Bachelor of Psychological Science/ Bachelor of Laws – Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 089312D)

Course overview

Bachelor of Psychological Science/ Bachelor of Laws (CRICOS course code 089312D) is a Bachelor Degree delivered by Australian Catholic University Limited over 5 years. This dual qualification combines the study of behavioural science (psychology) with law, giving students the opportunity to graduate with two degrees simultaneously. The course is classified under Field of Education 09 - Society and Culture, with a specific focus on 090701 - Psychology. Australian Catholic University Limited (CRICOS 00004G) is a government university with multiple campuses across Australia. This program is designed for students who want to pursue careers that intersect psychology and law, such as forensic psychology, legal practice with a mental health focus, or policy development. As a CRICOS-registered provider, ACU meets the rigorous standards set by the Australian Government for delivering courses to international students.

What you'll study

As a Bachelor Degree at AQF Level 7, this course provides foundational and specialised knowledge in psychology and law. In the psychology component, students explore human behaviour, cognition, developmental psychology, social psychology, and research methods. The law component covers legal systems, criminal law, constitutional law, contracts, torts, and ethics. Graduates develop analytical reasoning, research skills, ethical understanding, and the ability to integrate psychological principles with legal frameworks. This program is ideal for those seeking a holistic understanding of human behaviour within legal contexts. While specific syllabi vary, the broad learning outcomes prepare students for professional practice or further study in either field.

Duration and study mode

The course is delivered over 5 years, equivalent to 260 weeks on the CRICOS register. All instruction is in English. This is a dual qualification, meaning students who complete the program earn two separate Bachelor degrees: Bachelor of Psychological Science and Bachelor of Laws. Dual qualifications are valued by employers as they demonstrate breadth of knowledge and the ability to manage cross-disciplinary study. The program is typically delivered full-time on campus, with opportunities for work-integrated learning (see Work component section). Students should check with Australian Catholic University Limited for specific mode offerings (e.g., online or part-time options, if available).

Fees (indicative — set by Australian Catholic University Limited)

Indicative fees sourced from the CRICOS register as at April 2026: tuition is A$184,000 for the full program, with non-tuition fees of A$0, giving an estimated total of A$184,000. Please note: this does not include Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), living costs, or the visa application charge. Living costs in Australia vary by city; weekly rent ranges from A$250–$450 in Melbourne and $300–$500 in Sydney, with additional costs for groceries and transport. For current fees, always visit the Australian Catholic University website at www.acu.edu.au. Fees are set by institutions and subject to change, so confirm directly before applying.

Entry requirements (general guidance)

International students typically require an IELTS overall band score of 6.0 to 6.5, with no band below 5.5 to 6.0 (specific requirements set by ACU). Applicants must have completed senior secondary qualifications equivalent to Australian Year 12, and some prerequisite subjects may apply (e.g., English, mathematics). For those who do not meet direct entry, foundation studies or pathway programs may be available – refer to Australian Catholic University Limited for details. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission, as places are competitive. HeadStart Academy recommends checking the official ACU website or contacting the admissions team.

Work component

This course includes a mandatory work-integrated learning component of 64 weeks, approximately 5 hours per week (total around 320 hours). Work-integrated learning (WIL) involves practical industry placements, internships, or clinical placements that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings. In this dual degree, placements may occur in legal firms, community legal centres, psychological clinics, or government agencies. WIL enhances employability and provides valuable Australian workplace experience. For international students, such placements must comply with visa work conditions (see Student visa section). Specific placement arrangements are managed by the university.

Delivery locations

This course is delivered at three Australian Catholic University campuses: Australian Catholic University-Melbourne Campus (FITZROY, VIC), Australian Catholic University-North Sydney Campus (NORTH SYDNEY, NSW), and Strathfield Campus (STRATHFIELD, NSW). Melbourne and Sydney are Australia's two largest cities, each with a vibrant international student community. Melbourne is home to over 300 CRICOS-registered providers and a student population exceeding 250,000. Sydney boasts over 400 providers and around 200,000 international students. Both cities offer excellent public transport: Fitzroy is near Melbourne's tram network, North Sydney is a short train ride from the CBD, and Strathfield is a major rail hub. Living costs are higher in Sydney (indicative weekly rent $300–$500) compared to Melbourne ($250–$450). Choosing a location depends on personal preference for city lifestyle, climate, and career opportunities.

Student visa

International students on this program require a Student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to study full-time in a CRICOS-registered course. Work rights: 48 hours per fortnight during term, unlimited during scheduled breaks (subject to visa conditions). You must maintain Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your stay. The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion requires you to demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia for study. Financial capacity evidence (tuition, living costs, OSHC) is mandatory. Visit the Department of Home Affairs or consult a registered migration agent (MARA) for personalised advice. HeadStart Academy provides general guidance only – we are not a migration agent.

How to apply

Follow these three steps to apply for the Bachelor of Psychological Science/ Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University Limited:

1. Research CRICOS-registered providers: Use HeadStart Academy to filter by course level (Bachelor Degree), field (Society and Culture), and city (Melbourne or Sydney). Confirm that ACU is CRICOS-registered (00004G) and that the course code 089312D is current.

2. Apply directly to your chosen institution: Visit www.acu.edu.au to review entry requirements, English language test scores (IELTS 6.0-6.5), and application deadlines. Submit your academic transcripts, English test results, and other required documents. Deadlines vary by intake (typically February and July).

3. Receive your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and apply for your Student visa (Subclass 500): Once ACU issues your CoE, you can apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs. Ensure you have OSHC, sufficient funds, and a valid GTE statement.

Why study a dual qualification in Psychology and Law?

Combining psychology and law opens doors to niche careers where understanding human behaviour is as important as legal knowledge. Forensic psychology, criminal profiling, family law, and policy development are just a few areas where this dual expertise is valued. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses, but dual qualifications are less common, giving graduates a competitive edge. Both Melbourne and Sydney have strong legal and psychology sectors, with ample internship and job opportunities. Studying at ACU also means you benefit from the ESOS Act protections that safeguard international students' rights. Before committing, consider your career goals: do you see yourself in a courtroom, a clinic, or a research institute? This program offers flexibility to pursue any of those paths.

Ready to take the next step? Use HeadStart Academy to explore more CRICOS-registered courses or contact Australian Catholic University Limited directly for application details.

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