Why Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of International Relations?
Want to tackle complex legal and policy challenges around the world?
You can combine legal expertise with an understanding of global politics, diplomacy and international systems.
Unpack human rights issues on a global scale. Interrogate the laws that uphold those rights. Learn about global governance systems – the frameworks for understanding treaties, agreements, and international courts.
Understand migration trends and policies. Investigate legal protections for refugees and asylum seekers. Explore politics, global trade systems and the impact of conflicts. Learn how law addresses issues like war crimes, maritime law, and international criminal law.
Overview
Combine law with international relations, graduating with two degrees in just five years. You’ll gain an advanced understanding of legal principles of Australian law and international relations.
Explore how the law works and why it changes over time. Sharpen your critical thinking, research and communication skills. Develop your cross-cultural awareness. Learn to analyse complex geopolitical issues and craft informed policy responses.
Uncover insights into today’s critical global challenges. Explore Australia’s essential role in the Indo-Pacific and its commitment to regional security. Discover how health crises shape global politics and how social media transforms diplomacy.
A double degree in law and international relations expands your knowledge of how global politics works and opens doors to a broad range of career opportunities. You will gain the academic qualifications required for legal practice, while expanding your job prospects internationally. Be ready to make a meaningful impact across diplomatic service, international organisations or non-governmental organisations.
Key features
Gain the advantage of double expertise, graduating with two degrees in just five years.- Prepare to be a successful legal practitioner, building hands-on skills and knowledge of the law.
- Develop innovative and ethical solutions to individual, community, national and global issues.
- Build debating, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
- Stretch your legal muscles in our moot court room and get experience in real-world clinics and placements.
- Explore the complex geopolitical and socio-economic issues facing our world.
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s double degree of Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of International Relations will set you up for success in a fast-changing global economy. You’ll graduate with two qualifications in five years instead of just the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) after four years.
The law portion of your degree will explore the core legal areas required as a legal practitioner in Australia. You’ll also practise technical drafting for court documents, client communication and advocacy skills – so you’ll be ready to step into the legal profession understanding dispute resolution and evidence. Examine laws in Australia today. Build strong research skills to propose legal solutions to contemporary issues. Investigate how the Australian justice system deals with criminal responsibility. Learn legal problem solving and analysis. Choose electives suited to your individual interests and career goals. Gain all the academic qualifications you’ll need to become a legal practitioner.
In your international relations classes, build your cross-cultural empathy and global perspective. Examine emerging international issues, including geopolitical tensions, economic connections and security concerns. Cultivate a deeper appreciation of Australia’s diplomatic strategies, trade ties and security partnerships. Unpack frameworks like the 1951 Refugee Convention.
Your international relations classes will cover topics on:
- Power, statehood, and sovereignty
- Practical and moral dilemmas facing policymakers worldwide
- Global governance and international law
- Methods for comparing and critiquing major global powers
- The global impact of pandemics
- Global environmental politics
- Theoretical approaches to understanding international relations
- War, terrorism, humanitarian intervention, and historical memory.
You’ll attend seminars with visiting scholars and foreign policy experts, where you’ll engage in lively discussions on current events and reflect on your values.
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 Criminology and Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Economics
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Economics (Honours)
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:
- 174 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units from Work integrated learning, and
- 54 units for Electives
Complete 174 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 156 units from 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
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
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
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
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
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
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 exactly 12 units from the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
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 54 units comprising:
- 12 units from University-wide electives, and
- 42 units from Program electives
| 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
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Comparative Politics
|
Course code
POLI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Australia’s Foreign Policy in the Indo-Pacific
|
Course code
POLI1003
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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
Introduction to Global Politics
|
Course code
POLI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
The State of the World: Post Covid-19
|
Course code
POLI1004
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Approaches in International Relations
|
Course code
POLI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics of War and Peace
|
Course code
POLI3013
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Professional Pathways and Destinations 2
|
Course code
SOCI2019
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Global Political Economy
|
Course code
POLI3012
|
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
Internship: Society and Culture
|
Course code
SOCI3903
|
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
The combination of legal precision and international insights makes this a powerful and versatile combination for a global career.
You could take your expertise to the global stage as an international lawyer, specialising in treaties, human rights or trade law. You might work as a policy advisor, informing international security plans. Perhaps you’ll use your knowledge of legal frameworks and cross-cultural dynamics in a multinational corporation, navigating complex regulatory environments in an ethical way.
You could also be a:
- Human rights advocate
- Diplomat
- International trade specialist
- Legal advisor
- International policy analyst
- Foreign affairs officer
- International development consultant
- Political risk analyst.
Industry trends
A growing number of professions demand a deeper understanding of international relations. Adelaide University’s Bachelor of International Relations provides specialised knowledge in this field, developing your critical thinking, leadership qualities and digital literacy. Our Bachelor of Laws (Honours) will give you a distinct way of thinking and a strong foundation of legal expertise.
The World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs Report 2023 highlights top skills for the future, emphasising analytical and creative thinking, which are central to our program. Jobs for solicitors in Australia are also seeing a long-term trend of strong growth, with above average employment rates (Jobs and Skills Australia).
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.
