Master of Disaster Resilience and Sustainable Development
The University of Newcastle offers a unique and forward-thinking Master of Disaster Res...
Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Newcastle, Central Coast
INTAKE: February
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle, Australia, is a unique and interdisciplinary undergraduate degree that combines the study of social science with the rigorous training in law. This program offers students the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the social, political, and economic factors shaping society, while also developing comprehensive legal knowledge and skills. Graduates of this program are equipped to address complex social issues, advocate for social justice, and navigate legal frameworks to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both social science and law. Students undertake core courses in social science disciplines such as sociology, psychology, economics, and political science, where they explore key theories, methodologies, and debates shaping our understanding of society and human behavior. In addition, students study foundational legal subjects including constitutional law, contract law, criminal law, and legal ethics, gaining essential legal knowledge and analytical skills necessary for legal practice. The program also offers elective courses and opportunities for practical legal training, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals.
Research Focus: The University of Newcastle is committed to promoting research excellence in both social science and law. Faculty members and students engage in research activities aimed at addressing pressing social issues, advancing legal scholarship, and informing evidence-based policies and practices. Research areas within the program may include social justice and human rights, law and society, access to justice, Indigenous legal issues, environmental law and policy, and international law. Students have the opportunity to participate in research projects, collaborate with faculty members on interdisciplinary research initiatives, and develop research skills that are valuable for legal practice, advocacy, or further academic study.
Industry Engagement: The Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle maintains strong connections with industry partners, legal practitioners, government agencies, and community organizations to ensure that its curriculum remains relevant and responsive to industry needs. The university collaborates with law firms, legal clinics, courts, government departments, and non-profit organizations to provide students with internship opportunities, work placements, and industry-based projects. Industry professionals are involved in curriculum development, guest lectures, and networking events, providing students with insights into current legal practices, emerging trends, and career pathways in the legal profession and related fields.
Global Perspective: As a globally focused institution, the University of Newcastle promotes a multicultural and global perspective in its Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program. Students have the opportunity to learn from internationally renowned scholars, engage with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and participate in global learning experiences such as study abroad programs, international internships, and moot court competitions. The program emphasizes the interconnectedness of legal systems, social issues, and global challenges, preparing graduates to work effectively in multicultural environments and contribute to promoting justice, equality, and human rights on a global scale.
Location
Newcastle, Central Coast
Score
IELTS 7
Tuition Fee
AUD 33975
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 85% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 12 in each section.
- PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall score of 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.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from the University of Newcastle opens up diverse and rewarding career opportunities at the intersection of social science and law.
Legal Practitioner: Many graduates of the Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program choose to pursue careers as legal practitioners. As qualified lawyers, they provide legal advice, representation, and advocacy to clients across a range of legal areas including family law, criminal law, employment law, property law, and human rights law. They may work in private law firms, government legal departments, corporate legal offices, or as sole practitioners, representing individuals, businesses, or organizations in legal matters and helping to uphold justice and protect the rights of their clients.
Policy Analyst: Graduates may pursue careers as policy analysts, leveraging their interdisciplinary training in social science and law to analyze public policies, evaluate their impact, and develop recommendations for policy reform. Policy analysts work for government agencies, research institutes, advocacy organizations, and think tanks, conducting research, collecting data, and assessing the effectiveness of policies in addressing social issues such as poverty, inequality, education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. They play a key role in shaping public policies that promote social justice, equity, and the well-being of society.
Community Advocate: Some graduates may choose to work as community advocates, advocating for the rights and interests of marginalized or vulnerable populations within society. Community advocates work for non-profit organizations, community-based groups, and advocacy agencies, raising awareness about social issues, lobbying policymakers, and mobilizing public support for policy changes and social reforms. They work on a variety of issues such as housing rights, immigrant rights, disability rights, environmental justice, and access to healthcare, empowering communities to voice their concerns and demand positive change.
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer: Graduates may pursue careers in corporate social responsibility (CSR), working for businesses and corporations to develop and implement socially responsible policies and initiatives that align with legal and ethical standards. CSR officers collaborate with stakeholders to identify social and environmental issues of concern, develop CSR strategies, and oversee the implementation of programs related to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, philanthropy, and ethical business practices. They help companies fulfill their social and ethical obligations, build positive relationships with stakeholders, and enhance their reputation as socially responsible organizations.
Human Rights Advocate: For graduates passionate about human rights and social justice, a career as a human rights advocate may be appealing. Human rights advocates work for human rights organizations, international NGOs, and advocacy groups, campaigning for the protection and promotion of human rights at local, national, and global levels. They monitor human rights violations, raise awareness about social injustices, advocate for policy changes, and provide support to victims of human rights abuses. They work on a range of issues such as civil liberties, freedom of expression, gender equality, refugee rights, and indigenous rights, contributing to the advancement of human rights and social justice worldwide.
Mediator/Conflict Resolution Specialist: Some graduates may choose to work as mediators or conflict resolution specialists, helping individuals and groups resolve disputes and conflicts through negotiation, mediation, and alternative dispute resolution processes. They work in diverse settings such as courts, community mediation centers, government agencies, and corporate HR departments, facilitating dialogue, identifying common interests, and reaching mutually acceptable agreements. Mediators and conflict resolution specialists help parties find peaceful and constructive solutions to their conflicts, reducing litigation costs, promoting reconciliation, and restoring relationships.
