Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics / Law
- Commencing Terms
- Term 1
- Duration
- 6 Year(s)
- Delivery Mode
- Face-to-face (includes blended)
- Campus
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Kensington
- Codes
- UAC code 426000
- Program code 4797
- CRICOS code 099869F
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $16,000*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $102,000*
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2024 Indicative first year full fee
- $47,500*
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2024 Indicative full fee to complete degree
- $322,500*
Fees
Fees
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Hands-on learning
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Global opportunities
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Industry experience
International application pause for 2025 intakes
Applications for international students to study at UNSW in 2025 are currently paused. Please submit your expression of interest to join our application waitlist so we can contact you.
- Overview
- Entry requirements
- What will I study?
- Future careers
- How to apply
- Fees & Scholarships
Overview
The Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics (PPE)/Law draws together the perspectives of four crucial academic disciplines to address professional demands, global trends and contemporary social issues, such as justice, inequality and climate change.
Alongside courses from the disciplines of Politics & International Relations, Philosophy, and Economics, the UNSW PPE degree explores the synergies and tensions between these fields and trains you to assess their relevance in meeting humanity's most complex challenges.
Your Law degree will complement your PPE studies as you develop a thorough understanding of legal frameworks, processes and systems alongside a wide range of experiential learning opportunities. You’ll gain exceptional skills that stand out to employers with practical experience, including mooting, an internship or clinical program, or international exchange.
Key features
- Explore current global issues in this exciting degree which draws together perspectives of four critical yet varied disciplines.
- Be part of the only Politics, Philosophy and Economics program offered in Sydney and only a handful in Australia.
- You’ll be taught by leading experts across UNSW Law & Justice, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture and UNSW Business School
- Make valuable local, regional and global contacts through hands-on learning opportunities.
- Be challenged through debate and interactive discussion to develop practical skills such as reasoning, legal research, analysis, argument and negotiation.
- Put what you learn in the classroom into action in the real world through legal clinics, internships, case and mooting competitions, global practicums, and clerkships.
- Develop the values, skills and qualities necessary to become a qualified legal practitioner with a strong sense of citizenship, community and social justice.
Why study this degree at UNSW?
Set Yourself Apart
UNSW is the only university in Sydney and one of a handful in Australia to offer the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics, which prepares you to make social change on a global scale.
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.
Multiply Your Opportunities
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. Our graduates have applied their law degree to countless industries as critical thinkers and problem-solvers that bring the added perspective of a second specialisation.
Exclusive Career Support
Graduate career-ready with UNSW Law & Justice’s in-house careers service, dedicated to our students and alumni. The service includes one-on-one counselling sessions, a jobs board and a range of resources, presentations and workshops to maximise your employability.
Experiential Learning
Apply your knowledge from the classroom to industry experiences and experiential learning opportunities. Through both of your degrees, you’ll have the chance to gain for-credit practical experience through exchange and international courses, internships, clinics, and competitions.
Global Student Opportunities
Gain global perspectives by studying other countries’ legal systems through overseas electives in China, the USA, Switzerland, India, Vanuatu and Chile. Or you may wish to immerse yourself abroad through student exchange at one of UNSW’s more than 300 exchange hosts across 38 countries. As a Politics, Philosophy and Economics student, you’ll have the chance to partake in an exchange program with one of our international partner universities, including University College Dublin and King’s College London.
End-to-end legal education
Prepare for legal practice all in one place. All law graduates in Australia must complete PLT to practise as a lawyer. 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.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject, 2024
Want to see more from UNSW Law and Justice?
Entry requirements
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- The 2024 Lowest Selection Rank (LSR) is the adjusted rank (ATAR plus adjustment factors) you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024.
- The 2024 A levels score is based on four Advanced Level (A2) subjects. 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.
- The 2024 IB Diploma is an indication of the IB you would have needed to gain entry to this degree in 2024. It is to be used as a guide only.
- The 2024 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.
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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.
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), 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
- UNSW Gateway students applying for an early conditional offer
- Current UNSW students applying for Internal Program Transfer (IPT)
Assumed knowledge
Mathematics Advanced
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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
UNSW Global has university pathway programs that provide seamless transition to UNSW Sydney so you can achieve your academic and career goals.
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.
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.
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
Program structure
This double degree is six years full-time, leading to the two qualifications of Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Bachelor of Laws (BPPE LLB). The program consists of 48 courses (288 Units of Credit (UOC)), including:
- Law core courses
- Law prescribed elective
- Law elective courses
- Politics, Philosophy & Economics core courses
- Politics, Philosophy & Economics prescribed electives or specialisation
Two degrees doesn’t mean double the workload. Each year you’ll complete the same number of units as a single degree, eight courses (48 UOC) across three terms. Our three-term calendar allows you the flexibility to tailor your schedule to suit your goals. With two three-course terms and one two-course term per year, you’ll have the time to focus on completing extra-curricular activities on campus or for-credit industry opportunities.
As part of your degree, you’ll undertake hands-on courses that integrate industry experience into your program. You’ll also participate in interactive teaching, group work, and a clinical component in which you’ll work with clients and lawyers at Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC), a fully functioning legal centre that operates out of the UNSW Law & Justice Building.
Full program structure
In the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics, you'll be exposed to a core study component throughout the entirety of the degree, providing you with the ability to intertwine theory from each discipline and how they relate to each other.
You'll also have the options to complete a specialisation by choosing from:
- Economics
- Philosophy
- Politics and International Relations
The UNSW Bachelor of Laws will explore all the areas of law you’re required to understand and teach you essential skills such as legal research, reasoning and analysis. Through your core law courses, you’ll comprehensively study all areas of the law, including torts, administrative law, constitutional law, criminal law and contracts. Your law electives will allow you to dive into areas of the law that interest you most, such as human rights, taxation law, commercial law, property law and international law.
Below is an example of what you could study in a standard six-year, full-time study plan.
First Year
- 3 Law Core Courses
- 5 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Second Year
- 3 Law Core Courses
- 5 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Third Year
- 5 Law Core Courses
- 3 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Fourth Year
- 5 Law Core Courses
- 3 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Fifth Year
- 1 Prescribed Elective
- 3 Law Electives
- 4 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Sixth Year
- 4 Law Electives
- 4 Politics, Philosophy & Economics Courses
Future careers
Study law as a double degree to be a well-rounded graduate prepared for a career practising 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.
By combining your PPE degree with Law, you’ll be well-equipped for a global career in politics and public policy development, including the highest reaches of government and the public service, as well as in consultancy, research firms, international organisations, advocacy organisations, NGOs and the legal profession.
Worldwide, the UNSW Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics is a renowned degree that carries considerable recognition among organisations and employers. Graduates of Politics, Philosophy and Economics degrees worldwide carve successful careers in public policy, diplomacy and economic analysis. You could find yourself working in humanitarian groups, political parties, non-government agencies, public services and activist organisations.
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). All law graduates in Australia must complete PLT to practise as a lawyer. 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 have the opportunity to fast track their entry to the legal profession by completing their PLT while finishing their undergraduate degree.
Accreditation
Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW)
How to apply
To apply for our Law double degrees at UNSW, you will need to apply for Double Law (426000) through the UAC application portal. Upon receiving an offer to for this degree, you will choose the second degree to pair with Bachelor of Laws during the acceptance process.
Applications for undergraduate study from domestic students* are processed by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
Visit the Apply section of the UAC website and you can nominate up to five degrees in order of preference, with the first being your most desired degree and university.
When applying for UNSW Bachelor of Arts/Law through UAC, you’ll need your Law Admission Test (LAT) registration number to ensure your LAT results are considered in the admission process. The LAT registration opens in May and is held in September each year. Keep up to date with LAT key dates and requirements here.
On-time applications for admission usually close at the end of September each year for Term 1 admission. Late applications can be submitted, but a late fee will apply. For study starting in Term 1, most offers are made in December and January.
Visit the UAC website for key dates for admission outside of Term 1.
Find out more information on how to apply here.
*Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders and New Zealand citizens
Ready to start your application?
For most international students, applications are submitted via our Apply Online service. We encourage you to submit your completed application as early as possible to ensure it will be processed in time for your preferred term.
Some high-demand programs with limited places, may have an earlier application deadline or may have an earlier commencement date. For more information visit our international applicant information page.
*If you are an international student studying an Australian qualification, go to the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) for application and UAC key dates. Note: If you are under 18 years of age, you need to make special arrangements. Read more.
Ready to start your application?
Fees & Scholarships
Commonwealth Supported Place multiple Student Contribution Bands may apply for this double degree. See single degrees for the applicable fee bands.*The student contribution for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the amount payable in Year 1 based on a standard full-time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The actual student contribution you will be liable for depends on your individual program of study and the calendar year in which you enrol. Actual fees are calculated upon enrolment. Student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University and may increase each year during your studies (subject to caps determined by the Australian Government), effective at the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only other fees and charges are not included.
*Fees are subject to annual review by the University and may increase annually, with the new fees effective from the start of each calendar year. The indicative fees listed here are based on an estimated average and are for tuition only, other fees and charges are not included. The amount you pay will vary depending on the calendar year to enrol, the courses you select and whether your study load is more or less than 1 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (8 courses per year).
Indicative fees are a guide for comparison only based on current conditions and available data. You should not rely on indicative fees. More information on fees can be found at the UNSW fees website.
Indicative fees to complete the program have been calculated based on a percentage increase for every year of the program. Fee increases are assessed annually and may exceed the indicative figures listed here.
Indicative fees to complete the program include tuition plus an estimate of study-related costs of approximately $1,000 per year. To find out more about other costs, visit UNSW International.
Scholarships
At UNSW, we award over $83 million in scholarships each year. We pride ourselves on rewarding excellence and making university accessible to students from all walks of life. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, our range of scholarships, prizes and awards can support your journey.
Featured scholarships
Several scholarships have been established to support students undertaking undergraduate Law at UNSW, including the:
- Joan Brown Memorial Scholarship
Established to assist a female high school leaver student with financial assistance to undertake undergraduate study in Law at UNSW. - UNSW Law Disability Support Scholarship
Established to support students with a long-term medical condition or disability and who are in financial need.
Featured scholarship
UNSW Law International Award (PUCA1028)
This award was established to empower the brightest and most passionate international students to achieve their goals through their studies at UNSW Law & Justice.
QS World University Rankings, 2025.
AFR Top 100 Future leaders Award.
#1 Australian uni attended by start-up founders.
No two academic terms are the same and that is what makes this degree so interesting.
