Course overview
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, actions 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.
Career outcomes
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
Professional accreditation and 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.
Why study at Curtin?
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.
#1 for undergraduate employment
Of WA’s public universities, our undergraduate psychology alumni rank first for full-time employment outcomes. (Good Universities Guide 2026)
Hear from our students
"I chose to study this course because I have always been interested by the way different perspectives shape our belief system. With psychology and legal studies, I am continually refining my ability to think critically and analytically to understand a multitude of viewpoints in both a legal and social setting."
Vince Angel Garcia
Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
Your student experience
Work-integrated learning at Curtin: explore a Universe of opportunity
Develop real-world experience before you graduate. Learn how work-integrated learning helps you build career skills and connect with industry early.
Thinking about uni? Five reasons Curtin could be your best move
Not sure if uni is for you? Explore five clear reasons students choose Curtin – from flexible pathways and support to real-world skills and outcomes.
Find your entry pathway to Curtin
You may be finishing high school, coming from TAFE, or just thinking of a career change; but whatever your background, there’s an entry pathway to Curtin for you.
Upcoming events
29 March 2026
Curtin Open Day
Curtin Perth
Discover where in the world a Curtin Degree can take you at Curtin Open Day. Explore courses that connect with industry, meet people who can guide your career direction and see how your ideas can become a reality.
Course structure
What you’ll learn
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.
Detailed course structure and unit information
For detailed information and course structure, visit our Handbook.
Entry requirements
To study this course, you must meet the entry criteria:
- course ATAR, or equivalent, demonstrated via an accepted entry pathway
- any course-specific requirements
- English language requirement.
Guaranteed entry
If you achieve the guaranteed ATAR/selection rank for this course and meet all other entry requirements, you’re guaranteed a place in this course.
Entry pathways
There are different ways to meet our academic entry requirements. Choose the option that best suits the highest level of education that you’ve achieved.
Curious how students entered this course? See the entry pathways other students have taken.
Course-specific requirements
You’ll also need to meet any specific requirements to be eligible to apply for this course.
Study credit and support
You may be able to receive study credit or support based on your previous experience or personal circumstances.
Get credit towards your degree
You may be able to receive credit for recognised learning (CRL) from past study or professional experience, which could reduce the time it takes to finish your course.
Find specific details about CRL for this course on the Handbook.
Special consideration
If your studies were affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible for special consideration when applying to Curtin. This process is available to new applicants only and allows your application to be assessed in light of those circumstances.
Additional information
Notes about this course
Make sure you check the course notes for any other important information.
Fees
2026 Domestic indicative fees
*The indicative first-year fee is based on a standard full-time study load of 200 credit points.
This fee is a guide only. Your total fee may vary depending on the units you choose, your study load or if your course includes additional requirements. For more information on fees, see other fees and charges.
Scholarships
Get the support you need to succeed with our diverse range of scholarships. Whether it’s financial support, assistance with relocation, or recognition for your academic achievements, we have scholarships tailored to your unique needs.
How to apply
Follow these steps to make sure you’re eligible, prepared and ready to apply for your course.
Check entry requirements
Entry requirements differ by course and your previous work and study experience.
Prepare your documents
The documents you need may vary depending on your course and application pathway.
Check application deadlines
Deadlines vary by course and whether you’re applying as a domestic or international student.
Choose your application pathway
I’m in year 12 or applying for Medicine
If you’re in year 12 or recently finished high school, you’ll need to apply through TISC.
You’ll apply through TISC no matter what you studied in high school, whether that was:
- ATAR
- General subjects
- Certificate IV
- or completing UniReady in Schools program.
TISC has different application dates to Curtin. Visit the TISC website for all important dates, including application deadlines.
I have finished high school
If you’re not a current year 12 student or recent graduate, you’re considered a non school leaver and you’ll apply directly to Curtin.
The only exception is Medicine, which must be applied for through TISC.
You’ll apply directly to Curtin if you are:
- a high school graduate who finished school last year or earlier
- transferring from another university
- returning to study or using your professional experience to qualify
- progressing from a VET or TAFE qualification or bridging program
- a current Curtin student changing courses or campuses.
Application deadlines can vary by course. Make sure to check application deadlines before you apply.
Express your interestExplore more
Find more resources to help you take the next step in your Curtin journey.