Course overview
At Murdoch University you can combine a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) with a Bachelor of Communication.
Adding a communication degree to your law qualification will help you hone your communication and problem-solving skills to give you a competitive edge in your career. Whether you’re presenting evidence in a court of law or meeting with your clients, you’ll learn the skills to make you a great communicator. You can choose to specialise in Journalism, Strategic Communication or Global Media and Communication.
The combination of a Law and Communication degree means you will gain valuable, additional skills to use in your future career, including presentation skills, media liaison, broadcasting, writing, news media, public affairs, advocacy and more.
3 reasons to study a combined degree in Law and Communication at Murdoch
- Get work experience through our Work Integrated Learning program which allows you to intern at local and international organisations.
- Join Murdoch Law School's successful mooting program, competing in a range of competitions where you will develop your practical legal skills.
- Earn credit towards your degree with hands-on legal training in our award-winning clinic.
What you’ll learn
Build the knowledge and skills you need to meet your career or study goals. As part of your law degree, you'll learn:
- Criminal law and procedure
- Refugee and family law
- How to communicate global issues
- Media audiences, governance and globalisation
- Digital media skills
Your future career
Studying law in combination with communication can lead to a career in any area or industry, from navigating human rights to pursuing a career in politics.
You could work in the public or private sector, fighting for the rights of those who are disadvantaged or unfairly treated, and creating a better society.
Careers could include:
- Lawyer
- Solicitor or Barrister
- Corporate Communicator
- Ambassador
- Politician
For further admission information about this course, please visit Murdoch Admission Information - Laws (Combined).
Professional accreditation
Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia (LPBWA) and recognised by the Malaysia Bar Council.
Professional recognition
The Murdoch Bachelor of Laws satisfies the University education requirements for the practice of law of the governing bodies of the legal profession of Western Australia. As is the pattern in the rest of Australia, before a candidate may be admitted to the practice of law in this State, certain additional requirements must be satisfied after completion of this formal university training. For more information, please refer to https://www.lpbwa.org.au/becoming-a-lawyer.
Start dates
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
| Starting period | Location | Face to Face | Online |
Mixed mode
In this attendance mode, teaching and learning activities are delivered both face-to-face and online, with scheduled or flexible learning times. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2026 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 1, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
| Semester 2, 2027 | Murdoch | Yes | No | No |
View the dates for our teaching periods or find out more about attendance modes.
Majors in this course
Admission requirements
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | For Criminology:
For Law: No direct entry. |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| University study | For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview. |
For Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful completion of at least one year. |
| Pre-Law | ||
Murdoch College |
For Criminology:
Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law :
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
For Criminology:
Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law :
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) | For Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology:
For Law: No direct entry. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
| University study |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful study at AQF level 7 (or equivalent) achieving either one semester with a minimum 70% GPA; or two semesters with a minimum 67% GPA. Applicants via this pathway may be requested to attend an interview. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of 2 units at an Australian University or Open Universities Australia (OUA)
For Law : Successful completion of at least one year. |
| Pre-Law |
|---|
Minimum academic requirement |
Minimum English requirement |
Murdoch College |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology:
Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law :
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology:
Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law :
Successful completion of one of the following:
|
| Enabling courses (after Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of one of the following:
For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of the course. For Law : No direct entry |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) | For Criminology:
For Law: No direct entry. |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
Experience based entry |
For Criminology: A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. For Law: No direct entry. |
|
| Extenuating circumstances | We'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Case-by-case assessment. |
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) | For Criminology: CPS 54 or higher.
CPS 70 or higher. |
For Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| Law Start | Successful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa. |
For Criminology: Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Overseas Year 12 | Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
Please refer to the information under the country of study. |
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) | For Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
For Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) | For Criminology: 70 For Law : 90 |
For Criminology: Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| GCE A Levels | For Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
For Law : Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
For Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following:
AS Level: B in one of the following:
English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma | For Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher.
For Law : Total score of 33 or higher. |
For Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Enabling courses (in Year 12) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology:
For Law: No direct entry. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level (domestic applicants only), OR Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years study at TAFE or an RTO (domestic applicants only), OR A STAT Written English score of 140 or higher, OR Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
|
Experience based entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry.
For Law: No direct entry. |
| Extenuating circumstances |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementWe'll consider applications from prospective students whose education has been compromised due to genuine hardship, resulting in them falling short of entry requirements for an undergraduate course. Find out more. |
Minimum English requirementCase-by-case assessment.
|
| Western Australian Universities Foundation Program (WAUFP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: CPS 54 or higher.
CPS 70 or higher. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: 50% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS).
For Law : 65% in English Language and Australian Cultural Studies (ELACS). |
| Law Start |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementSuccessful attendance and completion of LAW START, an ability and aptitude Evaluation Pathway. Note this course is not available to students on a Student Visa. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following:
or interstate equivalent, or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. |
| Overseas Year 12 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
Minimum English requirementPlease refer to the information under the country of study.
|
| Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Overall Position (OP) of 13 or lower.
For Law : Overall Position (OP) of 6 or lower. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Sound Achievement (4) or better in a Queensland Studies Authority approved subject of one of the following:
Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Minimum Selection Rank (WA/ACT/NSW/NT/SA/TAS/VIC) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: 70 For Law : 90 |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Scaled mark of 50 or higher in one of the following (or interstate equivalent):
Or a STAT Written English score of 140 or higher. Or evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic applicants only). |
| GCE A Levels |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Minimum of 6 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher.
For Law : Minimum of 12 points taken from the best 2 or 3 subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 (AS Levels are equivalent to half points e.g. A=2.5, B=2 etc.) or higher. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: A Levels: D in one of the following:
AS Level: C in one of the following:
For Law : A Levels: C in one of the following:
AS Level: B in one of the following:
English Literature or Knowledge and Inquiry. |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Total score of 24 or higher.
For Law : Total score of 33 or higher. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Higher level (HL): 3 or better. Standard Level (SL): 4 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). For Law: Higher level (HL): 5 or better. Standard Level (SL): 6 or better. Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only) Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 | For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 | For Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry |
| Diploma or Advanced Diploma AQF level 5-6 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Diploma or Advanced Diploma. For Law : No direct entry |
| Certificate IV AQF level 4 |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: Successful completion of a Certificate IV. For Law : No direct entry |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only), OR STAT Written English score of 140 or higher (145 if prior to May 2010). For Law: No direct entry |
| Means of admission | Minimum academic requirement | Minimum English requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) | For Criminology:
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
|
For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) | For Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .
For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway. |
For Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
For Law: No direct entry |
Experienced based entry |
For Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. For Law: No direct entry |
| Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology:
Multiple Choice score of 135 (145 if taken prior to May 2010).
|
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Written English Score of 140 (145 if taken prior to May 2010). |
| Mature Age Pathway (MAP) |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology: MAP involves an interview and a portfolio submission to be assessed by the Academic Chair of the course. Admission is based on relevant work and life experience. Applicants must also meet the English Language Competency requirements for the course. Email us for more information .
For Law : No direct entry – consider Pre-Law pathway. |
Minimum English requirementFor Criminology: Evidence of completing year 11 and 12 in Australia at any Level (Domestic Applicants Only). Evidence of completing a minimum of 2 years of studies at TAFE or an RTO (Domestic Applicants Only). Must be met according to the respective courses standard ELC requirements, STAT Written English 140, etc.
For Law: No direct entry |
Experienced based entry |
|---|
Minimum academic requirementFor Criminology and combined Criminology courses A successful experience based entry application that demonstrates relevant aptitude and ability in a related learning area. Find out more about the Experienced based entry. For Law: No direct entry |
English Requirements
You must meet a minimum standard in English to study at Murdoch, which for most courses can be demonstrated by providing evidence that you have completed Year 11 and 12 in Australia at any level if you are a domestic student, or through either English proficiency tests, university preparation courses, English language courses, previous tertiary study or vocational education.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
Adjustment for Murdoch RISE
Murdoch RISE is a selection rank adjustment, as part of our commitment to helping students from regional, Indigenous and low socio-economic backgrounds gain university entry.
If you achieve an ATAR of 60.00 - 89.95, a Murdoch RISE adjustment factor of up to 10.00 points may help you get into your preferred course. Murdoch RISE can increase your selection rank up to a maximum of 90.00.
There’s no application or need to register. If you are eligible, the adjustment factor is automatically added to your raw ATAR score when you apply.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Everyone has a different path to university so if you’ve already completed formal or informal learning, you could receive advanced standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can reduce the amount of study needed to complete your degree by giving you credit for certain units.
Formal learning can include previous study in higher education vocational education or adult and community education. Informal learning can include on the job learning, various kinds of work and life experience.
This information applies to courses offered at our Australian campuses only. Courses offered at our Dubai and Singapore campuses or delivered by Open Universities Australia may have different requirements.
Plan your course
Explore the sample course structure below to get an idea of what your degree could look like, or take the next step in planning your degree:
Use the Course Visualiser - build your personalised study plan interactively
Visit the Course Handbook - Get detailed information on units, prerequisites, and pathways.
To help plan the structure of your course, search for our suggested course plans.
| Unit code | Unit name | Credit points |
|---|
Fees & Scholarships
Fees
The fees provided are indicative and intended only as a guide. They are based on a typical full-time enrolment for a first year student at Murdoch University of 24 credit points. The indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported Fee.
Scholarships
How to Apply
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application. Applications for Veterinary Science must be made via TISC.
Compulsory documents
Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study)
- ATAR results (if available)
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
Course specific documents
Recommended documents (if applicable)
- Change of name documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Your document checklist
Ready to apply? Before you start, make sure you have all the following documentation ready for a quick application.
Compulsory Documents
- Evidence that you meet Academic entry and English language requirements such as:
- Official Academic Transcripts and Certificates of Completion (of your highest academic study) both original and English translated versions.
- Evidence of meeting the minimum English language requirements
- Genuine Student documents (if applicable) - Check the GS requirements page for further information
- GS Form 2
- Personal Statement (SOP)
- Up to date Curriculum Vitae
- A copy of your Passport
Course specific documents
Recommended documents
- A copy of your visa documents (if available)
- A copy of any past visa rejection documents (if applicable)
- Packaged offer letter (if applicable)
- Sponsorship documents if you study will be sponsored
- Unit outlines if applying for Advanced Standing
Apply through an agent
If you’re applying as an international student, our global network of agents will help you get started on your journey.
Apply through TISC
If you're currently in Year 12 or applying for Vet Science, you can apply to Murdoch through TISC.
Apply directly to Murdoch
If you are a non School leaver, you can apply for most undergraduate, honours and postgraduate courses directly through our online application system.
View all ways to apply
There are many ways to apply to Murdoch University as we know everyone has a different path and journey. Get started and take the next step.
All fees are indicative and are provided as a guide only. The actual fees will depend on the individual units you enrol in. You should refer to your Letter of Offer for specific course and fee related information.
The first-year indicative fee is based on a typical full-time enrolment at Murdoch University of 24 credit points.
For domestic students, including Australian citizens, permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, the indicative fee is based on the applicable Commonwealth Supported fee.
Indicative fees for international students are based on applicable full fee paying rates.
The estimated, indicative fee covers tuition fees only, and certain additional fees and charges may apply, depending on the course and units you choose. It also does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries for which you may be eligible.
The estimated, indicative fee assumes no fee increases or indexation. Over time, fee increases or indexation may occur and will affect the estimate. If you are a full fee paying student, this may occur at the start of your second and each subsequent year of study. In the case of Commonwealth Supported students, this will occur for each new calendar year in line with Government policy.
All fee estimates are provided in Australian dollars.