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Our Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology gives you the skills, knowledge and experience you need to build a meaningful career with a lasting positive impact.
- Gain a powerful combination of legal and criminology skills.
- Explore your interests with a wide range of electives to choose from.
- Graduate with two degrees in only five years to gain a competitive career edge.
- Expand your career options in a huge range of fields, including legal practice, the community sector, international development, environmental protection, intelligence and more.
Entry requirements and pathways
International students
Admission requirements
International entry requirements
International entry requirements* for this course at Campus Name**
Please select your type of qualification in the dropdown above.
* The entry requirements provided above are only provided as a guide and based on the course’s current standard minimum Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), the primary measure for entry into most undergraduate-entry university programs in Australia.
** Entry requirements may vary by location. To view entry requirements for this course at another location, please select the location in the drop down at the top of this page.
Note: there may also be other entry requirements for this course. If you are unsure, make an enquiry.
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Please refer to our English Language Requirements page for details of other accepted English Proficiency tests and additional recognised English Language Proficiency Measures, such as English as the language of instruction.
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.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
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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 Criminology, students must complete a total of 600 credit points across 5 years.
Year 1 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 105 credit points from chosen Core
- 15 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 2 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 120 credit points from chosen Core
Year 3 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 90 credit points from chosen Core
- 30 credit points from chosen Electives
Year 4 requires the completion of 120 credit points including:
- 15 credit points from chosen Capstone
- 75 credit points from chosen Core
- 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
- 45 credit points from chosen Electives
Study options
Core subjects are required subjects in your course. You need to complete these subjects to attain your degree.
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 |
Capstone subjects are required subjects in your course or major that help you integrate and apply the knowledge and skills you gain to solve real world problems. Capstone subjects are often taken towards the end of your course.
| Subject name | Subject code | Year | Credit points |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRIMINAL LAW, ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY | LCR3ETA | 4 | 15 |
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.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology 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 legal practice in Victoria, Australia, as determined by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.
- Identify, research and formulate evidence-based responses to issues in the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse and reflect on the legal, social, cultural and political contexts in which criminalisation occurs and in which responses to offending behaviour are formulated
- Discuss and reflect upon the professional and ethical responsibilities of the various actors in the criminal justice system.
- Interpret, utilize, develop and evaluate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions
- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of criminology as a discipline and practice and the varying explanations and strategies it offers for explaining and responding to crime.
- Construct and communicate effective, appropriate and persuasive arguments.
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Australian legal systems, institutions and procedures, including fundamental legal principles and concepts in substantive areas of law.
- Apply analytical and professional judgement in identifying legal issues, critically evaluating legal doctrine and providing innovative solutions to complex legal problems.
- Coherently communicate legal knowledge, research, and analysis using a variety of modes to both legal and non-legal actors.
- Demonstrate an advanced capacity to work independently, self-manage and reflect on workload, foster personal and professional development, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
- Critically analyse, synthesise relevant legal sources and conduct research independently using technologies where appropriate.
- Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on lawyers' professional and ethical responsibilities and the importance of integrity and service in legal analysis and practice.
- Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on the historical, social, economic and cultural contexts and implications of laws and the role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity.
- Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the factors that contribute to offending behaviours.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology career opportunities
This course satisfies the academic requirements for admission to practise law in Victoria. After graduation, you could work across a range of industries relating to law and criminology, including in legal practice, the community sector, international development, environmental protection, government, banking and professional services, corrections, and intelligence.
With the valuable blend of legal expertise and criminological insights you'll build in this degree, your potential careers include:
- Criminal defence lawyer
- Help vulnerable people charged with criminal offences and provide accessible legal advice and representation for disadvantaged people within the community.
- Criminal justice policy maker
- Work in government or for a statutory agency reviewing the societal impact of existing criminal justice laws and policies, and formulating recommendations for new policies to address issues.
- Barrister or solicitor
- Advocate for justice as you prepare cases, represent clients in court, assist in creating and reviewing contracts, and provide advice on legal issues.
- Police prosecutor
- Represent the government, working with state and federal police forces in the prosecution of criminal matters.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology 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 and/or relevant visa requirements, please contact the professional body for details.
Questions about the course?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
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 international students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
Indicative based on 2023 fees
A$40 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
Scholarships:
The International 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.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.
Find out more about Destination Australia scholarships.
If you're a La Trobe graduate, you may be eligible for a 10 per cent fee reduction when you apply for a full-fee postgraduate coursework program. See our Alumni Advantage page for further details.
International students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course to study at La Trobe University can be rewarded a bonus grant for completing their admission process early. Recipients will automatically be eligible to receive an Early Bird Acceptance Grant of 5% of the first-year tuition fees.
If you’re a high-achieving international student from either Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines and are considering full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study, you can apply to receive a 50 - 100 per cent tuition fees scholarship for the duration of your studies from 2024.
Do you have an excellent academic record? La Trobe High Achiever Scholarships are awarded to high-achieving international students and provide up to a 25 per cent reduction in course fees for selected courses.
Note: You must first have an offer to study at La Trobe before you are eligible to apply for a La Trobe scholarship.
Questions about fees and scholarships?
Check when course applications close and find out how to apply directly.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
How to apply
CRICOS code: 106404K
Ready to apply?
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Overview
Key facts
| Award | Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology |
|---|---|
| CRICOS code | 106404K |
| Start dates |
Indicative based on 2023 start dates Semester 1 (March 2024), Semester 2 (July 2024) |
| Duration | 5 years full-time |
| Available locations | Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo |
| Scholarships | View fees and scholarships |
| Annual tuition fee |
Indicative based on 2023 fees A$40 600 per 120 credit points.Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year. |
About the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology
When you study La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology, you'll be ready to build a meaningful career and fight for justice.
In your law study, you can personalise your course to your career goals with electives and opportunities for professional experience. Our outstanding legal training and progressive approach to law means you'll be ready for employment – including by building skills like advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution, which are highly valued in any workplace.
By adding criminology expertise, you'll build a broader view of how crime affects – and is affected by – our society. Explore the complex causes of crime and learn how to craft innovative responses to real-world criminal justice problems.
The program includes all the compulsory law subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board for admission to the legal profession in Victoria, as well as a wide range of law and criminology electives.
Learn from legal experts in our Law School and put your knowledge into practice with opportunities for real-world placement experiences – from working in environments including community legal centres, law firms and government agencies to building mentor relationships with judges, magistrates and coroners.
You'll learn:
- Evidence and criminal procedure
- Build your understanding of the criminal legal system and procedure. Learn how to apply criminal law to real-world scenarios and provide legal advice.
- Private and public law
- Learn how to apply the legal principles underpinning contract law, develop the skills to specialise as a corporate legal expert and discover how government power is distributed, exercised and controlled.
- Criminal justice
- Explore how deviance and crime are understood by different parts of society. Explore the role of courts, police and prisons in the criminal justice system.
- International crime
- Understand how crimes transcend borders. Analyse responses from the international community.
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.
Call (+61 3) 6145 0033
Ask a question
Submit a question online. We'll get back to you within the next business day.
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