UNSW Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor's Degree Law (JD) Full Time

Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws

at University of New South Wales · Sydney, New South Wales

CRICOS course code

052227F

CRICOS provider code

00098G

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

6 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$343,000 total

Per year

A$57,167/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive double degree that combines a deep understanding of the legal system with knowledge of international affairs. Over six years of full-time study, students complete core and elective units of study spanning both law and international studies, accumulating the credit points required for two distinct qualifications. The law component delivers foundational and advanced legal theory, practical skills, and specialised electives in areas such as constitutional, criminal, and international law. The international studies stream covers global politics, economics, history, and culture, often requiring the study of a language and a period of approved overseas study.

Structured with semesters, students progress through mandatory law units, covering statutes, case law, and professional practice requirements, intertwined with international studies modules. A hallmark of this double degree is the opportunity to undertake a capstone project or research thesis in the final years, allowing students to integrate and showcase interdisciplinary skills. Practical legal training, clinical legal education, and professional placements are often embedded, linking students with industry and community partners in Australia and abroad. Credits are awarded via Australian conventions, with specified units of study and required credit points distributed between the two disciplines.

Graduates develop expertise in legal reasoning, research, advocacy, negotiation, and cross-cultural communication. They gain insights into global governance, socioeconomic issues, and policy-making, along with critical thinking, analytical writing, and language proficiency. This dual qualification suits students seeking versatile careers that intersect legal practice, international relations, government, corporate affairs, and non-governmental sectors. It is ideal for those wanting to effect change both within Australia and on the world stage.

Studying at UNSW in Sydney, students benefit from proximity to a hub of legal firms, courts, NGOs, and multinational organisations. Both Australian and international students can take advantage of work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and may be eligible for post-study work via the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) upon graduation. Prospective students should check the official UNSW page and the CRICOS register for the most current programme details and entry requirements.

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 in Australia (subject to further professional admission requirements)
Legal adviser in multinational corporations
International development consultant
Policy analyst in government agencies
Diplomatic or trade officer
NGO advocacy and legal roles
In-house counsel for global businesses
Human rights advocate
Research and academia

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bachelor of International Studies/Bachelor of Laws at University of New South Wales?

It typically takes 6 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$343,000 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor or barrister in Australia (subject to further professional admission requirements)Legal adviser in multinational corporationsInternational development consultantPolicy analyst in government agenciesDiplomatic or trade officerNGO advocacy and legal rolesIn-house counsel...

Apply View university