Overview

Gain forensic insights in our supercharged law degree!

Develop an eye for forensic detail and become a formidable force in the courtroom with UC’s Bachelor of Forensic Studies/Bachelor of Laws. We’ll give you real world opportunities to apply your scientific knowledge in the areas of crime investigation and the analytical preparation of evidence and the legal know-how to become a solicitor or a barrister.

You’ll be able to demonstrate broad theoretical and technical knowledge in the application of science in legal matters, cross-examine witnesses, transmit knowledge to judges and juries and master forensic biology and chemistry. While you build your understanding of the theory and history of law and your advocacy and legal skills, you’ll get to apply your talents in the real world with opportunities to complete a law internship and study overseas.

At UC, you can fast-track your studies during winter term and because our law course is recognised by the Supreme Courts of the ACT and NSW, begin the Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice in your final year.

Career paths? How about working in federal law enforcement agencies, DNA testing labs, quarantine services or medical and research industries, or as a lawyer, policy advisor or a consultant to the courts or police force. Insightful, indeed!

Combine a Bachelor of Forensic Studies and Bachelor of Laws at UC and you will:

• be able to demonstrate a broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge in forensic science or in the application of science to legal matters
• learn to cross examine expert witnesses across a range of forensic disciplines
• be able to transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to those involved in the legal system including judges and juries
• master forensic biology and chemistry for criminal investigations
• learn analytical techniques for collecting and examining trace evidence.
• specialise, through electives, in selected areas of law with an emphasis on commercial law
• qualify as a practicing lawyer
• gain a broad theoretical and technical knowledge of the discipline of law, suitable for entering the legal profession, becoming an advocate, or undertaking related careers
• fine-tune your ability to present ideas and opinions effectively and communicate within and across professional and cultural boundaries.

Career opportunities

Lab technician, researcher, law enforcer, advocate, barrister, solicitor, policy advisor, researcher and even environmental protection … UC’s Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business degree will prepare you to hit the ground running in numerous careers offering healthy salaries. Graduates of the course will have the accredited skills and qualifications required to explore forensic and legal careers in:

• laboratories, including DNA and diagnostic testing labs
• customs and quarantine services and other protection agencies
• medical and research services
• public and private hospitals and healthcare sector businesses, including those that provide forensic, medical or research services.
• law firms
• the police force and law enforcement agencies in each state and territory
• pharmaceutical and chemical industries
• government and the public sector, including as in-house counsel, policy advisor, and in legislative drafting and law reform
• the community sector, such as community legal work and professional advocacy
• private legal practice
• education and research.

Professional accreditation

This program is recognised by the Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory and the State of New South Wales. Through mutual recognition, UC's degree may serve as the basis for admission in all Australian jurisdictions. Through a program offered in conjunction with the College of Law, students may (in their final year of the Bachelor of Laws at UC) begin their Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice course that qualifies for them for admission. Arrangements exist for students to articulate into programs leading to admission in the UK and the United States.