Course Overview

About This Course

Explore the intersection of science and law as you examine the foundations of interdisciplinary fields such as environmental law, bioethics and sustainability policies. Benefit from hands-on experience in research locations within the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, along with professional placements in the legal industry. You'll graduate eligible for admission to practise law in Queensland and your interdisciplinary experience will empower you to embrace challenges in a broad range of industries.

Give your scientific research the power to influence policy and legislation through an in-depth knowledge of the legal system. Whether you're passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability or advocacy and human rights, JCU's Bachelor of Science – Bachelor of Laws degree will equip you to make a difference to the people, communities and environments of the Tropics. Learn the fundamentals of law and science, then select from a wide range of majors to build knowledge and skills in your chosen area of interest.

In your science degree, study under the guidance of JCU's leading science experts. Benefit from opportunities to undertake real-world research in World Heritage listed reef and rainforest environments. In your law degree, take advantage of JCU's community links and strong support from the legal profession, which contribute to providing an authentic learning environment. This course is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Board and approved for admission to practise law in Queensland. At the end of this five-year joint degree you will have a comprehensive understanding of the role of law in social, economic, environmental and political contexts. Students will appreciate the complexity of legal matters in the context of scientific situations like environmental law and bioethics.

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

Requirements

ATAR: 66.5 minimum
English (Units 3/4, C) — required
Recommended Knowledge: Chemistry, General Maths or Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4, C)
Applicants awarded an ATAR of 73 and above are guaranteed entry into most JCU courses, but need to meet the course subject prerequisites
Applicants with an ATAR of 90 and above are guaranteed entry into most JCU courses with all subject prerequisites waived
The Guaranteed Admissions Plan is open to all domestic and international applicants completing Year 12 in Australia
Non-school leavers can have their qualifications and work experience assessed to obtain an equivalent score
QTAC Codes: 311541 (Townsville), 321541 (Cairns)

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Graduates may work as a solicitor (with a degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board), or go on to take the Bar Exams and practise as a barrister. Other career opportunities include: adviser or researcher at technology firms; intellectual property or environmental lawyer; in-house counsel for corporations; adviser to governments on climate change legislation and copyright law; advocate for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; national security professional; public scientific development roles. Science major-specific careers include: analytical chemist, research chemist, clinical diagnostician, forensic scientist, environmental scientist (Chemistry); data scientist, big data analyst (Data Science); geologist, geographer, hydrologist, soil scientist, climatologist, environmental scientist, oceanographer (Environmental Earth Science); roles in hatcheries, stock nutrition programs and management, fresh water and marine farming, or aquaculture research (Aquaculture Science and Technology).

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Accreditation Details

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (QLD)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this degree accredited for legal practice in Queensland?

Yes. This course is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Board and approved for admission to practise law in Queensland. Graduates are eligible to work as a solicitor, or may go on to take the Bar Exams and practise as a barrister.

What science majors can I choose from in this combined degree?

The Bachelor of Science component offers 8 majors: Aquaculture Science and Technology, Chemistry, Data Science, Environmental Earth Science, Geology, Mathematics, Zoology and Ecology, Molecular and Cell Biology, and Marine Biology.

What are the entry requirements for this course?

The minimum ATAR required is 66.5. English (Units 3/4, C) is a required subject, and recommended knowledge includes Chemistry, General Maths or Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4, C). Applicants with an ATAR of 73 and above are guaranteed entry if they meet subject prerequisites, while those with an ATAR of 90 and above are guaranteed entry with all subject prerequisites waived.

How long does the Bachelor of Science – Bachelor of Laws take to complete?

The course takes 5 years to complete as a full-time student, or up to 10 years on a part-time basis. It is available at both the Townsville and Cairns campuses, with intakes in January and September.

What kinds of hands-on learning opportunities are available in this degree?

Students benefit from real-world research opportunities in World Heritage listed reef and rainforest environments, including research stations on the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest Observatory, JCU Fletcherview Research Station, JCU Orpheus Island Research Station, and JCU's Marine and Aquaculture Research Facility. The law component also includes professional placements in the legal industry, supported by JCU's community links and strong support from the legal profession.

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!

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