About the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics
La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics gives you a practical, progressive and multi-disciplinary education with a unique social and ethical perspective on how the law operates. Gain a comprehensive legal skillset, then put it to work in real-world environments through placement opportunities.
Enhance your political expertise by learning how governments manage their economies and achieve important social objectives. Study the interaction between inflation, unemployment, economic growth and foreign debt, along with the effects on social wellbeing. From there, you'll examine competing theories of political economy, including institutional, feminist, post-Keynesian, behavioural and ecological economics.
Learn skills in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution and how to apply these in both legal and non-legal settings. You'll also have the opportunity to put your skills to the test in Law School competitions, and even international ones in Vienna, Hong Kong and Washington DC.
International entry requirements
Nepal: 90%
Subject prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
English language requirement
6.5 IELTS (Academic) with no individual band less than 6.0.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics intended learning outcomes
Demonstrate appropriate understanding and competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge required for admission into the legal practice in Victoria, Australia
Develop your knowledge of political institutions and their history, so as to understand the opportunities and constraints that frame the formulation of policy.
Advance your understanding of how the economy works, in a world of independent and global markets.
Advance both your literacy and your numeracy, so that you can undertake nuanced analyses that require both qualitative and quantitative skills.
Grasp how the discipline of politics, philosophy and economics each throw a different (yet interconnected) light on the many practical problems that we face in our societies and in our everyday lives.
Balance broad coverage of all three PPE disciplines with a specialisation in political economy or political philosophy.
Understand the variety of approaches that comprise the history of economic thought, and consider the relevance of these competing approaches for understanding today's economies.
Engage professionally and communicate effectively with individuals, organisations, and communities in a manner that is respectful of their needs, values, and capabilities.
Demonstrate broad knowledge of Australian legal systems, institutions and procedures, including fundamental legal principles and concepts, substantive areas of law and international and comparative contexts
Demonstrate analytical and practical skills in identifying legal issues, applying legal doctrine and solving legal problems using innovative and creative thought
Effectively and cogently communicate legal research, knowledge and analysis orally and in writing to a variety of audiences both legal and non-legal
Demonstrate a capacity to reflect on their own learning approaches, work independently, manage and foster personal and professional development, and collaborate effectively in a team environment
Demonstrate an ability to study and research using appropriate technology and discerning judgment, identifying, consolidating and critically analysing relevant legal sources
Recognise and reflect on lawyers' professional and ethical responsibilities and the importance of integrity and service in legal analysis and practice
Demonstrate a critical awareness of the historical, social, economic and cultural contexts and implications of laws and the role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity
Improve your ability to use your reason, both critically and empathetically.
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics career opportunities
Combining law with politics, philosophy and economics can lead to a range of careers in the public or private sector.
Possible roles include:
Barrister/solicitor
Interview clients and represent them in court. Prepare cases by conducting investigations, undertaking research, and arranging witness preparation.
Human rights lawyer
Provide legal counsel to victims of human rights violations.
Diplomat
Maintain international relations and negotiate agreements regarding peace and war, trade and economics, culture, the environment, and human rights.
Politician
Represent the voice of your constituents at a local, state or federal level of government and influence public policy.
Estimated course fees for international students
Estimated fees per year (2024):
A$40 600 per 120 credit points.
Note: 120 credit points represents full-time study for one year.
International scholarships
Destination Australia – an Australian Government initiative
The Destination Australia scheme supports new international students to study in regional Australia and offers students a high-quality learning experience. For eligible applicants, these scholarships are worth up to A$15 000 per annum for up to four years.