Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws double degree will give you a solid understanding of Australian law, along with an in-depth knowledge of how the economy works.

You'll graduate with a wide range of skills that will make you a flexible and relevant professional, able to work in a wide variety of careers.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws aims to produce professional graduates with the knowledge, skills and attributes required for problem solving and economic decision making across a diverse range of economic issues. This degree provides students with a strong economic and quantitative background that allows them to explore a variety of professional career options. This degree also provides graduates with a professionally accredited Law degree with and a critical and progressive approach to the existing law and legal system quipped with the necessary technical and specialist skills.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: BEc component: identify, coherently explain and synthesise disciplinary concepts to economic issues; apply economic reasoning and analytical skills, in order to make informed judgements and decisions; reflect on the nature and implications of assumptions and value judgements in economic analysis and policy; use quantitative data to critically analyse economic issues and understand their role in economic and business decision-making and policy decisions; and demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication skills required at a professional level. LLB component: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law, and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues; communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing; demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives; demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated; demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge; demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses; demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts; demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved; demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform; LLB with Honours students: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values, and principles; and have an awareness of international law, and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues; communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing; demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives; demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated; demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge; demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses; demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts; demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved; demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform; conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach; develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and produce a written thesis that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline BEc component: In this course students develop advanced knowledge in the areas of economics and econometrics through lectures, tutorials, readings, online activities, practical experience and interaction with unit coordinators. A global perspective is important in understanding the current challenging issues confronting the economy in a continuously changing environment. Knowledge will be assessed through a variety of assessment tasks such as assignments, examinations and report writing. LLB component: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practised and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, Law units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis. Communication Skills BEc component: Communication skills are essential in this course and students will develop both written and oral competency. These communication skills will be taught, practised and assessed in numerous activities including written assignments, report writing based on professional workplace experience, oral presentations, in-class and online discussions. LLB component: Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts. LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research. Problem Solving BEc component: Students will combine discipline knowledge with information literacy skills to develop their adeptness in being able to apply critical thinking to identify problems and to formulate solutions, particularly through the application of advanced discipline knowledge to real-world issues. LLB students: This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law, and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects. LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions. Information Literacy BEc component: Students will use various forms of media to obtain information and data for written assignments and other assessment tasks. Students will be able to use, critically analyse, interpret, construct and communicate economic and quantitative data, with an emphasis on economic decision making and policy applications. LLB component: Students will be required to identify, access and navigate complex databases to retrieve primary and secondary material. This requires them to obtain a high level of information literacy. Students will also be required to critically evaluate this information to complete assessment tasks. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility BEc component: Students are taught numerous dimensions of social responsibility in relation to economic decision making. Students will be able to acknowledge and respect the viewpoints and ideas of others, behave ethically and appreciate the importance of the environment and sustainability. LLB component: Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society. Lifelong Learning BEc component: The discipline knowledge, information literacy and problem solving skills obtained in this course equip students with the ability to understand, interpret and critically evaluate regional, national and international economic issues. Students have the opportunity to undertake independent research and gained experience in oral seminar presentations. LLB component: This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline. Independence and Collaboration BEc component: Students will have worked independently, as well as collaboratively with a multidisciplinary group to achieve common goals, solve problems, contribute specialist knowledge and contribute to group performance. LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.