Course Overview

About This Course

The need for environmentally sustainable and equitable development is one of the most serious issues facing the contemporary world. The Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program provides opportunities to study the causes and consequences of unequal development and assess policy options for a more equitable and sustainable future, while studying the complementary skills in Law. The Bachelor of Development Studies offers 4 interdisciplinary majors, Cultures and Citizenship, Environmental Sustainability, Globalisation and Economic Development and Urban and Regional Development. These majors are comprised mostly of courses from the disciplines of Aboriginal Studies, Economics, Environmental Studies, Geography, Politics and Sociology and Anthropology. Students in the combined program would be able to add to this a study of Law, commencing in Year 1, and becoming the focus of study in years 4 and 5. After completing the Bachelor of Development Studies, students are automatically transferred into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice Program for their fourth and fifth years of study. To opt out of this automatic transfer, students are required to contact programadvice@newcastle.edu.au . Students who complete this combined degree and then complete the Diploma of Legal Practice offered in the student’s fourth and fifth years, meet both the academic and practical training requirements to practice law in NSW. Students in the accredited Diploma of Legal Practice Program complete legal practice modules and practical legal training at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre and in placements with external organisations. Domestic students who commence full time in Semester 2 should expect to complete the program in a minimum of 5.5 years.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Sydney

55 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Standard UG Domestic and International students: Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme. The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs. For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to: Domestic Applicants International Applicants Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme. The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs. For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to: Domestic Applicants International Applicants Offerings: All

Overall minimum: Offerings: All

Sub test minimum: Offerings: All

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program typically pursue careers in international development, environmental policy, human rights advocacy, and legal practice related to social justice and sustainability. They may work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, international bodies, or private sector firms focused on equitable and sustainable development initiatives. The interdisciplinary nature of the program equips them with the skills to address complex societal challenges.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB NSW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)?

The Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Newcastle has a duration of 260 weeks (approximately 5 years) as listed in the CRICOS registry.

What is the estimated total cost of this dual degree program?

The estimated total course cost is AU$218,087, which includes tuition fees of AU$216,025 and non-tuition fees of AU$2,062.

Does this course include a work component?

Yes, this course includes a work component of 10 hours per week over 14 weeks, totalling 140 hours of work-integrated learning.

Where is the Bachelor of Development Studies/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) delivered?

The course is delivered at The University of Newcastle's Newcastle City campus in New South Wales, Australia. The campus is owned and operated by the provider under CRICOS Provider Code 00109J.

What fields of education does this dual degree cover?

This dual qualification covers two fields of education: the first qualification falls under Studies in Human Society (Broad Field: Society and Culture), and the second qualification is in Law (also under the Society and Culture broad field).

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $120,000 to $175,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Lawyer / Graduate SolicitorSolicitorBarristerIn-House Counsel / Corporate CounselGeneral Counsel

Key Skills

Legal research and case analysisStatutory interpretation and legal reasoningWritten and oral advocacyContract drafting and document preparationCritical thinking and problem-solving

Full Course Overview

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