Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Deakin University in Melbourne is a distinctive double degree that weaves together rigorous legal training with a rich foundation in political science, philosophy and economics. Delivered as a five-year full-time undergraduate programme, this course equips students with a nuanced understanding of the legal system while fostering critical thinking, ethical reasoning and analytical skills through the lens of politics and economics.

This double degree is structured into semesters, comprising core and elective units of study. Each unit carries a certain number of credit points contributing toward the total required for graduation. As part of the Law component, students develop expertise in areas such as torts, contracts, constitutional law and criminal law, complemented by comprehensive PPE studies that explore societal issues, governance, economic frameworks and philosophical enquiry. Many Australian Law programmes offer opportunities for work-integrated learning or professional placement, providing students experiential insights and practical skills to enhance their employability. A capstone project or moot court experience may be included within the Law curriculum to consolidate knowledge and prepare students for professional practice.

Graduates emerge with a strong set of skills in logical argumentation, legal research, policy analysis and ethical decision-making. The programme is particularly suited to students who want careers at the intersection of law, public policy, government, business, or non-governmental sectors, and who wish to develop a broad perspective on the forces shaping Australian society.

Deakin’s connections with the Australian legal profession and policy networks, along with the course’s academic depth, support students pursuing accreditation for legal practice. International students should review specific English language requirements, with an IELTS Academic band of at least 7.0 typically needed for law. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-graduation. It is advised to confirm details such as accreditation and unit selection on the official Deakin University course page.

• Solicitor or Barrister (in Australia, with required accreditation)
• Policy Advisor and Analyst in Australian government agencies
• Political Consultant or Campaign Strategist
• Corporate Governance or Compliance Officer
• Regulatory Affairs Specialist
• Community Legal Centre Advocate
• NGO or Not-for-Profit Manager (policy or advocacy)
• Business or Economic Analyst
• Researcher and Academic in law, politics or PPE fields