UC Bachelor of Politics & IR/Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor's Degree Political Science Full Time

Bachelor of Politics & International Relations/Bachelor of Laws

at University of Canberra · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

CRICOS course code

099012M

CRICOS provider code

00212K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

5 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$197,500 total

Per year

A$39,500/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Bachelor of Politics & International Relations/Bachelor of Laws at the University of Canberra is a combined degree designed for students interested in legal studies alongside a deep understanding of political systems, policy-making and global affairs. Over five years of full-time study, students complete integrated units from both disciplines, exploring subjects such as constitutional law, Australian legal frameworks, international relations theory, public policy, international law, and diplomacy.

This combined degree is structured in semesters. Students will accumulate credit points by completing a set number of units, balancing foundational law units, including contract law, property law, and criminal law, with political science subjects like international security, Australian government, and comparative politics. Honours-level study or a research thesis may be available, and law students undertake professional legal training and work-integrated learning placements in settings such as courts, legal centres, or with government agencies in Canberra, a recognised hub for political and legal practice in Australia.

Work placements and practical experience feature strongly in this double degree, especially given Canberra’s proximity to Parliament, embassies, and national organisations. Throughout the course, students develop skills in legal research, analysis, critical thinking, negotiation, policy analysis, and advocacy. This course is well suited to those who want to combine legal practice with roles in public policy, international affairs, or governmental and non-governmental organisations.

Australian law degrees lead to professional admission, subject to meeting any additional practical legal training requirements outlined by state or territory admitting authorities. Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation. Details can change, so it's a good idea to confirm specifics on the official course page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Solicitor or barrister (on qualifying for admission in Australia)
Public policy adviser in government departments
Political analyst or researcher
International relations officer with foreign affairs or trade
Policy and advocacy roles in NGOs and think tanks
Legal officer in national or international organisations
Roles in federal/public sector organisations in Canberra

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of Politics & International Relations/Bachelor of Laws at University of Canberra?

It typically takes 5 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$197,500 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor or barrister (on qualifying for admission in Australia)Public policy adviser in government departmentsPolitical analyst or researcherInternational relations officer with foreign affairs or tradePolicy and advocacy roles in NGOs and think tanksLegal officer in national o...

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