University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This double degree combines a comprehensive legal curriculum with a broad business program. In the law component you will study foundational subjects such as Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Property, Equity and Trusts, Evidence and Civil Procedure, plus advanced topics including Corporations and Commercial Law, Taxation, Intellectual Property, Family Law and Professional Ethics. The Honours element requires a research project or thesis and typically includes advanced legal research and writing.

The business component covers core disciplines that prepare you for commercial practice: financial and management accounting, micro‑ and macro‑economics, finance, marketing, organisational behaviour, business statistics and quantitative methods, strategy and international business. Electives allow specialisation in areas such as finance, entrepreneurship, human resources, or supply chain management. Cross‑disciplinary subjects — for example business law, corporate governance and corporate finance — bridge the two degrees and prepare you for roles that require both legal and commercial literacy.

Practical learning features strongly: legal clinics, mooting and negotiation programs, simulated client work, and industry placements in business units or law firms. You will also have opportunities for internships, study abroad, and research projects supervised by academic staff.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and typically based on a high secondary school rank (such as the ATAR) or equivalent tertiary qualifications. Applicants who have completed recognised diplomas, university study, or mature‑age pathways may be eligible through alternative entry schemes. International applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's English language requirements and provide comparable academic documentation.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong academic performance across relevant subjects and attributes such as critical thinking, written communication and analytical ability. Meeting minimum entry thresholds does not guarantee an offer, and selection may consider additional criteria such as interview outcomes or tertiary coursework where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of this combined degree are well placed for admission to legal practice (subject to completing any required practical legal training and local admission processes) and for a wide range of business roles. Common career paths include:

• Solicitor or barrister in private practice, often in areas such as commercial, corporate or tax law
• In‑house counsel or legal adviser within corporations, not‑for‑profits or government
• Compliance officer, risk manager or corporate governance specialist
• Corporate finance, banking or consulting roles that value legal knowledge
• Policy officer, regulator or public sector legal roles
• Entrepreneurship and senior management positions where combined legal and commercial skills are advantageous

Graduates may also pursue further study (for example specialised masters, MBA, or doctoral research) or professional qualifications to broaden career opportunities.

Why study at University of Adelaide

Adelaide Law School is one of Australia’s long‑established law schools and the University provides close links with courts, major firms and industry, offering substantial practical learning opportunities such as clinics, mooting and internships. The Business School complements legal training with applied business education and connections to the local and national commercial sector.

The university emphasises research‑informed teaching and small‑group learning in advanced subjects, and supports students with career services, placement assistance and networks across law and business communities. A combined degree from the University of Adelaide allows you to graduate with both rigorous legal credentials and a versatile business skill set valued by employers in many sectors.