The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice is a combined double degree that integrates the study of Australian law with a deep academic exploration of crime, deviance, criminal behaviour, and the social systems that respond to it. Typically spanning five years of full-time study, this AQF Level 8 qualification allows students to graduate with two complementary degrees — an accredited law degree that satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, alongside a specialist qualification in criminology and criminal justice. The program covers all core areas of law required of Australian legal practitioners (known as the Priestley 11), including contract law, torts, constitutional law, criminal law and procedure, evidence, and equity, while simultaneously exploring criminological theory, policing, corrections, sentencing, juvenile justice, restorative justice, crime prevention, and criminal justice policy. Students also examine contemporary issues such as cybercrime, organised crime, family violence, and the criminalisation of marginalised communities.

This double degree is designed for students who are passionate about justice, law reform, and the social dimensions of crime. It suits those who wish to pursue a career in criminal law as a solicitor or barrister, as well as those who see themselves working in government agencies, policy development, law enforcement, corrections, community legal centres, victim support, research, or international justice institutions. Employers of graduates include law firms, Director of Public Prosecutions offices, Legal Aid commissions, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the Australian Institute of Criminology (AIC), ASIO, state and territory departments of justice, community legal centres, NGOs, corrections departments, youth justice services, and academic institutions. The honours component deepens research skills, making graduates especially competitive for policy, research, and academic careers.

Entry into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Australian universities is generally competitive and based primarily on an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) or equivalent academic qualification. Due to the dual law and criminology component, minimum ATARs typically range from around 75 to 90+ depending on the institution and campus, with more research-intensive and city-based programs generally requiring higher selection ranks. Applicants may also gain entry through completion of a relevant diploma, advanced diploma, or associate degree (with possible credit recognition), through a bridging or foundation program, or via mature-age entry pathways. Adjustment factors (such as subject bonuses for Legal Studies, Humanities, or English, or equity/access schemes) may apply to lower the effective entry threshold for eligible students.

For English language proficiency, domestic students must meet minimum standards in English through their Year 12 results — for example, a minimum study score of 20–25 in English (or equivalent) in states such as Victoria. International applicants are required to demonstrate English proficiency through an approved test such as IELTS (typically a minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0), PTE, or TOEFL, as defined by each institution's admission policy. Some programs may also require a National Police Certificate and/or consent and prohibited employment declarations, particularly for students undertaking placement components that involve contact with minors or work in correctional settings. Applicants should check the specific prerequisites for their chosen institution, as subject prerequisites at Year 12 level (such as English or Legal Studies) may apply in certain states.