Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 12 in each section.
• PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 58 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 Development Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle possess a diverse skill set that opens up a wide range of career opportunities at the intersection of law, social justice, and international development.

Human Rights Lawyer: Graduates can work as human rights lawyers, advocating for the rights of marginalized communities, refugees, indigenous peoples, and other vulnerable groups. They provide legal representation, engage in strategic litigation, and advocate for policy reforms to uphold human rights standards and promote social justice domestically and internationally.

International Development Consultant: Graduates may pursue careers as development consultants, providing legal expertise and advisory services to governments, NGOs, and international organizations on development projects and programs. They offer legal analysis, policy advice, and capacity-building support, helping clients navigate legal frameworks, ensure compliance with human rights standards, and advance sustainable development goals.

Policy Analyst: Graduates can work as policy analysts for government agencies, research institutes, or advocacy organizations, analyzing legal and policy issues related to development, human rights, and social justice. They conduct research, draft policy briefs, and provide recommendations to policymakers on legislative reforms, social programs, and human rights protection mechanisms.

Environmental Lawyer: With a focus on environmental law, graduates can work as environmental lawyers, addressing legal challenges related to environmental protection, natural resource management, and sustainable development. They engage in environmental impact assessments, regulatory compliance, and litigation to advocate for environmental justice and mitigate the adverse effects of development projects on ecosystems and communities.

International Humanitarian Law Specialist: Graduates interested in humanitarian law can work for international organizations such as the United Nations, Red Cross, or International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). They provide legal advice, training, and support in conflict zones, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and advocating for the rights of victims of armed conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Graduates can work in the private sector as CSR managers, advising corporations on ethical business practices, sustainability initiatives, and social responsibility commitments. They develop CSR policies, conduct human rights due diligence, and engage in stakeholder dialogue to promote corporate accountability and positive social impact in business operations and supply chains.

Community Legal Advocate: Graduates may work as community legal advocates, providing legal assistance and empowerment services to disadvantaged communities, migrants, refugees, and indigenous peoples. They offer legal education, advocacy support, and access to justice initiatives, empowering individuals and communities to exercise their rights, navigate legal systems, and address systemic inequalities.

Academic Researcher: Graduates can pursue careers in academia, conducting research and teaching in areas such as law, development studies, human rights, or international relations. They contribute to scholarly debates, publish academic papers, and mentor the next generation of legal and development professionals, advancing knowledge and critical perspectives on law, justice, and social change.