Australian National University (ANU)
5 years full-time
Combine legal expertise with scientific knowledge in this five-year double degree. Ideal for students seeking careers that bridge law and science, such as environmental law, intellectual property, health law, or science policy.
Admission requires an ATAR of 97 or International Baccalaureate score of 41. No formal program prerequisites exist, though specific science majors may require chemistry or mathematics prerequisites. For biology majors, chemistry is recommended (ACT minor or equivalent). Mathematics prerequisites vary by course level. Students must have completed secondary education and meet ANU's adjustment factor eligibility criteria if applying for consideration of difficult circumstances.
Law Component: Foundations of Australian Law, Lawyers Justice and Ethics, Torts, Contracts, Australian Public Law, Criminal Law and Procedure, Administrative Law, Commonwealth Constitutional Law, Corporations Law, Property, Equity and Trusts, Evidence, Litigation and Dispute Management, Legal Research and Writing, Legal Theory, International Law, plus specialized electives in corporate law, international law, environmental law, or public law. Science Component: Students select one major from 48 available options including Astronomy and Astrophysics, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Climate Science, Computer Science, Earth Science, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, Statistics, and others. Additional coursework includes transdisciplinary problem-solving courses, quantitative research skills, and elective courses from diverse scientific disciplines.
ANU ranks among the world's finest universities with nearly 100,000 alumni in leadership positions globally. The institution offers state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, mentorship from leading scientists and legal scholars, and flexible study options including fieldtrips, international exchange, and internship opportunities. The law program emphasizes high-level research skills and professional development, while the science program provides breadth and depth across multiple disciplines with optional majors, minors, and specializations.
Law graduates pursue careers as barristers, solicitors, legal officers in government or private enterprise, corporate legal advisors, community legal workers, judges' associates, or legal academics. Science graduates enter research, industry, education, or government roles. Combined degree holders access specialized fields including environmental law, intellectual property, health law and bioethics, science policy, regulatory compliance, and international development. Career paths span Australian Foreign Service, industrial relations, government administration, technology and communications, environmental agencies, and academic research.