Bachelor of Communication (Social and Political Sciences) Bachelor of Laws

Program Overview

This five-year combined degree program equips students with expertise in law, social sciences, and their intersection. Through coursework, research, and practical experience, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the law's role in society and develop skills for careers in law, social policy, politics, or international relations. The program emphasizes experiential learning, research integration, and innovative teaching methods to prepare graduates for success in their chosen fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

• Overview: This degree combines expertise in social and political sciences with fundamental knowledge of the law.
Students study sociology, social policy, politics, public history and international studies in the context of legal and social science practice. They simultaneously engage with an exploration of the law that meets the academic requirements for admission to practise in NSW. By combining professional studies, hands-on research, internships and fieldwork in two discrete disciplines, this combined degree equips students to consider the role of the law as a tool for social and political change.
• Objective: To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the law and its role in society, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in law or social sciences.
• Program Description: The program is a five-year, full-time course that includes a combination of coursework, research, and practical experience.
Students will take courses in a variety of subjects, including law, social policy, politics, and international studies. They will also complete a research project and an internship.

Outline:

• Program Content: The program covers a wide range of topics, including:
• Law:
Criminal law and procedure, contracts, torts, constitutional law, property law, and commercial law.
• Social Policy: Social welfare policy, social justice, and social inequality.
• Politics: Political theory, comparative politics, and international relations.
• International Studies: Global politics, international law, and development studies.
• Course Schedule: The program is typically completed in five years.
The first year includes foundational courses in law, social policy, politics, and international studies. The second and third years focus on more specialized coursework in these areas. The fourth and fifth years include a research project, an internship, and a capstone course.
• Modules: The program includes a variety of modules, including:
• Law Modules:
Criminal Law and Procedure, Contracts, Torts, Constitutional Law, Property Law, Commercial Law, Legal Research and Writing, Mooting, and Trial Advocacy.
• Social Policy Modules: Social Welfare Policy, Social Justice, and Social Inequality, Research Methods in Social Policy, and Social Policy Analysis.
• Politics Modules: Political Theory, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Public Policy.
• International Studies Modules: Global Politics, International Law, and Development Studies, Research Methods in International Studies, and International Relations Theory.

Assessment:

• Assessment Methods: Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
• Essays
• Exams
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Internships
• Assessment Criteria: Students are assessed on their:
• Knowledge of the subject matter
• Analytical skills
• Writing skills
• Research skills
• Oral communication skills

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: The program is taught through a variety of methods, including:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Fieldwork
• Faculty: The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.
• Unique Approaches: The program includes a number of unique approaches to teaching, including:
• The use of experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and fieldwork.
• The integration of research into the curriculum.
• The use of technology to enhance the learning experience.

Careers:

• Career Paths: Graduates of the program can pursue a variety of careers in law, social policy, politics, and international relations.
Some common career paths include:
• Lawyer
• Social worker
• Policy analyst
• Politician
• Diplomat
• Opportunities: Graduates of the program are well-prepared for a variety of opportunities, including:
• Working in government agencies
• Working for non-profit organizations
• Working in private law firms
• Teaching
• Research
• Outcomes: Graduates of the program have a high success rate in finding employment in their chosen field.
They are also well-prepared for further study, such as a graduate degree in law or social policy.