Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws

Why study the Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws at UNE?

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.

In conjunction with developing your knowledge of legal frameworks, you'll examine how modern economies operate and the interaction between law and regulation, and the economy. You will develop analytical skills of both legal and policy-based economic issues - practical skills and knowledge that can be then adapted to a range of careers.

In the Economics component of this degree you will study core units in microeconomics (microeconomic issues include the management of the environment and depleting natural resources) and macroeconomics (this relates the growth and stability of the whole economic system) as well as business statistics. You can then choose to complete a major in Applied Econometrics, Economics, Economic Development or Environmental Analysis and Policy.

Social responsibility, ethical decision making, and environmental and business sustainability are incorporated throughout the economics component, and you will develop skills to use, critically analyse, interpret, construct and communicate economic and social data with an emphasis on economic decision making.

The University of New England offers a flexible approach to the study of law. UNE boasts one of Australia's largest law schools outside a capital city, as well as being an early adopter of innovative technology in the delivery of its law programs. The Bachelor of Laws component of this degree is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and mutual recognition legislation extends admission to other Australian jurisdictions.

After completion of academic qualifications there are a range of employment options from which to choose. Graduates who wish to be admitted to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal practitioner anywhere in Australia will also have to undertake a course of professional legal training (PLT). This can consist of approximately half a year's full-time training, undertaken internally or externally, or of equivalent part-time training. In some jurisdictions, it may be possible to do articles of clerkship instead. Because the system adopted varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, enquiries should be made to the admission authority in the state or territory in which you intend to practice; this is usually a committee of the Supreme Court of that State or Territory or a special body set up to administer admissions to the legal profession. For more information see Bachelor of Laws (4 Years).

Career Opportunities

Graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills and attributes required for problem solving and economic decision making across a diverse range of economic and legal issues. This degree will give you a strong economic and quantitative background that allows you to explore a variety of professional career options.

Career opportunities involve legal practice as a solicitor or barrister, in-house legal counsel or work in many areas of government and business including finance companies, banks, regulatory bodies, government departments, consultancy and research firms, international organisations, positions in federal and state public services as policy officers, analysts, economic modellers, advisers, trade and industry officers; private-sector positions in financial management, forecasting, insurance and agribusiness firms; commodities or futures trader; importer/exporter; or international positions with agencies such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the United Nations.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

5 Years Full-time
Up to 12 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2017 ATAR / OP

84.40 / 8

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation BEc/LLB
Course Type Undergraduate
CRICOS Code 012209F
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 12 years Part-time
2017 ATAR 84.40
2017 OP 8
Fees CSP / International
Total Credit Points 240
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Assumed knowledge is any two units of English and Mathematics.

Practical, Clinical or Work Experience

The Work Ready Unit may be completed as an elective in the Economics component.

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

It is not possible to award advanced standing on the basis of work experience due to professional accreditation rules or to studies that were completed in a course other than one leading to admission as a legal practitioner or to a unit that is not listed in a course leading to admission as a legal practitioner.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Peacock Blue (BCC 120) and Ultramarine (BCC 148)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Economics/Bachelor of Laws in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

It is not possible to award advanced standing on the basis of work experience due to professional accreditation rules or to studies that were completed in a course other than one leading to admission as a legal practitioner or to a unit that is not listed in a course leading to admission as a legal practitioner.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) five years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to twelve years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the two awards a candidate must pass units to the value of 240 credit points comprising:
Bachelor of Economics component: 96 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level;
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level or higher.

To qualify for the award with Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level; at least 36 credit points at 300-level; and at least 36 credit points at 400-level or higher including LAW490 and LLM500.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points Credit Points
Bachelor of Economics component: 96 cps
Core Units 48 cps
ONE Major 36 cps
Elective Units 12 cps
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 cps
Core Units 108 cps
Listed Units
OR
Honours
18-36 cps
OR
0-18 cps
Total 240 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Approved Majors

Applied Econometrics
Economics
Economic Development
Environmental Analysis and Policy

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements including one major shall be awarded the Bachelor of Economics and the Bachelor of Laws.

Pathway to Honours

Students may be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours on the basis of an academic record including the Honours stream deemed by the Head of School to be of sufficient merit. To be admitted to the Honours stream candidates must have completed 72 credit points of law units at UNE with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better.

Where students have completed 72 credit points of law units with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better, but not all units have been completed at UNE, with the exception of LAW400, LAW455, LAW480, then the students may be admitted to the Honours stream at the discretion of the Head of School.

Award of Honours

To qualify for the award of the degree with Honours, candidates must have successfully completed the Honours stream made up of LAW490 and LLM500.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours. Honours result will be calculated as follows: 33.33% LAW490 plus 66.67% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
An exceptionally distinguished student who has been awarded First Class Honours with a GPA of 6.5 or above in Law units may be awarded a University Medal.

Quality in Bachelor Honours Degrees

All students as well as all individuals undertaking a supervisory role for bachelor honours students will be familiar with the responsibilities associated with research supervisors and students, the research examination procedures and procedures for handling any difficulties that might arise during supervision, and the consequences of failing in their obligations. These responsibilities are outlined in School of Law Honours Handbook and available on the School website.

Appointment of Supervisor

In negotiation with the coordinator, students are appointed a research supervisor who is an academic member of the School of Law that can appropriately supervise the topic chosen by the student. Students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly and continue these meetings, where appropriate, for the duration of the unit. Although it is expected that the frequency of the meetings will tend to follow the outlined Formative Assessment Milestones e.g., submitting a proposed topic, research proposal, draft chapters and oral presentation. Meetings may be in person, online, videoconference or telephone conference. From time to time students may be requested to attend supervision meetings in person.

Thesis

(a) In order to complete LAW490, the student shall submit a thesis, embodying an independent investigation on a topic approved by the course coordinator, in a form approved by the course coordinator. The results of the student's work shall make a sound contribution to the discipline of law.
(b) Depending on the topic under investigation, the approval of the relevant Ethics Committee must be sought if required.
(c) Except with the permission of the course coordinator, on the recommendation of the supervisor, the thesis shall not exceed 10,000 words of text, excluding appendices.
(d) Students will be required to enrol in and complete the year long thesis LAW490.

Submission of Thesis

(a) The submission and presentation of the thesis must follow the guidelines set out in the Essential Guide for Studying Law.
(b) Students must comply with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. The student may not present, as the thesis, any work that has been the basis of the award of a degree at this or another university.

Examination of Thesis

(a) The thesis is examined by two internal examiners. The examiners are selected by the unit coordinator, who will take the recommendation of the supervisor into account.
(b) The thesis supervisor shall not be one of the internal examiners.
(c) The names of the examiners will not be released to the student until after the examination process is complete and may be withheld at the request of the examiners.
(d) Examiners are normally expected to complete and return their report to the unit coordinator within FOUR (4) weeks of the thesis being delivered.
(e) The examiners may write a joint report or separate reports and are expected to recommend that the thesis (LAW490) be given a percentage mark.
(f) If the examiners are unable to reach an agreement, the unit coordinator will appoint an additional examiner to review the reports and recommendations. The unit coordinator will then recommend a percentage mark, taking into account the examiners’ reports.
(g) The unit coordinator will make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners regarding the percentage grade to be awarded for the thesis.
(h) The unit coordinator will advise the supervisor of the recommended percentage grade and provide them with a copy of the examiners' report(s). If the supervisor disputes this outcome, the supervisor should provide a report to the Board of Examiners outlining the reason for the dispute and their own recommended percentage grade.
(i) The Board of Examiners will make the final determination as to the outcome of the examination of the thesis, based on the recommendation of the examiners or, where the examiners had not been able to reach agreement, the unit coordinator.

Honours Result

Honours grades will be awarded in accordance with the University assessment policy.
Honours result will be calculated as follows: 60% for LAW490 plus 40% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours.

Suspensions and Extensions

The school may grant an extension or suspension of candidature, or a combination of both, to full-time candidates for up to three months or to part-time candidates for up to 6 months as follows:
(a) to compensate by way of extension of candidature, a candidate for time lost by ill-health or unforeseeable and unavoidable difficulties; or
(b) to compensate by way of suspension of candidature, a candidate who produces evidence that he/she shall not be in a position to pursue work towards the Honours thesis unit, LAW490.

Re-enrolment

A student, who has previously withdrawn from enrolment in the honours program, must meet the admission requirements at the time of an application for re-enrolment.

Award of Bachelor of Economics

Candidates enrolled in the double degree program who have satisfied requirements for the Bachelor of Economics as stated in these rules may apply to graduate with the Bachelor of Economics providing they have successfully completed a further 48 credit points including LAW100, 161, 171, 231, 232 and 272 from the Laws component.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the double degree program may be eligible to exit with the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies on completion of 72 credit points of law units (LAW, LS or LLM).
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Laws. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Transfer from another Award

Students in another award may apply for admission into this course on successful completion of at least 6 units of study with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

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:
  1. BEc component: identify, coherently explain and synthesise disciplinary concepts to economic issues;
  2. apply economic reasoning and analytical skills, in order to make informed judgements and decisions;
  3. reflect on the nature and implications of assumptions and value judgements in economic analysis and policy;
  4. use quantitative data to critically analyse economic issues and understand their role in economic and business decision-making and policy decisions; and
  5. demonstrate proficiency in written and oral communication skills required at a professional level.
  6. 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;
  7. 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;
  8. demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
  9. 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;
  10. 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;
  11. 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;
  12. 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;
  13. 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;
  14. demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
  15. 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;
  16. 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;
  17. demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
  18. 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;
  19. 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;
  20. 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;
  21. 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;
  22. 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;
  23. demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
  24. conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach;
  25. develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and
  26. 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.

How to Apply

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All domestic students apply through the link below

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International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

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