Applications now open
Our Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts gives you the choice, flexibility and support you need to succeed.
- Develop an advanced legal expertise while you explore your other passions.
- Tailor your double degree by choosing from a huge range of arts majors.
- Graduate with two degrees in only five years to gain a competitive career edge.
- Expand your career options in a huge range of evolving fields and industries.
Entry requirements and pathways
Recent school leavers
ATAR requirements (compulsory)
This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
91.75 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Bendigo campus
– 2024 lowest selection rank (including adjustment factors)
based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes
Prerequisite
VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.
Selection rank adjustments
Subject adjustments
VCE: A study score of 25 in Drama, any Humanities, Legal Studies, Psychology or Theatre Studies equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.
Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS)
Aspire Programs
Our Aspire Early Entry Program provides you with an early conditional offer into your chosen course at La Trobe.
At La Trobe, there’s more than one way into uni. We have multiple streams to choose from so if you’ve given back to your community, achieved good results in Year 11 or taken extra university studies, you could take the stress out of Year 12 exams with an early conditional offer into your dream course.
Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry
The Aspire Year 11 Conditional Entry program uses your performance in year 11 to secure you an early conditional offer into a range of courses at La Trobe. Once you have secured your place at La Trobe you can take advantage of our other Aspire pathways to unlock access to our most prestigious courses.
Get started
Aspire Early University Study
The Aspire Early University Study program rewards Year 12 students who’ve done additional studies at La Trobe with an early conditional offer into their dream course. The Early University Study stream has two options to help get your university goals back on track.
Credit for previous study (advanced standing)
Credit for previous study (advanced standing) is the recognition of prior study or learning that can be counted towards a qualification. This can reduce the number of subjects required to complete your course. The amount of credit received depends on the level and relevance of your previous study and the number of subjects completed.
The University will designate courses where there is only admission into Year 1 of the course. In these cases, there is limited credit. See list of limited entry courses.
To check if this course is available for credit, please visit the Advanced standing webpage.
Pathways
A pathway is simply an alternative way for a student to get into their dream course - if direct entry isn't an option.
We've listed the 'pathway method and outcome' - which is how you can transfer into the area you want to study, assuming you meet the entry requirements (e.g. minimum WAM). You'll also find an estimate of how long it could take you to graduate, from the start of your pathway to the completion of your dream degree.
| Preferred course | Alternative pathway courses | Pathway method & outcome | Years to graduate including the Pathway course (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor of Arts | Apply to transfer into preferred course | 5 years |
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
What you'll study
Sample course structure
Please note, the following course structure is indicative and subject to change depending on your course location, offer year or how you tailor your course with specialisations, majors, minors and electives. Structures for the following year are not normally finalised until October, so the sample provided is based on the most recently approved structure. For more information, please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook.
To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts, students must complete a total of 600 credit points across 5 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives or major or minor
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives or major or minor
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 60 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 15 credit points from chosen Electives or major
- 15 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 4 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives or major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 5 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 30 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Core choice
- 15 credit points from chosen Core choice
- 15 credit points from chosen Electives or major
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Design your own degree: open access majors and minors available
La Trobe's open access majors and minors mean you could customise your degree with cross-disciplinary studies, work-integrated learning and study overseas.
Whatever you're studying, if there's enough spare credit points in your course structure and room in your timetable, you could choose an open access major or minor from your course’s discipline or a completely different discipline – mix business with science or arts with IT or combine a range of disciplines to design a degree to match your interests and truly find your niche.
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACADEMIC INTEGRITY MODULE | LTU0AIM | 1 | 0 |
| WOMINJEKA LA TROBE: INDIGENOUS CULTURAL LITERACY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION | ABS0WOM | 1 | 0 |
| DISPUTE RESOLUTION | LAW1DR | 1 | 15 |
| LEGAL INSTITUTIONS AND METHODS | LAW1LIM | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF CRIMINAL LAW | LAW1CRL | 1 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF PUBLIC LAW | LAW1PPL | 1 | 15 |
| CONTRACT LAW A | LAW2CTA | 2 | 15 |
| CONTRACT LAW B | LAW2CTB | 2 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF CONSTITUTIONAL LAW | LAW2CSL | 2 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF TORT LAW | LAW2TOT | 2 | 15 |
| CIVIL PROCEDURE | LAW3004 | 3 | 15 |
| FOUNDATIONS OF PROPERTY LAW | LAW3002 | 3 | 15 |
| REAL PROPERTY LAW | LAW3005 | 3 | 15 |
| STATUTORY INTERPRETATION | LAW3003 | 3 | 15 |
| EVIDENCE AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE | LAW3001 | 4 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW | LAW4004 | 4 | 15 |
| COMPANY LAW | LAW4002 | 5 | 15 |
| PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY AND TRUSTS | LAW4003 | 5 | 15 |
Course majors
A major is a sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a major, this sequence must add up to 120 credit points. In some courses, you need to complete at least one major from your course's discipline to attain your degree.
Open access majors
If there is room in your degree for more than one major, you may wish to complete an open access major from another discipline area.
La Trobe open access majors and minors offer an opportunity to customise your degree with cross-discipline studies and work integrated learning.
View our open access majors
Course minors
A minor is an optional sequence of related subjects studied in your course. To attain a minor, this sequence must add up to 60 credit points. A minor can be undertaken in a similar or different interest area in your course or major's discipline and, in some cases, taken from a different discipline. Up to two minors can be chosen in place of an optional second major or standalone elective subjects.
Open access minors
A range of standalone elective subjects is available in this course. Some electives are recommended for your course, but you may also be able to choose from a range of University-wide electives or electives from other interest areas or disciplines. Note these electives may have their own prerequisites and other requirements. Please refer to the La Trobe University Handbook for the subjects available.
Core choice subjects are one or more subject groups you need to select in your course. Core choice subjects may be specific to your course, major, minor, specialisation or other learning requirements.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW INTERNSHIP B | LAW4INB | 5 | 15 |
| LEGAL PRACTICE AND CONDUCT | LAW4001 | 5 | 15 |
| LEGAL RESEARCH PROJECT | LAW4005 | 5 | 15 |
| LEGAL PRACTICE AND CONDUCT CLINICAL PLACEMENT | LAW4LPP | 5 | 30 |
Work-Based Learning
Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information. Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program.
See La Trobe University Handbook for more details
The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course structures, electives and options. The delivery of this course can vary between campuses.
View course information for Melbourne (Bundoora)
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts course and career outcomes
However you choose to structure your study, La Trobe recognises your hard work. Here are the pathways you could follow as you move through your course.
Year 1
After completing 1 year of full-time study
You can exit with a Diploma of Arts
Course intended learning outcomes
- Demonstrate appropriate understanding and competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge required for admission into the legal practice in Victoria, Australia.
- Develop creative, critical and analytical skills to address problems in a range of social and cultural contexts.
- Demonstrate high-level, ethical, professional and culturally aware communication skills.
- Design and conduct independent and collaborative research into complex problems relating to social issues, considering ethical implications and multiple perspectives.
- Navigate, critically assess and strategically utilise information from both physical and digital sources.
- Demonstrate broad knowledge of Australian legal systems, institutions and procedures, including fundamental legal principles and concepts, substantive areas of law and international and comparative contexts.
- Demonstrate analytical and practical skills in identifying legal issues, applying legal doctrine and solving legal problems using innovative and creative thought.
- Effectively and cogently communicate legal research, knowledge and analysis orally and in writing to a variety of audiences both legal and non-legal.
- Demonstrate a capacity to reflect on their own learning approaches, work independently, manage and foster personal and professional development, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Demonstrate an ability to study and research using appropriate technology and discerning judgment, identifying, consolidating and critically analysing relevant legal sources.
- Recognise and reflect on lawyers' professional and ethical responsibilities and the importance of integrity and service in legal analysis and practice.
- Demonstrate a critical awareness of the historical, social, economic and cultural contexts and implications of laws and the role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity.
- Apply systematic, detailed knowledge and understanding of at least one discipline or interdisciplinary area in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts career opportunities
Studying law in combination with arts can lead to a range of careers in the public or private sector.
Your career options include:
- Barrister/solicitor
- Interview clients and represent them in court. Prepare cases by conducting investigations, undertaking research, and arranging witness preparation.
- Human rights lawyer
- Provide legal counsel to victims of human rights violations.
- Diplomat
- Maintain international relations and negotiate agreements regarding peace and war, trade and economics, culture, the environment, and human rights.
- Politician
- Represent the voice of your constituents at a local, state, or federal level of government and influence public policy.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts course includes the subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board to meet the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Victoria as an Australian lawyer.
Admission to the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Victoria also requires the completion of practical legal training via either a 12-month period of supervised legal training or completion of an approved practical legal training course (for example, at the Leo Cussen Institute or The College of Law). Candidates for admission to practice must also satisfy the Admissions Board that they are a fit and proper person to be admitted to practice.
International students are advised to obtain assurance of recognition of the course by the relevant professional bodies in their preferred country of practice.
International graduates require a relevant visa to complete a practical legal traineeship and a supervised workplace traineeship in Australia. Please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs for details.
Professional registration may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. For further details, including admission to the legal profession, please contact the professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Fees and scholarships
Estimated course fees for domestic students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
$15,339 (CSP) per 120 credit points.
Commonwealth supported places (CSP):
The estimated fees are indicative only. The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. In some cases, your course fees may be higher than the indicated fees because of the subjects you choose.
To get a more accurate estimation, you can use the fee calculator to calculate your course fees and study load (EFTSL: Equivalent full-time study load)
How your fees are calculated
The tuition fees you pay will depend on the subjects you choose to study, with each subject having its own cost. This estimated cost is provided as a guide only – the actual cost will vary depending on:
- the subjects you choose
- the time it takes to do your course based on your study load (full-time/part-time)
- approved credit for prior learning
If part-time study is permitted, your annual fees will be proportionally lower based on the number of subjects taken per semester.
Fee help
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (the student contribution), is set each year by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual subjects, not the overall course.
Learn more about Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)
HECS-Help Loan
HECS-HELP is the Australian Government’s Higher Education Loan Program. It enables you to borrow the amount of your student contribution and then pay that loan back once you are in the workforce and earning at a specified level. A HECS-HELP loan is not means tested.
HECS-HELP is available to eligible Australian citizens and permanent humanitarian visa holders who are enrolled in a CSP. As a CSP student, you may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which allows you to defer payment of up to 100% of your student contribution.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available for both current and future students. Find out what La Trobe scholarship opportunities might be available to you. View all available scholarships
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Scholarships that may be available for this course
Tertiary Access Payment (TAP) Program
Albury-Wodonga Campus, Bendigo Campus, Melbourne Campus, City Campus, Mildura Campus, Shepparton Campus – Future undergraduates, 1st year undergraduates, Australian Citizen, Humanitarian Visa, New Zealand Citizen, Permanent Resident
Full time enrolment and proof of relocation will be confirmed before payment is made into the recipient's bank account.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
Before you apply
If you are applying for multiple courses you will need to apply through UAC or VTAC (Semester 1 only). If you are applying for one course, you may be able to apply direct.
Applying for a Bachelor's degree
Current Year 12 students living in Victoria
Applications now open
If you’re a Year 12 student from Victoria, you’ll lodge an application via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Current Year 12 students living in NSW
Find out how
If you’re a Year 12 student from New South Wales, you’ll lodge an application via UAC. Your application will then be assessed based on your Year 12 results when they’re released.
Ready to apply?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts |
|---|---|
| VTAC code | 2100312351 (CSP) |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 5 years full-time or part-time equivalent |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Majors | |
| Prerequisite | English (Please refer to admission requirements for details) |
| Fees |
Indicative based on 2023 fees Estimated cost per year if studying full time $15,339 (CSP) per 120 credit points.Actual fees may vary depending on subject choice; Learn more about Fees and scholarships. |
ATAR requirements
* based on the Final 2023 ATAR Profile
Melbourne (Bundoora) campus
Lowest selection rank 91.75
Bendigo campus
Lowest selection rank –
Estimate your ATAR
ATAR calculator*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students).
About the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts
La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts lets you enrich your legal education by pursuing your interests and passions. Open doors to a diverse range of rewarding careers, while exploring how to make a difference in your community.
Learn the fundamentals of criminal, constitutional, property and company law. Explore the legal system and understand how it can be used as a powerful and positive force in society. Develop key skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution.
You'll also choose from our list of arts majors and explore your area of interest. Broaden your knowledge and experience by studying areas like politics, languages, sociology, history, philosophy and media studies. Learn how to communicate effectively and think critically, analytically and creatively.
You can also choose to complete law electives that complement your arts specialisation. For example, a politics major can be matched with related subjects like public international law and human rights law. While a language or philosophy major could be augmented by subjects in areas like Indigenous Australians and the law, intellectual property law or family, society and law.
Enhance your classroom learning by taking advantage of optional internships, work experience, and our study abroad program*. Gain hands-on experience working with community legal centres, law firms and government agencies. Find out what it takes to interview clients, prepare legal advice and work with senior lawyers to develop legal solutions.
Graduate ready to make a positive difference. With combined expertise in law and arts, you can build a career as a solicitor or barrister, in-house counsel or corporate consultant, working in commercial law firms or community legal centres. You could also work in the public service as a government lawyer or support social justice initiatives in the not-for-profit sector.
You'll learn:
- Evidence and criminal procedure
- Build your understanding of the criminal legal system and process. Learn how to apply the law to factual scenarios and provide legal advice.
- Contract law and company law
- Learn how to apply the legal principles governing the creation, interpretation and termination of a contract. Develop the skills to specialise as a corporate legal expert through studies in incorporation, corporate governance and the various methods of financing.
- Constitutional law
- Discover how government power is distributed, exercised, and controlled. Learn about federalism, the €˜external affairs' power, and express and implied constitutional rights.
- Dispute resolution
- Build key skills in negotiation and mediation to support your future practice. Learn about the processes of arbitration, conciliation, mediation, and negotiation in private and commercial disputes.
- Critical and creative thinking
- Delve into complex problems. Learn how to see new possibilities and turn them into reality.
- Communication
- Learn how to connect, communicate and collaborate with your university peers and future colleagues.
*Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.
The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 8 – Bachelor Degree Honours.
Have questions?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly or via VTAC.
Call 1300 135 045
Book a one-on-one
Book a consultation with us to get advice on your study options.
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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