Information on this page is for Australian residents
Course not available to international students
ATAR:
Lowest selection rank*: N/A
*Offers made in 2022. More about ATAR
Duration: 
5 years full time or longer for part time
Location: 
City Campus
Footscray Park
Delivery mode: 
Blended
In person
Start date:
31 July 2023
Application due dates:
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Apply

Overview

Learn about our legal system and the human mind with a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies at Victoria University.

This five-year double degree lets you combine a law qualification with psychological studies. You’ll gain a global and social-justice perspective and an understanding of human behaviour, motivation, relationships, communication and cognitive processes.

You’ll examine how the mind works and develop broad legal knowledge, gaining the analytical skills to understand yourself and your clients.

This course prepares you for jobs where there is an interaction between the law, psychology and mental health. You’ll also be on the pathway to work as a lawyer or psychologist.

You will benefit from VU’s many industry connections. These partnerships and programs include:

  • Victoria Police
  • Magistrates’, County and Supreme Courts
  • community legal centres
  • WEstjustice.

Through the Bachelor of Psychological Studies you’ll have an opportunity to engage in a fieldwork placement.

The Bachelor of Laws enables you to take advantage of law internship programs.

This real work experience in your chosen field may lead directly to future career opportunities.

This course offers various possibilities to ensure you get the most out of it. There are work integrated learning opportunities, with placement and internship options.

You can enter having studied one of the two disciplines, and you can exit the program early with only one degree. There is also the option to include a sixth Psychology Honours year.

The Bachelor of Psychological Studies degree is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council.

This course includes the Priestley 11 units, as set out by the Council of Legal Education. Completion of these units will satisfy the academic component for students wishing to be admitted as an Australian lawyer in the Supreme Court of Victoria.

Our Queen Street law hub on our City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.

Our dedicated law building features:

  • specialised law library
  • legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
  • mooting court
  • computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.

You’ll gain real insight into legal practice and start building networks for your future career.

At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.

Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.

Need some advice?

Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.

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VU student stories – life as a Law student - Transcript

Careers in law and psychology

With this double degree you'll be able to pursue careers in law, justice and the courts. You could also work in legal community centres, community services or human resource management, or other fields where there is an interaction between the law, psychology and mental health.

Example job titles are:

  • human resources consultant
  • mediator
  • industrial relations adviser
  • legal practitioner (barrister or solicitor)
  • talent management executive
  • in-house legal counsel
  • psychologist
  • social researcher.

Upon graduation, you will meet the academic requirements as required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board. Admission as an Australian lawyer can be obtained after successful completion of the Practical Legal Training requirements.

This course is part of a pathway towards a profession in psychology, in fields such as clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology or organisational psychology. With further study, you’ll be eligible to apply for Provisional Registration as a psychologist by the Psychology Board of Australia.

Salary

Find average salaries for various law/psychology professions in Australia, via Jobs and Skills Australia.

What gives VU law students the edge?

What gives VU law students the edge?

Denis Nelthorpe, CEO of WEstjustice, says VU graduates are very well-rounded.

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Course structure

To attain the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies will be required to complete 480 credit points in total consisting of:

  • 96 credit points of First Year Core Law and Psychology units
  • 180 credit points of Professional Core Law units;
  • 120 credit points of Professional Core Psychological Studies units;
  • 60 credit points of Law electives;
  • 24 credit points of Psychology electives.

To be awarded a Bachelor of Laws with Honours:
Students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws prior to 31 Dec 2014 may apply to undertake the unit Advanced Legal Research Dissertation in their later years in this degree based on the aggregate of points attributed to the top two thirds of units so listed shall then be calculated and a grade point average determined. Students will be further assessed on an outline of a proposed thesis topic and availability of a college based or college affiliated supervisor. Students will be awarded a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (Class H1, H2A, H2B or H3) based on their aggregate of points and overall mark in Advanced Legal Research Dissertation. 

To be awarded a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (For students enrolled post 1 January 2015):
Students in any Bachelor of Laws course may apply to transfer into any Bachelor of Laws (Honours) course if the selection criteria is met.

First Year

Year 2

Year 3

12 credit points of Law Elective studies

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

Year 4

12 credit points of Law Elective studies

Year 5

36 credit points of Law Elective studies

12 credit points of Psychology Elective studies

Law Elective Units

Not all Electives will be offered every year or in every semester

Psychology Elective Units

Not all Electives will be offered every year or in every semester

We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.

Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.

You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.

Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.

Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.

Find out more about the VU Block Model.

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  1. Integrate conceptual understandings of psychology theories and fundamental areas of legal knowledge and relevant advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the discipline of law and psychological studies;  
  2. Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of law and psychological studies and underlying principles and concepts in diverse contemporary local and international and comparative contexts,  
  3. Identify, articulate and respond to complex issues by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems in authentic/contemporary professional, community and global settings;  
  4. Exhibit professional accountabilities and ethical judgement, by evaluating, synthesising and adapting knowledge, skills legal reasoning and research to make appropriate responses that reflect the social, political and contextual factors;  
  5. Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills appropriate for professional and non professional audiences, in both oral and written form;  
  6. Reflect on personal learning and skills in relation to career goals and implement effective, creative strategies to promote lifelong learning and pathways to further learning including a commitment to ongoing professional development;  
  7. Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures;  
  8. Contribute effectively, with personal accountability for outcomes in a dynamic 21st century work team, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner.  

What's a unit?

A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.

Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.

Credits

Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.

Fees & scholarships

Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Fee type definitions

The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.

Students who enrol in a:

In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).

Scholarships & assistance

Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.

We can help with fee assistance and advice.

Admissions

Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.

Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.

Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.

Admission criteria

The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)

  • Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
  • an Australian or overseas equivalent or
  • an International Baccalaureate (IB).

Importance of ATAR for this course

ATAR+

We consider both ATAR and other criteria

NA

ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Economics, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics, Global Politics or Psychology.

Subject adjustments

A study score of 35 in English (EAL) equals 5 aggregate points. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics, Global Politics or Psychology equals 5 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 20 points.

ATAR profile

VU course code: LBWP

VTAC course code: 4300710471

Campus: City Queen

ATAR profile of people who received an offer for the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Psychological Studies.
  ATAR
(Excluding adjustment factors)		 Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors)
Highest rank to receive an offer <5 offers <5 offers
Median rank to receive an offer <5 offers <5 offers
Lowest rank to receive an offer <5 offers <5 offers

* “<5” – indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study

This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with higher education study

This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.

Admission criteria

Completion of at least one semester of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Applicants with work & life experience

This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.

Admission criteria

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Economics, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics, Global Politics or Psychology.

Special admission programs

Our special admission programs cover a range of access and equity schemes that allow applicants from participating schools or disadvantaged social, economic or cultural environments to receive additional consideration. These include:

Additional information

All applicants are encouraged to complete the law supplementary form which may be used to adjust an applicant's Selection Rank.

The form will be available at: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/your-course/forms/supplementary-a...

Students in any Bachelor of Laws may apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree once they have completed a minimum 192 credit points and have attained an average mark of Distinction or above i.e. 70–100%. Applicants will be assessed on the highest grades achieved in the top 12 Law units. Students will be further assessed on an outline of a proposed thesis topic and availability of a college based or college affiliated supervisor. Successful applicants will enrol in both Advanced Research Legal Methods and Advanced Legal Research Dissertation instead of 24 credit points of law electives.

In order to be eligible to advance to the Psychology Honours year of the course, students must achieve the stringent academic admission criteria that are required for Honours programs in Psychology. Academic admission standards are based on the average grade across all core second and third year psychology units. Students who have successfully completed the first five years of study but have not met the academic admission requirements for the Honours year will be eligible to apply to graduate with a Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Psychological Studies degree. In the Psychology Honours year of study students must complete an additional six units of study (96 credit points).

Selection criteria assistance

Let us know which qualifications you have studied and we will help you find the admission information that most applies to you.

Which of the following qualifications have you studied, or are currently studying?

Still not sure? Make an enquiry and one of our advisors can assist.

Student profile

Take a look at a student profile to get an overview of students who have previously enrolled in this course.

Pathways & credits

There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.

If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.

Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice 22565VIC

You will be credited for up to 36 credit points of study.

Find out more about pathways and credits.

Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.

Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.

Credit Calculator

Find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.

CALCULATE YOUR CREDIT

How to apply

Available start dates:
  • 31 July 2023

Before you apply

Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:

  • Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
  • Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.

Find out more about applying for our courses.

Apply direct to VU

Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.

Apply direct to VU

Already a VU student?

If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.

After you apply

  • It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
  • Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered

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Get help

At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.