Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science (Science)

Curtin University

Combining legal expertise with STEM will give you an ideal skill set for careers in science and technology innovation and expand your career opportunities significantly within legal, business, government and non-profit organisations.

Our Bachelor of Laws provides the first qualification you need to practise as a lawyer in Australia. In this course you’ll learn the core skills required for legal practice and build a strong commercial awareness. Importantly, you’ll learn the importance of the rule of law and the responsibilities and ethics of legal practice. You’ll also be able to study optional units – in areas such as forensic advocacy, family law, human rights law, native title law and policy, and law and technology – so that you can tailor your degree to your interests.

In the Bachelor of Science course, you’ll choose one of four majors available – Data Science, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, or Information and Communication Technology – and gain comprehensive knowledge and skills in that field.

You’ll study the first three years of your course at Curtin Perth. Your fourth year, plus one trimester, is delivered at Curtin Law School at our Perth city campus, where 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 greatly from your relationships with academics, and practising solicitors and barristers based at Curtin Law School.

What jobs can the Law and Science lead to?

Careers

Solicitor and barrister

Data analyst

Data scientist

Earth scientist

Environmental scientist

Conservation scientist

ICT specialist

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; have demonstrated knowledge and understanding in a field of study that is typically at a level that, whilst supported by advanced textbooks, includes some aspects that will be informed by knowledge of the forefront of the field of study

Critically and creatively analyse legal problems to articulate the issues involved and apply legal reasoning to make a considered choice between competing solutions; can apply their knowledge and understanding in a manner that indicates a professional approach to their work or vocation, and have competencies typically demonstrated through devising and sustaining arguments (to both specialist and non-specialist audiences) and solving problems within their field of study.

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; understand the constructs of the scientific method and apply these principles in representative exercises using digital technologies.

Communicate the outcomes of legal research and analysis effectively, appropriately and persuasively to colleagues, to clients and to other professionals and the broader community

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

Professional recognition

Graduates of this course may be recognised in Western Australia by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.