Why Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Are you inspired to promote justice and create a safer society? Want to understand what motivates someone to commit a crime and how we can better detect, prevent and manage crime?
Uncover these topics and more with our Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
Learn to navigate the legal system and advocate for the rights of others with integrity and dedication.
Consider the impact of crime on society and examine our responses to it – from detection and prevention to punishment and victim support.
Make a tangible difference in people’s lives and contribute to a safer world.
Overview
This degree prepares you for rewarding careers influencing systems and improving lives.
Gain a deep understanding of the law – and how and why laws change over time. Research past decisions to understand precedent and learn to analyse and interpret laws, regulations and court rulings.
Harness your problem-solving skills to navigate legal matters and advocate for the rights of your clients.
Through your studies in criminology and criminal justice, you’ll uncover the complex causes and nature of crime and its impact on society. Examine the way we respond to crime and consider strategies for intervention.
In just five years, you’ll earn a double degree and an Honours qualification, allowing you to pursue careers in the legal and corporate sectors, government, law enforcement, corrections services and more*.
*To be admitted to legal practice, you’ll need to fulfil the practical requirements for admission, which includes completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Key features
Gain a competitive edge with expertise in two fields and graduate with two degrees in just five years. - Build your practical skills and knowledge of the law to become a legal practitioner.
- Create innovative and ethical solutions to individual, community, national and global issues.
- Develop your skills in reasoning and argument and become a persuasive communicator.
- Put your legal know-how into practice in our moot court room and build real-world experience through legal clinics and placements.
- Learn to research, analyse and develop policy, preparing you to work in the field of criminology and criminal justice.
What you'll learn
This degree prepares you for rewarding careers influencing systems and improving lives.
Gain a deep understanding of the law – and how and why laws change over time. Research past decisions to understand precedent and learn to analyse and interpret laws, regulations and court rulings.
Harness your problem-solving skills to navigate legal matters and advocate for the rights of your clients.
Through your studies in criminology and criminal justice, you’ll uncover the complex causes and nature of crime and its impact on society. Examine the way we respond to crime and consider strategies for intervention.
In just five years, you’ll earn a double degree and an Honours qualification, allowing you to pursue careers in the legal and corporate sectors, government, law enforcement, corrections services and more*.
*To be admitted to legal practice, you’ll need to fulfil the practical requirements for admission, which includes completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
With Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, you’ll gain expertise in two areas and graduate with two degrees in just five years.
Your courses include:
- Administrative law
- Company law
- Civil procedure
- Torts
- Evidence
- Criminal law and procedure
- Federal and state constitutional law.
You will explore the core legal areas required as a legal practitioner in Australia, known as the Priestley 11.
Learn essential skills like drafting court documents, effective client communication and advocacy, preparing you to navigate dispute resolution and evidence in real-world legal cases.
Examine current laws in Australia and develop strong research skills to propose legal solutions to contemporary challenges. Study the Australian Constitution and consider its relevance today.
Through your studies in criminology and criminal justice, you’ll contribute meaningfully to the broader conversation around crime and society’s responses to it.
Gain a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and consider how agencies such as the police, criminal courts, corrections and support services, work to detect, prevent or punish crime, and support victims.
Explore the complex nature of crime and learn how it’s evolving in the digital age. Build your creative, analytical and critical thinking skills and consider new strategies to combat crime in today’s world.
Throughout your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to practice your skills in real-world settings through community projects, legal clinics, internships, study tours and mooting.
This double degree with Honours will provide you with both specialist and transferable skills, preparing you for a range of roles across the legal and criminal justice sectors.
You can also continue with further study if you wish to be admitted to legal practice – which includes completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Double degrees
The following double degrees are also available:
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Business
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of International Relations
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Psychology
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change.
What courses you'll study
Complete 240 units comprising:
- 168 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 60 units for Electives
Complete 168 units comprising:
- 18 units for all Common core, and
- 150 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Future Law Project
|
Course code
LAWS4800
|
Units
12
|
|
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Civil Dispute Resolution
|
Course code
LAWS4901
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Civil Dispute Resolution
|
Course code
LAWS4901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Future Law Project
|
Course code
LAWS4800
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Civil Dispute Resolution
|
Course code
LAWS4901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Future Law Project
|
Course code
LAWS4800
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 60 units comprising:
- 24 units from University-wide electives, and
- 36 units from Program electives - Law
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Family Law
|
Course code
LAWS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Human Rights Law
|
Course code
LAWS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Income Tax Law
|
Course code
LAWS1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Intellectual Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Health Law
|
Course code
LAWS1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law of Work
|
Course code
LAWS1006
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Environmental Law
|
Course code
LAWS1007
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The Law of Succession
|
Course code
LAWS1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Law
|
Course code
LAWS1009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ageing and the Law: Elder Law and Policy
|
Course code
LAWS2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Media Law
|
Course code
LAWS3006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
Course code
CRIM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Crime Problems in Australia
|
Course code
LAWS1016
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Explaining Crime and Deviance
|
Course code
CRIM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Policing and Crime Control
|
Course code
CRIM2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Introduction to Research Methods in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Penology and Corrections
|
Course code
CRIM2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contemporary Issues in Criminology
|
Course code
CRIM3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship
|
Course code
CRIM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Civil Dispute Resolution
|
Course code
LAWS4901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Future Law Project
|
Course code
LAWS4800
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Adelaide University’s double degree in law, criminology and criminal justice will equip you with a strong skillset to pursue careers within legal and criminal justice sectors – both within Australia and internationally.
You could work as a high-profile prosecutor or defence lawyer in cases that define the future of criminal law and justice reform.
You might advise global governments on policies to combat organised crime, cybercrime or terrorism, shaping international cooperation strategies.
Or maybe you'll become an advocate for victims of crime, influencing legislation to improve protections and support systems.
You’ll be able to explore careers as a:
- Arbitrator/mediator
- Human rights advocate
- In-house counsel
- Judge’s associate
- Law clerk
- Paralegal
- Criminologist
- Criminal investigator
- Intelligence analyst
- Solicitor*
- Barrister*.
*To be admitted to legal practice, you will also need to fulfil the practical requirements for admission, which includes the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Industry trends
Roughly 41% of Australians have experienced violence – whether physical, sexual or both – since the age of 15 (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2024). At the same time, cybercrime ranks among the top 10 global risks in both the short and long term (World Economic Forum, 2023).
Legal professionals with the skills and passion to make a difference in this field are highly sought after.
Employment for solicitors in Australia has seen steady long-term growth. It ranks among the top 20 occupations facing shortages, with above-average employment rates (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
