Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)/Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours)

The Bachelor of Science (Animal Behaviour)/Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (Honours) at Flinders University is designed for students seeking to develop interdisciplinary expertise in both animal behaviour science and legal practice. Offered over six years in Adelaide, this combined honours degree immerses students in core topics such as animal physiology, ecology, behavioural analysis, ethics, and scientific research alongside comprehensive legal studies including Australian law principles, contract law, criminal law, legal ethics, and evidence. Throughout the programme, students develop analytical, investigative, and advocacy skills tailored to the dynamic intersections of science and law.

Australian double degrees such as this one are structured with a series of required and elective units of study that contribute to designated credit points each semester. The degree culminates in an Honours year, which includes advanced legal research and possibly a thesis, as well as a capstone project integrating animal behaviour with legal concepts. Work-integrated learning is an essential component, especially in law, where professional placement with South Australian legal organisations provides students with valuable real-world experience. The animal behaviour component may also involve field studies or projects linked to local research institutions.

Across the duration of the degree, students gain a unique mix of scientific literacy, legal reasoning, research capabilities, and professional communication skills. Graduates are well-prepared to critically assess the legal and ethical dimensions of human-animal interactions, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare – all of which are rapidly growing fields in Australia, particularly as policy and advocacy become increasingly evidence-based.

This programme best suits individuals with a passion for both the sciences and social justice, and those wishing to enter the legal profession with a strong specialisation in environmental, conservation, or animal law. Successful completion opens pathways to legal practice in Australia and offers distinctive credentials for roles requiring both legal qualification and scientific expertise. Applicants must prove English proficiency commensurate with the requirements for law in Australia. Students are encouraged to verify all course details on the official Flinders University page.

• Solicitor or barrister with specialisation in environmental, animal welfare, or conservation law
• Legal advisor or policy officer for government agencies, NGOs, and advocacy organisations
• Compliance officer for animal welfare and conservation bodies
• Researcher in animal behaviour science or socio-legal studies
• Consultant for wildlife management, bioethics, or environmental litigation firms
• Roles in Australian public sector, legal practice, research institutes, and animal advocacy groups