Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws (CRICOS course code 017881M) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by James Cook University over 5 years. This dual qualification combines scientific inquiry with legal expertise, preparing graduates for careers at the intersection of science policy, environmental law, or commercial litigation involving technical matters. The course is taught at JCU's campuses in Cairns and Townsville, Queensland, and is fully registered on CRICOS, ensuring international students receive the protections of the ESOS Act. As a HeadStart Academy free resource, we verify all data from the official CRICOS register (April 2026) to help you make informed study decisions.
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The Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws (017881M) is a five-year undergraduate dual degree offered by James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J). It falls under the field of Natural and Physical Sciences (broad field 01) and is classified as a Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7). Students study both science and law concurrently, developing analytical skills, legal reasoning, and scientific literacy. The course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 8 weeks (approximately 256 hours), providing real-world experience in legal or scientific settings. As a CRICOS-registered course, it meets Australian Government standards for international student enrolment.
This dual degree covers foundational and advanced topics in both natural and physical sciences and law. In the science component, students explore disciplines such as biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and environmental science, with an emphasis on research methods and practical laboratory skills. The law component introduces core legal subjects including contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, and property law, along with elective specialisations. Graduates gain a unique interdisciplinary perspective, enabling them to address complex issues like climate change regulation, indigenous land rights, and biotechnology law. The curriculum is designed to meet professional accreditation standards for legal practice in Australia.
The course duration is 5 years (260 weeks) as recorded on the CRICOS register. It is delivered full-time in English. As a dual qualification, students graduate with two distinct degrees: a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Laws. This structure allows students to complete both degrees in less time than pursuing them separately. The program is available on campus at James Cook University's Cairns and Townsville locations. There is no foundation studies component; however, the university offers pathway programs for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.
The indicative tuition fee for the entire course is A$230,070, with no additional non-tuition fees listed on the CRICOS register. The estimated total cost is A$230,070. Please note that these fees are indicative only, sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, and are set by James Cook University—always confirm current fees on their website at www.jcu.edu.au. Additional costs not included are Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living expenses, and the Student visa application charge. For a detailed breakdown of projected living costs in Cairns or Townsville, refer to our city guides. The ESOS Act protects international students from unexpected fee increases for the duration of their enrolment.
Entry into the Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws requires completion of Australian Year 12 or equivalent with a strong academic record. International students must demonstrate English proficiency: an IELTS overall score of 6.0-6.5 with no band below 5.5-6.0 (or equivalent). Specific prerequisites may include science subjects. James Cook University may also consider tertiary transfer students or those with previous higher education. If you do not meet direct entry, the university offers foundation or diploma pathways—check with the provider for details. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis. HeadStart Academy recommends consulting the official JCU website for precise entry requirements.
This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 8 weeks, totalling approximately 256 hours. The work component is designed to give students hands-on experience in legal or scientific environments, such as law firms, government agencies, environmental consultancies, or research laboratories. Placements may involve industry-based projects, internships, or clinical legal experience. This practical training enhances employability and satisfies professional accreditation requirements for legal practice. Students receive academic credit for the work component and are supported by JCU's placement coordinators.
The course is delivered at two campuses in Queensland: James Cook University - Cairns (Smithfield) and James Cook University - Townsville. Cairns is a tropical city of about 150,000 people, known for its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef and rainforests. It has several CRICOS-registered providers and a student-friendly atmosphere. Townsville, with a population of around 180,000, offers a vibrant student community and is home to JCU's main campus. Both cities have lower living costs compared to Sydney or Melbourne: indicative weekly rent for a share house is A$300–A$400 in Cairns and A$250–A$350 in Townsville. Public transport connects campuses to city centres, and both cities offer part-time work opportunities for international students.
International students enrolled in this CRICOS-registered course are eligible to apply for a Student visa (Subclass 500). Key visa conditions include maintaining enrolment in a full-time CRICOS course, meeting the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, and holding adequate Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). Work rights allow up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. You must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to cover tuition, living costs (A$21,041 per year for a single student), and dependents if applicable. Visa applications are processed by the Department of Home Affairs. HeadStart Academy is not a registered migration agent; we recommend consulting a MARA agent or the Department for personalised advice.
Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws at James Cook University:
1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter courses by level, field, and location. Confirm that James Cook University (CRICOS 00117J) and course 017881M meet your goals.
2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit the James Cook University website (www.jcu.edu.au) to review entry requirements, English language tests accepted, and application deadlines. Submit your application online with supporting documents.
3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Upon acceptance, JCU will issue a CoE. Use this to apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring you meet GTE, OSHC, and financial requirements.
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with over 30 CRICOS-registered providers in Brisbane alone, plus campuses in regional centres like Cairns and Townsville. The state offers a warm climate, diverse ecosystems, and a lower cost of living than southern capitals. Studying in Cairns or Townsville provides access to unique fieldwork opportunities in marine biology, environmental law, and tropical health. However, consider that regional cities may have fewer part-time job options than Sydney or Melbourne. HeadStart Academy can help you compare study destinations across Australia.
Explore more dual degrees in science and law on HeadStart Academy, or view all courses at James Cook University.
Bachelor of Science - Bachelor of Laws is a CRICOS-registered programme at James Cook University. Use this register extract [CRICOS register, Apr 2026] to cross-check codes, duration and indicative fees before you apply.
This page is general information only and not migration advice. Confirm Student visa (Subclass 500) requirements with the Department of Home Affairs.