Program Overview

This double degree will prepare you for legal practice while giving you specialised knowledge in either International Relations or Journalism.

If you choose International Relations as your second major, you’ll increase your understanding of international diplomacy, politics and organisations.

If you choose Journalism as your second major, you’ll learn how to report on topics across radio, video and online platforms.

What you'll learn

• Apply knowledge of the Australian legal system, statutory rules and case law principles in both the fundamental areas of legal knowledge and a range of elective fields to the resolution of legal problems; apply broad discipline knowledge in a range of theoretical and practical situations through research and practical application
• Critically and creatively analyse legal problems to articulate the issues involved and apply legal reasoning to make a considered choice between competing solutions; think creatively and critically to generate innovative solutions to complex social, political and artistic problems
• Identify, access, assess and synthesise relevant information from primary legal sources such as cases and legislation and secondary sources such as journal articles and commentaries (including electronic versions of these sources) and gather relevant oral and documentary evidence; access, evaluate and synthesise relevant information from a range of sources
• Communicate the outcomes of legal research and analysis effectively, appropriately and persuasively to colleagues, to clients and to other professionals and the broader community; communicate effectively in professional and public contexts
• Use appropriate electronic legal databases for research purposes and be able to communicate effectively in electronic forms; apply technologies appropriately
• Maintain intellectual curiosity as to justice and its practical application in the legal system, be able to identify areas where their legal knowledge and skills require further development, and to critically reflect on their own performance as legal professionals, making use of feedback as appropriate; demonstrate responsibility and lifelong learning skills by applying critical reflection and being proactive
• Articulate the similarities and differences between local and other jurisdictions, including interstate and overseas ones, and be aware of the principles of public and private international law; describe global and cultural issues and their impact
• Articulate distinct concepts of law, justice and human rights, with an awareness of different legal traditions and cultures, particularly indigenous cultures; identify how and where indigenous persons and other identifiable social groups are differentially impacted by the legal system; demonstrate respect for human rights, cultural diversity and the particular rights of Indigenous Australians
• Work independently, as well as collaboratively, with a developing sense of the ethical issues that arise in legal practice and how these may be resolved; work ethically and professionally, both within a team and independently

Specialisation: Journalism
In this major you will learn to research and prepare news, feature and other content for radio, video and online platforms.

You’ll learn theory and practical skills from staff with strong industry experience and connections, and use industry-standard media facilities and platforms. These include our new media production studio, Curtin FM radio, and the student online news site Western Independent.

You may also complete a professional placement unit, which provides valuable opportunities to undertake work experience with potential employers.