Updating Results

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

  • 34% international / 66% domestic

Bachelor of Social Sciences / Law

  • Bachelor

The Bachelor of Social Sciences/Law is a 5-year double degree program that provides the opportunity to obtain two degrees of professional importance to the public sector, community service, business and law practice.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor
Duration
5 - 5 years full-time
Study Mode
In person
Domestic Fees
$16,000 per year / $253,500 total

About this course

Overview

The Bachelor of Social Sciences/Law is a 5-year double degree program that provides the opportunity to obtain two degrees of professional importance to the public sector, community service, business and law practice. In addition, you'll have the option to work towards a research career in a variety of disciplines.

Your fundamental knowledge and skills in law and in-depth understanding of social science specialisations will build your capacity to contribute to real world and impactful social, political and cultural change. You'll focus on contemporary global and local challenges and issues taught by our world-class academics, utilising new and digital technologies to provide an effective, flexible and rich educational experience.

The Bachelor of Social Sciences allows you to choose from various specialisations to build comprehensive knowledge and analytical skills alongside practical experiences throughout this double degree. Take advantage of real-world activities such as projects, work experiences and internships in Australia and overseas.

Key Features

World-class Scholarship
Learn from Australia's leader in progressive and rigorous legal education at UNSW Law & Justice, ranked 12th in the world*. Study at a Group of Eight (Go8) university with the highest quality teaching among Australia's research-intensive law schools.

Flexibility and variety

At UNSW, you'll study undergraduate law as part of a double degree. Be part of a diverse cohort of interdisciplinary thinkers that combine their passion for law and justice with expertise in other disciplines. You'll get to choose among a wide range of social sciences, international studies, and languages to design a degree that suits your goals and values.

Practical experience, here and overseas

Both programs connect you with industry and offer professional development experiences unique to your passions and goals, so you'll shape your career from the outset of your degree. Gain skills in communication, analysis, ethical decision-making and teamwork through internships and international exchange opportunities with our industry partners.

Purpose-driven community

Become part of a collective dedicated to solving global issues. Diverse classmates, teachers, researchers, and practitioners support your goals and share knowledge. Develop influential diplomacy and collaboration skills through student-led organisations and volunteer groups.

End-to-end Legal Education

Prepare for legal practice all in one place. UNSW's PLT program, the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice will allow you to practise law in any Australian or New Zealand jurisdiction. UNSW's PLT is the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice

, opens in a new window
(GDLPP), so you can graduate from one place with all the qualifications you need to launch your legal career.

*QS World Rankings by Subject 2024

Why study this degree at UNSW?
  • Flexibility to design your own degree
  • Access to UNSW Law & Justice's dedicated careers service
    , opens in a new window
  • Strong focus on international studies
  • Practical, work-integrated courses
  • Diverse and inclusive community
  • Opportunities to study overseas through electives
    , opens in a new window
    or student exchange
    , opens in a new window
Program Code
4873
CRICOS Code
110660D
Campus
Kensington
UAC Code
426000
Total Units of Credit (UOC)
240
Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?
Visit Faculty

Entry requirements

Entry requirements
2023 Lowest Selection Rank 1
94.25 + LAT
2023 A levels 2
17 + LAT
2023 IB Diploma 3
37 + LAT
2023 Lowest ATAR 4
85.2*
Learn more about LAT
    1. The 2023 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023.
    2. The 2023 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subject. Entry scores are calculated from the best three or four A2 subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1. At most one Applied A Level subject may be included in the best four subjects used to calculate the aggregate.
    3. The 2023 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2023. It is to be used as a guide only.
    4. The 2023 Lowest ATAR is the lowest ATAR (before adjustment factors were applied) to which an offer was made. Where <5 is listed, this indicates that less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made and so the score has not been published. N/A indicates no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
  • At UNSW, we are committed to ensuring prospective students have all the information they need in order to make informed decisions about their study options.

    To assist you in gaining a better understanding of how Admissions works at UNSW, we have provided you with a summary of ATAR offers and the student profile.

    We hope this information will help you identify the degree that is right for you.

    See more
Additional Selection Criteria

All domestic applicants*^ who wish to study an undergraduate law double degree at UNSW need to sit the Law Admission Test (LAT)

, opens in a new window
, including those:
  • enrolled in their final year of secondary schooling (Year 12 HSC or equivalent)
  • who have already completed their secondary schooling (e.g. those on a gap year)
  • who are currently studying at another university and wish to apply to transfer to Law & Justice
  • students in Year 11 who wish to sit the LAT before their HSC year (LAT results are valid for two years)

*Domestic applicants include Australian citizens and permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens.

^Domestic applicants that aren't required to sit the LAT as they're assessed under multiple other criteria include:

  • Indigenous students undertaking the Pre-Law Program at UNSW
    , opens in a new window
  • UNSW Gateway
    , opens in a new window
    students applying for an early conditional offer
  • Current UNSW students applying for Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
    , opens in a new window
Assumed knowledge

Refer to the relevant non-law degree entry

Adjustment Factors

We offer adjustment factor schemes that take into account a range of personal and educational disadvantages that may have affected your studies.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS), opens in a new window
Factors such as illness, financial hardship, language difficulties or attending a particular school can mean you don't always get the best possible marks in Years 11 and 12. If one of these situations applies to you, submit an application for the Educational Access Scheme (EAS) via UAC. Eligible students can receive between 1 and 10 points towards their chosen UNSW degree.

Admission pathways


Your ATAR is not the only measure of your potential to succeed, which is why we offer a range of pathways into university. Explore your options below and get in touch with our future student advisors to discuss your path to UNSW.

Gateway Admission Pathway
This scheme is open to students in Years 11 and 12 who attend Gateway schools. It significantly adjusts the ATAR requirements for your preferred UNSW degree and provides you with an early conditional offer to UNSW.

Entry programs for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
We offer entry programs for Indigenous Australians, including the Indigenous Preparatory Programs and the Indigenous Admission Scheme (IAS). The entry pathway program you apply for will depend on the degree you want to study.

Alternative Entry
Not everyone applies to university straight from high school. That's why UNSW considers a range of qualifications, life experience and pathway programs for admission into our degrees. Find out what you'll need to apply to UNSW, depending on where you're at in life.

Find out more" data-click_title="RichText" data-click_name="Find out more">Find out more, opens in a new window

UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)

Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn't require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won't take you any longer to complete a law double degree.

Find out more" data-click_title="RichText" data-click_name="Find out more">Find out more, opens in a new window

Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations, opens in a new window.

English language requirements

You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on your educational background and citizenship. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If you're completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (e.g. NSW HSC or equivalent), you do not need to provide anything extra to prove your proficiency. Your qualification will be used as evidence of your English proficiency.

If you do need to provide evidence of your English proficiency, this will be indicated in your application. You can prove this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

International direct entry
I studied in:
Qualifications Direct entry requirement
International ATAR
92
UNSW Foundation Studies GPA
8.2
Great Britain General Certificate of Education (GCE A levels)
15

All applicants must present a minimum of two Advanced Level (A2) subjects. Entry Scores are calculated from the best two, three, or four A2 Level subjects (excluding repeated subjects) using the following values: A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2 and E=1.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
35

Results based on scores required for entry into UNSW in 2019 and are only applicable if the Diploma has been completed. Students currently attempting the IB can apply directly to UNSW or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). For more details, visit www.uac.edu.au

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) (after 2016)
1300

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) based on the total of evidence-based reading and writing and mathematical test scores. Must be provided in conjunction with evidence of successful completion of senior secondary studies.

We do not accept secondary qualifications from this country. We may accept tertiary study results, please contact us for more information.

Please contact us for direct entry requirements.

Admission pathways


If you do not meet the requirements for direct entry into your chosen degree, you may be eligible for a pathway program with UNSW College. UNSW College provides alternative entry options using university-approved content so that you can start your UNSW journey with confidence.

UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals.

Learn more" data-click_title="RichText" data-click_name="Learn more" target="_blank">Learn more, opens in a new window

UNSW Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Every year UNSW Law & Justice provides up to 100 places for students studying a non-law degree at UNSW to transfer into a Law double degree. Alternative entry through Internal Program Transfer (IPT) doesn't require you to sit the LAT and providing you receive full credit for your first year of studies, it won't take you any longer to complete a law double degree.

Find out more" data-click_title="RichText" data-click_name="Find out more">Find out more, opens in a new window

Credit Transfer Policy
If you've completed prior learning at another tertiary institution or in another UNSW degree, you may be eligible for a credit transfer. Find out more in the Credit Transfer Rules and Regulations, opens in a new window.

English language requirements


You may be asked to provide evidence of your English proficiency to study at UNSW depending on whether you are from an English-speaking background or non-English speaking background. English language skills are vitally important for coping with lectures, tutorials, assignments and examinations - this is why UNSW requires a minimum English language competency for enrolment.

If English is not your first language, you'll need to provide proof of your English proficiency before you can be given an offer to study at UNSW. You can do this by providing evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • English language tests and university English courses
  • Prior study in the medium of English
  • Other qualifications

If you need to improve your English skills before you start your degree, UNSW College's Academic English Programs are for you. The programs are suitable for various English levels and help you prepare for university studies and life in Australia.

Check the specific English language requirements for this program
Select from the options below *
Which applies to you? *

Study locations

Kensington

Career pathways

Future careers

Study law as a double degree to be a well-rounded graduate prepared for a career practicing law or applying your legal mind and skills to other industries.

UNSW Law & Justice is ranked 1st in Australia and 15th globally for employer reputation (QS World University Rankings by Subject (Law and Legal Studies), 2024). That's because we teach our students to think outside the box, so when it comes to your career, employers will seek you out for your critical thinking, persuasive communication, creative problem solving and analytical skills.

With flexible course options, your Social Sciences degree from UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture includes opportunities to experiment with professional roles in internships and work placements. You'll build a network of contacts among your classmates and lecturers, and you'll be able to reach out to a global network of UNSW graduates.

End-to-end legal Education at UNSW

Completing a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) at UNSW will take you a step towards becoming a lawyer, followed by Practical Legal Training (PLT). UNSW's PLT program, the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice will allow you to practise law in any Australian or New Zealand jurisdiction. UNSW's PLT will allow you to practice law in the New South Wales jurisdiction. UNSW's PLT is the Graduate Diploma in Legal Professional Practice (GDLPP), so you can graduate from one place with all the qualifications you need to launch your legal career.

Step 1 - Complete your Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Step 2 - Complete your GDLPP at UNSW.

Step 3 - Apply to the Supreme Court for admission to practice.

UNSW Law & Justice students also have the opportunity to fast track their entry to the legal profession by completing their PLT while finishing their undergraduate degree.

Find out more
Potential careers

Potential careers

  • Government and public policy adviser
  • In-house legal counsel
  • Social science researcher
  • Human rights lawyer

Career opportunities in the social sciences include:

  • Advocate
  • Campaign manager
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade official
  • International business consultant
  • Local government official
  • Non-government organisation official
  • Policy analyst
  • Political adviser
  • Political journalist
  • Project officer
  • Program manager
  • Research consultant
  • Research officer
  • Tourism and trade adviser
  • United Nations official
Accreditation

Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW)