Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics/ Bachelor of Laws

Where will your degree take you?

This combined program has been designed to prepare students to stand out in future positions in the public sector, including opportunities to pursue a career in the legal profession, public service, politics, public policy institutes, advocacy groups and the not-for-profit sector.

Graduates could be by working in international organisations to create a more just, peaceful, and prosperous world, or working in the not-for-profit sector to address social problems, in government or for a political party.

In a rapidly changing career landscape, graduates will find exciting opportunities in a range of roles, including some that may not exist yet.

Policy officer

A policy officer provides analysis and advice on issues an organisation is concerned with, liaises with both internal and external networks of contacts, and develops policy relating to the rules and principles of the issues accordingly. Projected job growth of 4.9 per cent, with an average salary ranging between $85 to $120k according to Seek (2021).

Legal research officer

A legal research officer will oversee key parts of the legal reform by collecting important data to inform policy and practice in Australia. According to Seek (2021), roles like this are typically advertised between $90 to $119k.

Public advocacy manager

Public and advocacy managers spearhead change, develop, plan, and implement strategy for the short term and long-term policy landscape. Roles like this are typically advertised between $110 to $180k according to Seek (2021).

Legal professional

Upon being admitted to the legal profession, you can work as a solicitor in a law firm, a government organisation, in-house counsel, or a barrister (following the completion of the bar practice course).

Professional accreditation

Admission to legal practice

If you want to be admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia, you are required to complete a practical legal training program (such as the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) or a traineeship) following the completion of your Bachelor of Laws degree.

The accrediting body in Queensland is the Legal Practitioners' Admission Board (LPAB).   Further information on becoming a legal practitioner in Queensland, including the LPAB's English Language Proficiency Guidelines, is available from the Queensland Law Society here.

Admission to legal practice

If you want to be admitted as a legal practitioner in Australia, you are required to complete a practical legal training program (such as the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) or a traineeship) following the completion of your Bachelor of Laws degree.

The accrediting body in Queensland is the Legal Practitioners' Admission Board (LPAB).   Further information on becoming a legal practitioner in Queensland, including the LPAB's English Language Proficiency Guidelines, is available from the Queensland Law Society here.

Program learning outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes provide a broad and measurable set of standards that incorporate a range of knowledge, skills and abilities that will be achieved on completion of the program. These outcomes will help you determine whether this program aligns with your professional pathway, career and learning goals.

View Bachelor of Policy, Philosophy and Economics/Bachelor of Laws learning outcomes
  1. Demonstrate an understanding of a coherent body of knowledge that includes (a) the Australian legal system and underlying principles and concepts; (b) the fundamental areas of legal knowledge, including contemporary developments in law and legal practice;
  2. Demonstrate competency in the exercise of professional legal skills, including an ability to (a) engage in legal reasoning and problem solving, as well as sophisticated critical and creative thinking about law, legal issues and legal problems; (b) conduct
  3. Be committed to adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, including a commitment to learning and working (a) independently and reflectively; and (b) ethically and responsibly.
  4. Identify, analyse, evaluate and communicate broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge in the study of Law, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
  5. Independently and in teams, generate and transmit solutions to unpredictable and sometimes complex problems related to Law, Philosophy, Politics and Economics.
  6. Apply disciplinary knowledge of Law, Philosophy, Politics and Economics to professional work and/or further learning, demonstrating well-developed judgement and responsibility.