Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws

UNDERGRADUATE

Explore the ever-changing and highly in-demand fields of accounting and law.

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Duration:
Full-time 5 years
Part-time 10 years
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
Full-time 5 years
Fees:

AU$41,280 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Become a well-rounded accounting and legal professional with this immersive and challenging double degree.

Throughout your study in the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws, you will be equipped with a broad theoretical and practical understanding of these two in-demand fields.

This double degree is delivered in the heart of Melbourne. In addition to the core legal and accounting subjects and frameworks, you will also undertake core studies in business to round out your skillset as a new professional.

Why study the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws at RMIT?

Career-led learning

Professional development is scaffolded throughout the curriculum to create job-ready graduates.

Justice and innovation

Address real-world challenges and work with industry to develop an innovative solution to a current social issue.

Prepare to succeed

Through industry engagement, build an e-portfolio to consolidate your learning journey and launch your career.

Career-led learning

With career development embedded throughout your accounting and law degree, you will build highly transferable skills to carry you into a number of roles and fields. You will learn to analyse and evaluate information relevant to the accounting discipline, explore local and global mindsets and the way they contribute to business, get familiar with digital business and future technology, and raise your awareness of social impact and innovation.

As part of your accounting studies, you will build an e-portfolio to showcase your developed knowledge and skills in a way that appeals to industry.

Through your studies in law in this double degree, you will explore the fundamental legal principles relevant to the Australian legal system, and compare them to their international counterparts. You will build an understanding of the ethical framework of the Australian legal system, and a fundamental knowledge of the extralegal factors impinging upon the substantive law.

Details

Learning and teaching

As part of your learning in the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws double degree you may participate in discussions, tutorials, class presentations, role plays, case studies, responses to briefs, independent and group research, and problem solving. These methods are designed to maximise your understanding of the curriculum and seek feedback on your progress.

In your legal studies, you will also undertake moots (mock courts), in which you may play the role of a solicitor, barrister, expert witness, or negotiaror. These moots will help develop your capabilities for legal writing and drafting, research, reasoning, judgment and strategy, and advocacy and negotiation communications.

Assessment methods

Assessment in this double degree may take the form of research or problem-based assignments and projects, designed to develop your abilities in communications, research and reasoning. You may also have oral or written exams, presentations, and in-class assessments.

The Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws is connected to industry in various forms.

Some subjects are designed as work integrated learning (WIL) subjects involving discipline related industry projects as part of learning. You may learn from guest lecturers from industry or government, and you will be immersed in real world problems applicable to industry. You will also work in partnership with industry to develop an innovative justice solution to a current social problem.

The College of Business and Law has established Industry Advisory Committees comprising of high-profile industry representatives. The role of the committees ensures the College of Business and Law's links with industry standards and practices remain current.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this associate degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

Full-time students can expect approximately 12 hours of teacher-guided (on-campus) hours per week, in addition to an expected 18 hours of independent study time per week.

This equates to 3 hours of teacher-guided learning and 4.5 hours of independent study time per subject per week.

Year 1

In your first year of study in the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws, you will undertake eight core subjects building a foundational understanding in accounting, business and law. You will learn about the role of busisness in society, economics and analysis, and be introduced to torts and contract law.

Year 2

In your second year, you will take a further eight core subjects that will further your knowledge of these disciplines. You will explore the principles of criminal law and procedure, integrated perspectives on business problems, data analytics and visualisation, and the intersection of law, business, and human rights.

Year 3

You will further your expertise in your third year through advanced legal studies, including equity and property law, as well as the ethics surrounding technology. You will hone your understanding of critical accounting perspectives and delve deeper into organisational decisionmaking.

Year 4

In your fourth year, in addition to six core subjects in dispute resolution, auditing, taxation and more, you will have the opportunity to work with industry to solve a key real-world issue using an innovative approach to justice. You will also choose up to two elective subjects from the Approved Law Options list.

Year 5

In your fifth and final year of the Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws double degree, you will finalise your studies in trusts, constitutional law, and more. You will also develop a business portfolio, allowing you to detail your skills in a way that appeals to industry and sets you up for professional success. You will also choose up to three electives from the Approved Law Options list, allowing you to specialise in your chosen area of law.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws
Program code: BP352

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws
City Campus
Domestic students: 5 years full time; 10 years part time; International students 5 years full time
BP352BADD
111275E
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students: 5 years full time; 10 years part time; International students 5 years full time
Plan code
BP352BADD
CRICOS
111275E
Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws
City Campus
Domestic students: 5 years full time
BP352BADD
111275E
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students: 5 years full time
Plan code
BP352BADD
CRICOS
111275E

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

Career development is scaffolded throughout the Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws, ensuring you will be equipped with in-demand skills and knowledge. 

With the highly transferable business skills you acquire in this double degree, in addition to your extensive and specialised practical and theoretical accounting and legal knowledge, you will be well-positioned for any number of roles in these ever-essential fields.

Upon gradutating from the accounting and law degree, you may be interested in pursuing a traditional legal career, or you may pursue roles in commercial law, including within legal firms, corporate counsel roles and government. You may otherwise be interested in roles such as:

  • Account Executive or Manager
  • Corporate or Taxation Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Tax Agent
  • Barrister
  • Lawyer
  • Legal Consultant
  • Legal Practitioner.

This program is accredited by the statutory and professional bodies listed in the table below. Specified credit/exemptions towards professional qualifications offered as part of the accreditation is subject to the applicant meeting set criteria defined by each professional body. Any application for credit/exemption should be made directly to the professional body and is your responsibility.

The professional bodies may offer membership for you as a career enabler which could include opportunities for networking and access to discipline specific resources. Application for membership is your responsibility.

Professional Body

Accreditation Description

Membership and Opportunities

Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) Australia

Program satisfies the academic requirements for direct entry into the CPA Australia program.

  • Students and graduate eligible to enrol in the CPA Australia Network
  • Graduates eligible to enrol in CPA Australia program
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Associate
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand [CAANZ]

Program satisfies the academic requirements for entry into the CA program.

  • Students eligible for membership category: Student Affiliate
  • Graduates eligible for membership category: Student Affiliate
  • Graduates eligible to enrol in CA program

Victorian Legal Admissions Board [VLAB]

Program satisfies the academic requirements for graduate admission to the Australian Legal Profession.

  • Not applicable

Admissions

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification).

Prerequisites

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) units 3 and 4:

  • a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL; or
  • a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL)

or equivalent studies.

Guaranteed ATAR

This course has a Guaranteed ATAR (excluding adjustment factors).

This means that if you receive an ATAR equal to or above this and meet the course pre-requisites, we will guarantee you an offer in this course.

If you receive an ATAR below this guarantee, you may still receive an offer, depending on the availability of places in this course and whether you are eligible to receive any adjustment factors.

Please note: For VTAC applicants to receive an offer, this course must be your highest eligible preference.

Rankings and adjustment factors

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.

You may be eligible to receive adjustment factors which include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments to a maximum of 28 aggregate adjustment points. For more information about what adjustment factors RMIT considers visit Admission to RMIT.

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.

Selection criteria by applicant type

Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.

Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. You will be ranked on your ATAR plus any adjustment factors.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12

School Network Access Program (SNAP)

  • The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.

Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.

Subject adjustments

  • A study score of 25 in Legal Studies, equals 1 aggregate point per study.
  • A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study. 
  • Overall maximum of 3 points.

Regional adjustments

  • RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. 
  • Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

The Bachelor of Accounting / Bachelor of Laws is not available to applicants whose highest level of education is Vocational Education and Training study.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education and training study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).

We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility. You will be assigned a selection rank (comparable to an ATAR) based on your GPA.

  • successful completion of an Australian associate degree (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
  • successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
  • successful completion of four Open Universities Australia higher education units. Scored or graded results are required.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Elite Athlete Program

  • The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence, allowing students to balance the demands of both their studies and their athletic responsibilities.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).

You must have successfully completed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. 

Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. Your overall score will be converted to an equivalent ATAR and competitively ranked for selection.

Your STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of your study.

If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work and life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:

  • are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
  • have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
  • have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program.

You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.

Learn more about the STAT and STAT results.

You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:

Equity access schemes

  • Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance. 
  • Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
  • If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
  • If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

  • The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.

Additional information

View the ATAR profile and selection rank from students offered a place into this program wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR in the most relevant recent intake period.

The student profile provides insight into the likely peer group for this program.

*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent Year 12 applicants.

RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options. Find out more about admission to RMIT.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 85% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

Entry score calculator
Minimum Score Required

Don’t meet the requirements?

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

Animated character in front of RMIT pixel, with a flying degree above their head

Understanding pathways

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry. For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

When you successfully complete this degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

You are guaranteed entry to the Bachelor of Accounting/Bachelor of Laws when you successfully complete the Associate Degree in Business with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (out of 4.0).

Alternatively, you can gain entry from RMIT Foundation Studies.

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

When you successfully complete this program, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Honours or Postgraduate degree.

Fees

2024 indicative fees

In 2024, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$4,445 to AU$16,323*.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$351 maximum fee for 2024.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.

Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024

Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.  

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$41,280.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2024 commencement is AU$216,000.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.