Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology is the only double degree of its kind in Victoria. Offering the unique combination of an accredited law degree with a specialised education in the causes of crime (Criminology) and the fallout of crime (Criminal Justice), this course arms students with the advanced skills to solve complex legal problems in an increasingly complex society.
Explore all aspects of law, including commercial and intellectual property law, and learn how to communicate with both legal and non-legal audiences. Delve into the differences and similarities between local and global criminality, and discover traditional approaches to crime along with emerging trends.
On completion, you’ll be able to evaluate the main causes of crime, assess the consequences of crime on victims and the community, critically evaluate situations and their legal ramifications, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge necessary to practice law.
This degree is ideal for those who want to specialise in criminal prosecution, criminal defence or government policy development.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 1 March 2021
- Semester 2 - 2 August 2021
VTAC codes
- 3400211601 (CSP)
- 3400211603 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Course details
- Course structure.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology requires students to complete units of study to the value of 500 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Australian Law and Statutory Interpretation | LAW10010 | 12.5 |
| Contract Law | LAW10011 | 12.5 |
| Commercial Law | LAW10013 | 12.5 |
| Torts 1 | LAW10014 | 12.5 |
| Criminal Law & Procedure | LAW10015 | 12.5 |
| Torts 2 | LAW10025 | 12.5 |
| Legal Writing | LAW10026 | 12.5 |
| Evidence | LAW20009 | 12.5 |
| Administrative Law | LAW20010 | 12.5 |
| Trade Marks and Related Rights * | LAW20011 | 12.5 |
| Federal and State Constitutional Law | LAW20012 | 12.5 |
| Property Law | LAW20013 | 12.5 |
| Land Law | LAW20014 | 12.5 |
| Copyright * | LAW20043 | 12.5 |
| Patents & Designs * | LAW30011 | 12.5 |
| Equity and Trusts * | LAW30012 | 12.5 |
| Company Law * | LAW30013 | 12.5 |
| Legal Practice and Professional Conduct * | LAW30015 | 12.5 |
| Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAW30029 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Criminology | CRI10002 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Forensic Psychology | FOR10001 | 12.5 |
| Law & Social Science | LAW10022 | 12.5 |
| Brain and Behaviour | PSY10007 | 12.5 |
| Policing: Systems and Practice | CRI20001 | 12.5 |
| Global Crime | CRI20002 | 12.5 |
| Sentencing | LAW20030 | 12.5 |
| Crime and Punishment in the International Context | LAW20031 | 12.5 |
| Technological Advances in Dealing with Crime | LAW20032 | 12.5 |
| Deviance Difference and Conformity | SOC20020 | 12.5 |
| Corrections: Systems and Practice | CRI30002 | 12.5 |
| Juvenile Justice and Crime | CRI30010 | 12.5 |
| Advanced Topics in Forensic Psychology | FOR30001 | 12.5 |
| Crime, Society and Culture (Capstone) | LAW30025 | 12.5 |
+
Placement for Bachelor of Laws
3 units (0 credit points)
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Experience in Law 1 | LAW10016 | 0 |
| Professional Experience in Law 2 | LAW20018 | 0 |
| Professional Experience in Law 3 | LAW30016 | 0 |
+
Other studies
7 units (87.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 87.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
The objective of the Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology double degree is to bring together two of Swinburne’s existing degrees, the Bachelor of Laws, with the newly established Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology. The combination creates an impressive course that offers a multidisciplinary education and addresses the gap between demand and availability for double degrees of a high calibre. The pairing of law with existing degrees across different disciplines has the potential to increase the overall merit of the courses and in turn, the reputation of the University.
The introduction of this double degree additionally has the potential to increase the number of enrolments at Swinburne and in turn, further contribute to the current growth and development of the university. This is due to the multidisciplinary nature of the course having the ability to attract a wider range of students as it caters to individuals who hold multiple areas of interest. It also presents a specialisation opportunity for law students who intend to practice in the field of criminal law or the criminal justice system.
The incorporation of these two popular areas of study will contribute towards stronger connections with industry and the community through enhanced commercialisation capability, connections with major law firms, and pro-bono work for non-profit organisations. In conjunction with the strong level of theoretical education, students will undertake a Practical Skills Program throughout this degree, resulting in graduates that are industry ready, adaptable and able to manage change, and consequently, highly attractive to potential employers.
Fees
- Fees for 2020.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2020 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$55,775 | $11,155 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.