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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July, October
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Duration
5 years full-time; 10 years part-time
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Location
Coffs Harbour, Gold Coast, Online
Students attend compulsory on-campus workshops. -
Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
80
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Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
BPsychSc, LLB
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Course code
3207007
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Credit points
480
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Equivalent units
40
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
-
Duration
5 years full-time
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Location
-
Placement
Yes Learn more
-
ATAR
80
-
Inherent Requirements
Yes Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
BPsychSc, LLB
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Course code
3207007
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Credit points
480
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Equivalent units
40
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
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CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Examining the criminal mind is a fascinating and revealing journey. In this double degree, you’ll experience the mindsets of criminals, the perspectives of victims and the motivations of people working within the legal process.
The course will equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience required to embark on a career in law, as well as a strong grounding in psychology and psychological theory, providing insights into the workings of the human mind. Through an optional professional placement you can develop networks and gain vital insight into career possibilities.
Graduates may choose to pursue a career in one of the many facets of law, from health, social and disability services to youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education; or you can pursue postgraduate training for registration as a psychologist.
This degree fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to be eligible to practise as a lawyer.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
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“I chose Southern Cross because I wanted somewhere where the lecturers knew me by name and provided one-on-one assistance. The course was definitely challenging but I learned so much and the staff were always so willing to help.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Access, manage, research and evaluate sources of information using intellectual and practical skills relevant to legal research and policy issues in professional practice Comprehend and apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge of psychological principles, theories, and concepts using a scientific, evidence-based approach |
GA2: Creativity Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems Demonstrate independence and integrity in scholarly inquiry and creative problem-solving in psychology |
GA3: Ethical practice Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and sustainability in service to the community Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and sustainability. Demonstrate the capacity to evaluate evidence, tolerate ambiguity, recognise biases, and apply values and ethics necessary for professional conduct in psychology. |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge that includes the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise Demonstrate an understanding of the international and comparative contexts in which legal issues arise. Apply appropriate research and assessment methods in psychology. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Learn and work independently by reflection and assessment of their own capabilities and performance, and seek and make use of feedback as appropriate, to determine personal and professional development needs and achievements Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal research and practice Apply knowledge and skills of psychology to meet personal, professional, and societal needs |
GA6: Communication and social skills Collaborate and communicate using appropriate academic skills in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences Analyse and evaluate information, theory, and research in the discipline of psychology and apply academic literacy skills to communicate these in a variety of written and oral forms Employ interpersonal and communication skills conducive to effective collaboration |
GA7: Cultural competence Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice Demonstrate a reflexive manner appropriate to a range of socially and culturally diverse people, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples |
Students can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms or offices to build their practical legal skills and develop their professional networks.
You'll study core units in both law and psychology, and select units from an extensive range of electives to suit your career aspirations.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Coffs Harbour | Term 1 |
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
Career Outcomes
Employment opportunities exist as barristers or solicitors; or in law-related areas in private, corporate, or government organisations. There is a range of career opportunities in government departments, particularly those connected with health, social and disability services, youth services, corrective services, the armed services, research agencies and in education. Graduates may also pursue further training to become a registered clinical psychologist with career options in health services, education, research and more.
The course also has Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) accreditation for entrance into postgraduate training.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Psychological Science, Bachelor of Laws, students must complete the equivalent of 40 units (480 credit points), comprising:
- 36 core units (432 credit points), and
- 4 Law Option Units (48 credit points).
Exit Awards
Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Laws after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), as per the Bachelor of Laws Schedule of Units.
Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Psychological Science after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), the Bachelor of Psychological Science Schedule of Units.
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements apply to this course as defined on the Student Equity and Inclusion website. Students who have a disability or health condition which may impact on their ability to meet these requirements are encouraged to visit the Student Equity and Inclusion website for further information and contact details.
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Law at SCU
5-star rating
We're rated 5-stars for teaching quality and student support
(Good Universities Guide 2023: Law)Postgraduate experience
We're rated 5-stars for postgraduate overall experience, student support and teaching quality
(GUG 2023)Entry pathways
Entry pathways available into Bachelor of Laws from the Associate Degree in Law
(Paralegal Studies)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway