Why Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change?
Are you passionate about creating a fairer society? Do you dream of making a lasting impact on the planet?
Combine your interests in law and environmental sustainability with our Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change.
Lawyers play a crucial role in the wellbeing of society – helping us protect rights and freedoms, maintain order and promote justice.
Gain the legal expertise to advocate for change and the conceptual understanding to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Become a champion for justice and a greener future.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change will prepare you for a career as a legal professional with a social and environmental conscience.
Develop a strong understanding of the legal system, including how to analyse and interpret laws and the factors that drive changes in laws over time. Learn how to use your problem-solving skills to guide clients through legal matters, championing their causes with dedication and integrity.
Your studies in sustainability and climate change will build your knowledge of climate systems and how people influence and are influenced by them.
Explore sustainability principles and learn how to develop adaptation strategies and influence policy that will transform the way we respond to climate change.
In just five years, you’ll earn a double degree and an Honours qualification, opening doors to a broad range of careers within law firms, government, non-profits, the corporate sector or international organisations*.
*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 advantage with expertise in two distinct areas 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 and advocate.
- Put your legal know-how into practice in our moot court room and build real-world experience through legal clinics and placements.
- Harness your analytical and research skills to design, review and deliver sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
What you'll learn
When you study a Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Sustainability and Climate Change at Adelaide University, you’ll gain a unique skillset across two distinct areas and graduate with two degrees in just five years.
Through your studies in law, you’ll gain a deep understanding of the fundamental legal principles needed to practise law in Australia.
You'll develop essential skills such as drafting court documents, effective client communication and advocacy, equipping you to handle dispute resolution and evidence in real-world legal contexts.
Explore current laws in Australia and hone your research abilities to address modern legal challenges. Explore how the justice system manages criminal responsibility and examine the relevance and impact of the Australian Constitution.
You’ll have the opportunity to study a range of legal topics, sharpening your analytical and problem-solving skills and getting a taste of which area interests you most.
Through your studies in sustainability and climate change, you’ll be prepared to tackle the critical challenges posed by global climate change.
Build a strong understanding of climate systems and the social and political systems surrounding them, both locally and globally.
Learn how to respond to and communicate challenges related to climate change and gain essential skills for roles in advocacy, planning and policymaking.
Throughout your degree, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge and skills into real-world practice through community projects, legal clinics, internships, study tours and mooting.
By studying this double degree with Honours, you’ll graduate with expertise in two areas, equipping you with skills that are transferable across a range of roles and sectors.
You can also continue with further study if you wish to be admitted to 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 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
What courses you'll study
Complete 240 units comprising:
- 174 units for Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 54 units for Electives
Complete 174 units comprising:
- 18 units from Common core, and
- 156 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
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
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
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
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
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
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
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
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 12 units for ALL of 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
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
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
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
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
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
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
Professional Pathways and Destinations 1
|
Course code
SOCI1007
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Humanity in a Changing Climate
|
Course code
ENVI1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fundamentals of Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Culture, Society and Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI1002
|
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
Global Environmental Politics
|
Course code
POLI1005
|
Units
6
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Communicating Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2002
|
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
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
International Law
|
Course code
LAWS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Responding to Climate Change
|
Course code
ENVI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
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
Climate Change Policy
|
Course code
ENVI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Climate Change and Sustainable Development
|
Course code
ENVI3001
|
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
With a double degree in law, sustainability and climate change from Adelaide University, you’ll gain both specialist and transferable skills that can be applied to a broad range of careers across sectors, locally and globally.
You could help negotiate the next big international climate agreement – like a future version of the Paris Agreement – shaping global efforts to combat climate change.
Maybe you’ll lead a legal team for a renewable energy company, overseeing the development of offshore wind farms that power millions of homes sustainably.
Or perhaps you'll fight to protect Aboriginal land and culture in landmark environmental legal battles.
Careers you may consider, include:
- Arbitrator/mediator
- Human rights advocate
- In-house counsel
- Judge’s associate
- Law clerk
- Paralegal
- Climate or sustainability policy adviser
- Parliamentary draftsperson
- 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
Demand for solicitors in Australia has shown consistent long-term growth. It is among the top 20 occupations experiencing shortages with above-average employment rates (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).
With a global shift towards sustainability, we can only expect further growth in legal roles – in both Australia and internationally – through the creation of new, emerging industries and job opportunities.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
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.
