Why Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Psychology?
Understand the biological and legal bases for why people behave the way they do.
Laws are our governance – they set the standard for what behaviours we accept and how we deal with injustices. By also understanding the biology of how humans think and behave, we can better understand these structures, meet their ongoing challenges and inspire change.
Studying both law and psychology will empower you to make a positive impact on individuals and societies. Address complex problems and deliver justice with well-developed problem-solving and communication skills. Graduate as an informed and ethically minded practitioner, ready to meet people where they’re at and advocate for their needs.
Overview
Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Law (Honours), Bachelor of Psychology will empower you to understand and work with the laws that govern us, and the behaviours of the people who live under these laws.
Develop a strong understanding of the key theories that underpin both disciplines, and how they apply into real contexts throughout Australia. Then, learn how to put these skills into practice with real-world learning.
You’ll graduate with an understanding of the key legal principles of Australian law and the psychological concepts that underpin modern psychology practice. You’ll be able to compassionately meet the needs of people while understanding the basis of their behaviours, and can apply your skills in advocacy, policy or research roles.
To become a law professional like a solicitor or barrister, you will need to complete further study in the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. To become a registered psychologist you will need to continue your psychology studies with an honours degree in psychology or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) before going on to a master’s degree in psychology.
Key features
Graduate with a competitive edge by studying two complementary fields over five years.- Build your practical skills and knowledge of the law to work within Australia’s legal system.
- Drive human-focused, empathetic solutions to individual, community, national and global issues and inequalities.
- Become a persuasive and community-minded communicator able to advocate for others.
- Practise your legal skills in our moot court room and take part in legal clinics and placements to build your real-world experience.
- Inform your legal practice with an evidence-based understanding of human psychology.
What you'll learn
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Psychology is a five-year, full-time double degree.
Take your first steps to become a forward-thinking, well-rounded professional within the Australian legal system. Your skills will be bolstered by your understanding of the biological and social influences on human behaviour, as well as how to manage and treat mental health conditions.
You’ll begin by studying the foundations of law. Discover how legal institutions and methods are set up, principles of community-centred practice, and how laws operate within business and economic contexts.
You’ll then explore the key areas of legal studies required for practice in Australia, known as the Priestley 11. Topics include:
- Administrative law
- Civil procedure
- Company law
- Contracts
- Criminal law and procedure
- Equity and trusts
- Evidence
- Federal and state constitutional law
- Professional conduct
- Property
- Torts.
Meanwhile, your psychology topics will cover core psychological concepts that apply to all career specialisations. Explore healthy development throughout the human lifespan. Learn how wellbeing and resilience are influenced by different environments, cultures and contexts. Study cognitive development and global perspectives on mental health. You’ll also learn how to conduct ethical and impactful research.
Build practical skills through every step of your degree. For the law component, you’ll take part in community projects, clinical legal education, internships, study tours and mooting. For the psychology component, you’ll apply your knowledges in an industry placement or project with real-world application.
With a professional and forward-thinking approach underpinned by strong theory and research principles, you’ll graduate with a distinct way of thinking, ready for professional roles across the country.
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 International Relations
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism
Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change.
What courses you'll study
Complete 240 units comprising:
- 192 units for Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 42 units for Electives
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 192 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Psychology Research Methods
|
Course code
PSYC1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC1001
|
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
Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1012
|
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
Psychology for Social Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Insights into Data and Research in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Global Challenges
|
Course code
PSYC2010
|
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
Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Career Development in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2009
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Organisations and Communities
|
Course code
PSYC3011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3007
|
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 2 | |||
 |
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Psychology Research Methods
|
Course code
PSYC1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Social Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Data and Research in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Global Challenges
|
Course code
PSYC2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Career Development in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Organisations and Communities
|
Course code
PSYC3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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 1 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3900
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Psychology Research Methods
|
Course code
PSYC1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Social Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Data and Research in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Global Challenges
|
Course code
PSYC2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Career Development in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Organisations and Communities
|
Course code
PSYC3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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 1 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Complete 42 units comprising:
- 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 2 | |||
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introductory Psychology Research Methods
|
Course code
PSYC1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Understanding Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC1001
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
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
Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC1012
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Constitutional Law
|
Course code
LAWS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Social Contexts
|
Course code
PSYC1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Data and Research in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2000
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Global Challenges
|
Course code
PSYC2010
|
Units
6
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Property Law
|
Course code
LAWS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Criminal Law
|
Course code
LAWS3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Career Development in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC2009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Equity and Trusts
|
Course code
LAWS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Administrative Law
|
Course code
LAWS2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Insights into Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Psychology for Organisations and Communities
|
Course code
PSYC3011
|
Units
6
|
| Year 4 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Advanced Individual Behaviour and Cognition
|
Course code
PSYC3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Research Methods in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Work Integrated Learning in Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3900
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Corporate Law
|
Course code
LAWS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Becoming a Lawyer
|
Course code
LAWS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Health and Developmental Psychology
|
Course code
PSYC3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
| Year 5 | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
|
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 1 | |||
|
Course name
Evidence
|
Course code
LAWS4900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
12
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Graduates of this highly complementary double degree can apply their skills across the private and public sectors. With a deep understanding of both Australian laws and psychology, you’ll be prepared to work as an ethical, forward-thinking professional. You could support individuals – or drive change at the systemic level.
You could work in:
- Business and human resources
- Education
- Government, policy and not-for-profits
- Social services and mental health
- Research and academia.
You may find yourself advocating for community groups as a representative, pushing for legal reforms to combat structural inequalities. You might counsel people one-on-one, understanding their challenges within a greater lens and context. Through further study, you could work within our criminal system as a defence lawyer, ensuring everyone gets a fair day in court.
To be admitted to legal practice, you will need to fulfil the practical requirements for admission, which includes the completion of the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice.
Industry trends
University-qualified professionals are set to grow Australia’s workforce through to 2033, boosted by their ability to move flexibly between industries (Australian Government, 2023).
There is a long-term trend of job growth for solicitors in Australia, with above average employment rates (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).
Adelaide University’s dynamic curriculum includes studies in ethics, analysis and how to excel as a modern professional. You'll graduate ready to use your knowledge of both law and psychology in the exciting and dynamic careers of today and tomorrow.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
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Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.
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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.
