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Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Newcastle
INTAKE: February
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle offers students a comprehensive education that integrates the study of psychology with legal principles and practices. This dual-degree program provides students with a solid foundation in both psychological science and law, preparing them for diverse career paths in legal practice, forensic psychology, policy development, and more.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program is designed to equip students with a strong understanding of psychological theories, legal concepts, and research methodologies. Students study core subjects in psychology, including developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and research methods. They also explore foundational areas of law, such as contract law, criminal law, tort law, and legal research and writing. The program offers elective courses that allow students to focus on specialized topics such as forensic psychology, family law, mental health law, or criminology.
Research Focus: Research is an integral component of the Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle. Students have the opportunity to engage in research projects that bridge the fields of psychology and law, exploring topics such as legal decision-making, eyewitness testimony, forensic assessment, or mental health law. Research activities may involve literature reviews, empirical studies, case analyses, and presentation of research findings, allowing students to develop critical thinking, analytical, and research skills that are essential for both psychological and legal practice.
Industry Engagement: The University of Newcastle emphasizes industry engagement to provide students with practical experiences and networking opportunities in both psychology and law fields. Through internships, work placements, and moot court competitions, students interact with legal practitioners, psychologists, judges, and policymakers. Industry engagement activities expose students to real-world legal practices, courtroom procedures, and psychological assessments, enhancing their understanding of professional responsibilities and ethical considerations in legal and psychological contexts.
Global Perspective: The Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle offers a global perspective on legal and psychological issues, considering the cultural, social, and political contexts in which they arise. Students explore international law, comparative legal systems, cross-cultural psychology, and global human rights, gaining insights into legal and psychological challenges facing diverse communities worldwide. They may have the opportunity to participate in international study tours, exchange programs, or research collaborations with international partners, broadening their perspectives and understanding of global legal and psychological issues.
Location
Newcastle
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
AUD 36665
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 75% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 7.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 12 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 65 with a minimum of 50 in each section.
Students must provide:
- academic marksheets & transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- a personal statement - SOP
- passport
- other supporting documents as required by the university.
It's important to note that entry requirements can vary by program and may change over time. Additionally, some programs may have additional requirements, such as interviews, portfolios, or work experience.
The University of Newcastle, Australia, is making high-quality education accessible to international students. One of the ways it achieves this is by offering a wide range of scholarships designed to support and reward academic excellence, diversity, and achievement among international students.
International Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are aimed at high-achieving international students who have a strong academic record. They provide financial assistance to cover a portion of tuition fees, making quality education more affordable.
Country-Specific Scholarships: The University of Newcastle offers scholarships tailored to specific countries, ensuring students from various regions have the opportunity to study in Australia. These scholarships may vary in terms of eligibility criteria and benefits.
Women in STEM Scholarships: To promote gender diversity in STEM fields, the university provides scholarships specifically for women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Graduates of the Bachelor of Psychological Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle have a wide range of career opportunities available to them, spanning both legal and psychological fields.
Legal Practitioner: Graduates can pursue careers as legal practitioners, practicing law in areas such as criminal law, family law, civil litigation, or corporate law. They may work as solicitors, barristers, or in-house counsel, representing clients in legal proceedings, providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, and negotiating settlements.
Forensic Psychologist: Some graduates choose to specialize in forensic psychology, working in legal settings such as courts, prisons, or forensic mental health facilities. They may conduct psychological assessments, evaluate witness credibility, provide expert testimony in court, or develop interventions for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Policy Analyst: Graduates may work as policy analysts or advisors for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or advocacy groups, analyzing legal and psychological research to inform policy development and reform initiatives. They may focus on areas such as criminal justice reform, mental health policy, or human rights advocacy.
Corporate Counsel: Some graduates pursue careers as corporate counsel or legal advisors for businesses, corporations, or non-profit organizations. They may provide legal guidance on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and risk management, applying their knowledge of law and psychology to address workplace issues and legal challenges.
Legal Researcher: Graduates can work as legal researchers for law firms, government agencies, or academic institutions, conducting legal research, analyzing case law, and preparing legal briefs and memos. They may specialize in areas such as legal psychology, jurisprudence, or legislative analysis, contributing to legal scholarship and practice.
Mediator or Arbitrator: Some graduates choose to work as mediators or arbitrators, facilitating the resolution of disputes outside of the courtroom. They may work independently or for dispute resolution organizations, helping parties reach mutually acceptable agreements through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration processes.
Clinical Psychologist: Graduates may pursue careers as clinical psychologists, providing assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health disorders in clinical or counseling settings. They may work with individuals, families, or groups, using evidence-based interventions to address psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction.
Legal Aid Lawyer: Graduates can work as legal aid lawyers, providing legal assistance and representation to individuals who cannot afford private legal services. They may work for legal aid organizations, community legal centers, or public defender offices, advocating for the rights and interests of disadvantaged or marginalized populations.
Child Advocate: Some graduates may specialize in child advocacy, working to protect the rights and well-being of children involved in legal proceedings or child welfare systems. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or guardian ad litem programs, advocating for children's best interests in legal, social, and educational contexts.
