University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The program combines core law subjects with criminology and criminal justice units to give you both the substantive legal knowledge required for professional practice and the social science perspective on crime, justice systems and policy. Law components typically cover foundational areas such as contracts, torts, property, criminal law, constitutional and administrative law, evidence, legal research and writing, and professional responsibility. The honours strand in law involves an advanced research project or coursework-equivalent honours capstone that develops independent legal research and critical analysis skills.

Criminology and criminal justice study blends theory and applied topics, including criminological theory, criminal justice institutions (policing, courts and corrections), penology and punishment, juvenile justice, restorative justice, sentencing and victimology. Research methods and statistics for social sciences are core to the criminology sequence, preparing you to interpret and conduct empirical research. You will also find elective opportunities in areas such as forensic psychology, cybercrime, Indigenous justice, crime prevention, and crime policy analysis.

Practical learning is an embedded feature: expect mooting and advocacy training, legal skills workshops, placements or clinical experiences (where available), and opportunities for internships with courts, law firms, government agencies and community organisations. The degree structure allows for an honours research project in either law or a criminology capstone as part of the honours requirement.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement in secondary school (such as an ATAR or equivalent) or recognised tertiary study. Mature-age applicants and those with vocational or professional experience are considered through alternative admission pathways. Applicants are expected to meet the University of Adelaide's standard English language proficiency requirements; international applicants typically provide an approved English test score or equivalent evidence of proficiency.

Specific prerequisites vary by applicant pathway; selection may also take account of personal statements, referees, portfolios of related work or interviews where applicable. Prospective students should consult the University of Adelaide's official admissions pages or contact admissions advisers for guidance tailored to their circumstances.

Career prospects

Graduates from this combined degree enter a wide range of careers across the legal and criminal justice sectors. The LLB(Hons) component provides the academic qualification required to pursue admission to legal practice, followed by the necessary practical legal training and local admission procedures for roles as solicitors or barristers. Criminology and criminal justice study opens pathways into policing, corrections, probation and parole services, juvenile justice, victim services and community-based organisations.

Other common roles include policy analyst or advisor in government departments, research officer in academic or non‑profit settings, forensic support or liaison positions, advocacy and human rights work, and positions in compliance, regulatory agencies or private sector risk and investigations teams. The honours research experience is an asset for those who wish to continue to postgraduate research or academic careers.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers this combined program through a law school with established professional connections and a criminology program that emphasises rigorous research and practical engagement. Students benefit from clinical learning opportunities, mooting and advocacy programs, and partnerships with local courts, legal practitioners and criminal justice agencies in South Australia.

The university supports interdisciplinary study and research, enabling students to combine legal training with social science perspectives on crime and policy. Smaller cohort sizes in advanced law and honours units, access to experienced academic staff and opportunities for placements and internships help prepare graduates for professional practice and careers across the justice system.