Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Integrate conceptual and practical understandings of criminology, the Australian legal system, and fundamental areas of legal knowledge and relevant advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the discipline of law;
2. Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of law and criminology and underlying principles and concepts in diverse contemporary local and international and comparative contexts;
3. Identify, articulate and respond to legal and criminological issues by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems and promote justice in authentic/contemporary professional, community and global settings;
4. Exhibit professional accountabilities and ethical judgement, by evaluating, synthesising and adapting knowledge, skills, criminological and legal reasoning and research to make appropriate responses to legal issues that reflect the social, political and contextual factors;
5. Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills appropriate for legal and non-legal audiences, in both oral and written form;
6. Integrate conceptual understandings of the Australian legal system, fundamental areas of legal knowledge and relevant advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the discipline of law and criminology, which supports lifelong learning and pathways to ongoing professional development;
7. Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of law, criminology and underlying principles and concepts in diverse contemporary local and international and comparative contexts;
8. Contribute effectively, with personal accountability for outcomes in a dynamic 21st century work team, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner; and,
9. Plan and execute a research project, professional project or piece of scholarship which demonstrates intellectual independence and contributes to the evidence base within the legal discipline.

While studying the compulsory academic requirements to practise law, you will also become work-ready through authentic experiences with public-sector authorities such as the Magistrates’ Courts, and private law firms.

Learn to apply your law and criminology study in simulated workplace environments and tasks, including:

• advising clients
• resolving disputes
• mediation
• using principled persuasion.

You may also take part in our renowned moot program, and gain invaluable experience through our Supreme Court and County Court internship programs. We offer placement opportunities at Victoria Police, Legal Aid or Westjustice Sunshine Youth Office, among many others.

If you’d like a dynamic and fulfilling job in law, learn from the best at VU.

Our lecturers and adjunct professors include some of Australia’s most reputable legal professionals, sharing their many years of experience and knowledge. They include:

• the Hon. Justice Chris Maxwell QC
• Professor Robert Richter QC
• criminal law specialist, Robert Stary
• Victorian Chief Magistrate, Ian Gray
• retired High Court Judge, the Hon. Michael Kirby.

Our Queen Street law hub on our City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.

Our dedicated law building features:

• specialised law library
• legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
• mooting court
• computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.

You’ll gain real insight into legal practice and start building networks for your future career.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

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Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

Additional information

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Students are requested to discuss their application with the unit convenor and a college based or college affiliated potential supervisor. Students must have at least 2 law electives available and once enrolled must undertake both Advanced Legal Research Methods and Advanced Legal Research Dissertation.