Bachelor of Arts / Law
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 5 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 426000
- Program code 4782
- CRICOS code 005947G
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $14,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $79,500*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $46,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $268,000*
Fees
Fees
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Flexible double degree
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Personalised course combinations
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Interactive teaching
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
Tackle the world's biggest challenges through a multidisciplinary lens with a Bachelor of Arts/Laws from UNSW. Leverage knowledge from two top-ranking faculties and learn from leading academics and practitioners. With a double degree in law and arts, you’ll gain a unique perspective on contemporary issues in law, justice, humanities, social sciences and more.
Explore complex global challenges, from human rights to climate change from every angle. Tailor your law and arts degree to your interests, aspirations and career goals. Whether you're aiming for a global career with a language major or you're seeking a fresh perspective on the justice system through criminology, you'll delve into culture-shaping knowledge across humanities, languages, media and social sciences.
With hands-on experiences including internships, field trips and practice in our on-campus legal clinics, you'll have ample opportunity to apply your learning in real-world contexts. With your ability to think critically, analytically and creatively, you’ll unlock career opportunities that allow you to make a positive impact on the world.
Key features
Design your degree
Personalise your degree to your passions and learn to think critically, communicate across boundaries, while solving problems creatively. Choose from 30 disciplines offered by the faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture (ADA), from languages to Indigenous studies to media, and law electives that include commercial law, environmental law, and human rights law. You can create a unique degree and distinct skill set that sets you apart from other graduates.
Hands-on, experiential learning
Gain real-world, professional legal experience at the Kingsford Legal Centre as well as internships at partner law clinics, organisations and research institutes and placements in criminal justice-related organisations.
Take your studies overseas with global exchange
Study human rights law in New York, the Chinese legal system in Shanghai, or feminist legal theory in India through one of our overseas law electives. Or immerse yourself in a different culture with a student exchange at one of UNSW’s more than 300 exchange hosts across 38 countries including China, the USA, Switzerland, India, Vanuatu and Chile.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
World-leading university in law and arts
UNSW offers Australia's most progressive and rigorous legal education. UNSW Law & Justice is ranked 12th globally*, while our Arts and Humanities programs are among the Top 50 worldwide and #4 in Australia*. Arts Design and Architecture at UNSW is also ranked in the Top 5 globally and #1 in Sydney for Humanities and Languages**.
Most employable students
UNSW graduates are the most employable in the country^, thanks to hands-on work experience, our extensive industry connections and partnerships, and our thriving global alumni network. UNSW Law & Justice is ranked 1st in Australia and 15th globally for employer reputation*. Plus, UNSW Law & Justice's in-house careers service can help you maximise your job opportunities with interview preparation, resume and cover letter writing and a jobs board.
End-to-end legal education
Studying the Bachelor of Arts / Law could be your first step towards becoming a lawyer in Australia. After graduation, you can complete your Practical Legal Training (PLT) – which is mandatory for practise as a lawyer in Australia – with our Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP).
*QS World Rankings by Subject 2024
**Times Higher Education 2022
^ AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
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At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.
To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.
We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.
Additional selection criteria
All domestic applicants*^ who wish to study an undergraduate law double degree at UNSW need to sit the Law Admission Test (LAT), including those:
- enrolled in their final year of secondary schooling (Year 12 HSC or equivalent)
- who have already completed their secondary schooling (e.g. those on a gap year)
- who are currently studying at another university and wish to apply to transfer to UNSW Law & Justice
- students in Year 11 who wish to sit the LAT before their HSC year (LAT results are valid for two years)
*Domestic applicants include Australian citizens and permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens.
^Domestic applicants that aren’t required to sit the LAT as they’re assessed under multiple other criteria include:
- Indigenous students undertaking the Pre-Law Program at UNSW
- UNSW Gateway students applying for an early conditional offer
- Current UNSW students applying for Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Assumed knowledge
None
Adjustment Factors
We offer adjustment factor schemes that take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.
Admission pathways
Alternative Entry
Not everyone applies to university straight from high school. That’s why UNSW considers a range of qualifications, life experience and pathway programs for admission into our degrees. Find out what you’ll need to apply to UNSW, depending on where you’re at in life.
UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn’t require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won’t take you any longer to complete a law double degree.
Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If you’re completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.
If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
International direct entry
We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.
Please contact us for direct entry requirements.
Admission pathways
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals.
UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn’t require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won’t take you any longer to complete a law double degree.
Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations.
English language requirements
You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.
If English is not your first language, you’ll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- English language tests and university English courses
- Prior study in the medium of English
- Other qualifications
If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College’s Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.
Check the specific English language requirements for this program
What will I study?
The Bachelor of Arts/Law undergraduate degree requires five-years full-time study and is made up of 40 courses (240 Units of Credit (UOC)) that provide a depth and breadth of study.
Remember, two degrees don’t mean double the workload. Each year, you’ll complete the same number of units as a full-time single degree, eight courses (48 UOC) across three terms. Our three-term calendar allows you to study part-time, and also take advantage of a flexible study load.
In your arts degree, you’ll gain unique skills and critical perspectives that complement your study of the law, specialising in two study areas through an eight-course major and a six-course minor.
As part of your law degree, you’ll get hands-on, with interactive teaching, group work, and a clinical component working real with clients and lawyers at Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC).
Program structure
The Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws contains a total of 240 units of credit (UOC). This double degree can be completed in five years when studied full-time, with part-time study options available. Students must complete:
Bachelor of Law – 144 UOC
Law compulsory courses - 96 UOC
Law prescribed elective - 6 UOC
Law elective courses - 42 UOC
Bachelor of Arts – 96 UOC
A Major specialisation (48 UOC)
A Minor specialisation (36 UOC)
Prescribed Electives (12 UOC)
OR
A Major specialisation (48 UOC)
A second Major specialisation (48 UOC)
Study areas
With a flexible degree tailored to your passion and interests, you'll learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. Studying a law and arts double degree at UNSW teaches you how to create real-world solutions you can apply in a range of exciting careers.
Whether you want to major in a language or want to study the justice system you can choose different majors, minors and electives to tailor your studies to your passions and interests.
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You can complete a major in the following study areas:
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Discover our closest neighbours' impact on the world and understand Australia's place within the Asian region. With an "all Asia" approach, learn from multilingual specialists who cover history, politics, social policy, health, philosophy, media and more. Prepare for a future in government, NGO, education, media, and the arts with a genuinely international perspective.
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Criminology and criminal justice are growing fields with increasing opportunities to create change in communities. Experience an approach beyond lectures that sees you visiting courts and prisons and hearing first-hand from the people in the justice system. See crime through a big-picture lens. Ask why people commit it. And help imagine a more just future.
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Hone your writing practice by exploring fresh, experimental writing across genres in fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and ficto-criticism. Learn from award-winning writers, join writing masterclasses and events, and create invaluable industry connections. Plus, have the chance to showcase your work in the UNSW literary journal.
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We believe English is more than simply academic – it’s an opening to the world, a passport to different realities, and a stick of dynamite to narrow-mindedness and prejudice. Delve deep into memorable stories, poetic patterns, ringing phrases, and imaginative landscapes in one of the world’s top 50 universities.
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Want to make a change to climate change? One of the greatest questions of our times is how to meet environmental challenges head-on. From species extinction and GMOs to climate change and nuclear power – immerse yourself in the social, cultural, and political factors shaping human relations with the natural world.
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Europe has a rich history as well as a complicated present. From Britain, Russia, and the Mediterranean to Northern Europe – delve into the intellectual history, politics, religion, and movement of minority peoples throughout history. You'll also have the opportunity to see Europe through our international exchange.
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Film helps us understand the world around us. If you want to tell stories, share human experiences, document reality, and expand horizons as an experimental art form – film studies set the foundation. This specialisation also takes you into the studio to learn practical film-making skills from industry professionals.
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The relationship between people, societies, and the environment underpins the greatest global challenges of our time. As a human geographer, you will explore how physical, social, cultural, economic, and political factors shape places. Together we will discover how we can plan for a better future by combining classroom study with hands-on experience in the field.
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Why are some countries developing so quickly while others seem left behind? Global development looks at the impact of change across social, political, and economic environments. Explore issues from urbanisation to widening disparity, environmental threats, and the dominance of communication technologies. Learn the many ways we can create practical and positive change at local, national, and global levels.
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The world we live in is the product of an ongoing, globally connected history. UNSW offers a particular strength in the histories of migration, gender, empires, with a strong focus on our region. Whether you're fascinated with ancient, early modern, or modern history – discover a uniquely global perspective taught by passionate, world-class historians.
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Gain an understanding of diverse First Nation cultures and societies. This program begins with exploring current and traditional Indigenous knowledge, philosophies, and cultural values tied to country. Complex themes cover popular culture, political history, government policy, colonialism, environmental justice, gender, and cultural heritage. Gain profound critical reflection skills and challenge your assumptions.
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Learn to communicate in other languages, gain cross-cultural understanding, and benefit from a deep experience of other countries and cultures. The study of languages and cultures enriches your global perspective, opens you up to international opportunities, and transforms how you engage with the world.
You can major or minor in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean and Spanish – whether you are just starting or ready to build on existing skills. In addition to the languages we offer as majors, you can study a minor in modern Greek, Indonesian and Italian.
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Explore the foundations of language and the relationship between language, society, and self. Find out how your brain processes and uses language. Expand your knowledge by studying linguistic diversity in urban settings and Indigenous contexts. Prepare for a career using linguistics by learning how language policy impacts multilingual and multicultural communities in Australia and around the world.
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The way we produce and consume media has a profound impact on modern life. It takes critical thinking and analysis to understand how media, technology and culture collide. Cut through the disinformation and understand the history, legacy, and ongoing impact of media through the 20th and 21st centuries across an ever-changing tech landscape.
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The study of music is for anyone who wants to perform to a crowd, record, teach, compose a score, or work professionally in the industry. Learn practical, hands-on musicianship and discover how music can be an expression that defines both cultures and societies as well as an expression of yourself.
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Questions around the nature of reality, knowledge, society, and ethics are fundamental to who we are as humans. Philosophy students learn to ask these questions by thinking clearly, deeply, analytically, and creatively. These skills help you communicate and debate even the most complicated ideas. They set a solid foundation for tackling some of the world's significant challenges and prepare you for a whole world of career opportunities.
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Studying politics helps you to understand power. From political instability to conflict, national security to great-power rivalry, climate change to human rights – facing these challenges requires understanding the intricacy of domestic politics and foreign affairs. Pave your way for careers in government and business. Lead with difference and change the world.
Learn more about studying politics and international relations at UNSW.
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What makes life meaningful? Why do we disagree, and why do we care? What brings about social change? Answers to these questions differ depending on who you ask, but finding new insights is crucial to navigating reality’s conflicts and challenges. Join Australia’s oldest sociology department and discover insights from diverse cultures and the lived human experience.
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What drives human behaviour? Psychology is a science that aims to understand the causes of psychological disorders. It investigates your interactions with others, learning and memory, and ability to cope with pressure. Understand yourself and others better with analytical thinking skills and scientific methods learned from leading academics.
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Take the stage and learn why performance matters in a media-savvy world. In this specialisation, you'll learn from industry professionals, collaborate with artists, and gain experience with production companies, venues, and publishers. And have the chance to bring your creativity to life at the unique UNSW Creative Practice Lab with dedicated studio and workshop spaces.
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You can complete a minor in the study areas listed above, as well as:
Sample study plan
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard five-year full-time study plan:
First Year
3 Law Core Courses
2 Arts Major Courses
2 Arts Minor Course
1 ADA Prescribed Elective
Second Year
3 Law Core Courses
2 Arts Major Courses
2 Arts Minor Course
1 ADA Prescribed Elective
Third Year
5 Law Core Courses
2 Arts Major Courses
1 Arts Minor Course
Fourth Year
5 Law Core Courses
2 Arts Major Courses
1 Arts Minor Course
Fifth Year
1 Prescribed Law Elective
7 Law Electives
Future careers
A double degree in law and arts unlocks doors to a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Whether you're interested in shaping public policy, working in international relations, or driving change through advocacy and activism, this multidisciplinary degree equips you with specialised expertise and highly transferable skills. What you learn in your degree can be applied to a career in NGOs, consultancies, public relations, media, the creative arts, the Australian government, and much more.
UNSW works closely with industry partners to ensure our degrees provide the skills in demand now and in the future. With an arts law double degree, you’re setting yourself up with transferable skills for wherever your career might take you.
Interested in becoming a lawyer?
Completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UNSW will take you a step towards becoming a lawyer, followed by Practical Legal Training (PLT). All law graduates in Australia must complete PLT to practise as a lawyer. UNSW’s PLT is the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), so you can graduate from one place with all the qualifications you need to launch your legal career.
Want to become a lawyer? Here's how:
Step 1 – Complete your Bachelor of Laws (LLB).
Step 2 – Complete your GDLPP at UNSW.
Step 3 – Apply to the Supreme Court for admission to practice.
UNSW Law & Justice students can fast track their entry to the legal profession by completing their PLT while finishing their undergraduate degree.
Potential careers
Academic
Activist
Advocate
Diplomat
General legal practice
Government and public policy
International relations
International business and finance
Journalist
Media consultant
Politician
Political strategist
Policy consultant
Public servant
Publisher
Research assistant
Accreditation
Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW)
How to apply
To apply for our Law double degrees at UNSW, you will need to apply for Double Law (426000) through the UAC application portal. Upon receiving an offer to for this degree, you will choose the second degree to pair with Bachelor of Laws during the acceptance process.
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students* are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
When applying for UNSW Bachelor of Arts/Law through UAC, you’ll need your Law Admission Test (LAT) registration number to ensure your LAT results are considered in the admission process. The LAT registration opens in May and is held in September each year. Keep up to date with LAT key dates and requirements here.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, most offers are made in December and January.
Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Find out more information on how to apply here.
*Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarships
Several scholarships have been established to support students undertaking undergraduate law at UNSW, including the:
- Joan Brown Memorial Scholarship
Established to assist a female high school leaver student with financial assistance to undertake undergraduate study in Law at UNSW. - UNSW Law Disability Support Scholarship
Established to support students with a long-term medical condition or disability and who are in financial need.
Featured scholarship
UNSW Law & Justice International Award (PUCA1028)
This award was established to empower the brightest and most passionate international students to achieve their goals through UNSW Law & Justice studies.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
Studying Law at UNSW took learning out from a textbook and exposed us to the real world.
