semester 1
  • On campus

All endeavours are made to ensure location information for courses is up to date but please note they are subject to change.

The University reserves the right to withdraw any unit of study or program which it offers, to impose limitations on enrolment in any unit or program, and/or to vary arrangements for any program.

How to apply

Please review information on how to apply for the campus of your choice

Please note that each campus has different application deadlines. View our application deadlines page for further information.

Apply now

Frequently asked questions

Search our FAQs
  • The offering information on this website applies only to future students. Current students should refer to faculty handbooks for current or past course information.

    The information on this page may be subject to change. In particular, Curtin University may change the content, method or location of delivery or tuition fees of courses.

    While Curtin uses reasonable efforts to ensure that the information provided on this page is accurate and up to date, errors and omissions sometimes occur. Curtin makes no warranty, representation or undertaking (expressed or implied) nor does it assume any legal liability (direct or indirect) for the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any information.

    View courses information disclaimer.

  • Curtin course code: BB-LAWPSY
  • CRICOS code: 096308G
  • Last updated on: 10 December 2024

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