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Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

Bachelors Degree

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    View in availability

  • Duration

    3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

  • Location

    View in availability
    Part time only for first year of studies if starting in session 2.

  • Placements

    NA

  • Course abbreviation

    BLJSt

  • Course code

    3006110

  • Credit points

    288

  • Equivalent units

    24

  • Indicative Fee

    Commonwealth supported

Overview

The Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies provides a thorough practical grounding in legal knowledge and opens up opportunities for entering the fields of law and justice at the para-professional level. For people who have already been working professionally in the fields of law and justice, this course will help extend their knowledge, skills and expertise to develop their career. This Bachelor degree is an extension of the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), and offers a wider choice of specialised study areas.

Students who want to become lawyers and who achieve the necessary grade point average may apply for admission to the undergraduate entry or the graduate entry Bachelor of Laws during or at the completion of their studies, respectively. 

Alternatively, students who wish to exit this course early with the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may do so with the completion of the required 16 units.

Graduate AttributeCourse Learning Outcome
Intellectual rigour

Apply critical judgement including analysis, reasoning, and appropriate directed research to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional social and political contexts.

Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics.

Creativity

Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and political contexts.

Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics.

Ethical practice

Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks.

Understanding the relationship between law and sustainability.

Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics

Knowledge of a discipline

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge relating to the paralegal, professional and social contexts of the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts.

Lifelong learning

Learn and work independently within broad parameters.

Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance.

Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal issues in social and political contexts.

Communication and social skills

Communicate appropriately and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Collaborate effectively and constructively with others.

Cultural competence

Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.

Students can undertake voluntary legal experience and paraprofessional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.

The course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in Civil Practice, Community Justice, Conveyancing, or Criminal Justice.

Civil Practice provides a platform for students to move into support roles in the fields of commercial and civil litigation practice within legal firms.

Community Justice provides students with expertise in the human rights and social justice fields. Graduates will have the background and skills to enable them to work in a wide range of civil and community services.

Conveyancing provides students with the academic requirements necessary to obtain a conveyancer’s licence in NSW, and is accredited by NSW Fair Trading. For licensing requirements, and details of mandatory additional work experience required to enable registration, enquiries should be made to NSW Fair Trading. Note that each Australian state or territory has its own legislation regulating conveyancing practice, except Queensland where only qualified solicitors are legally permitted to engage in conveyancing.

Criminal Justice is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the law and practice of criminal law. Graduates will have the background and skills to enable them to work in the criminal justice system which offers a diverse array of roles in legal firms, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, courts administration and public prosecutions.

University-wide majors are also available in this course.

Additional information: Some elective units, when studied by distance education, require students to attend on-campus workshops — see teaching methods.

Location Teaching period UAC code QTAC code
Gold Coast Session 1 336161 056161
Lismore Session 1 336110 056051
Online Session 1, Session 2 N/A N/A

Career Outcomes

The Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies, with a major in Conveyancing, is accredited by NSW Fair Trading. See Major areas of study (below) for more information.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

Credit for prior learning

  1. Candidates who have completed an Associate Degree in Law or Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies), Associate Degree in Law or Diploma in Law (Aboriginal Paralegal Studies), Associate Diploma in Business (Paralegal Studies) or Associate Degree in Correctional Administration may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.

Course requirements

  1. To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
    1. All units in Part A of the Schedule of Units; and
    2. One eight (8) unit major from Part B of the Schedule of Units; and
    3. Either a second eight (8) unit major from Part B of the Schedule of Units; or
    4. Eight (8) elective units of which a minimum of six (6) are selected from Part B of the Schedule of Units; or one (1) eight (8) unit University-wide major selected from the University-wide Schedule of majors, excluding the Law and Justice major.
    5. A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies degree, has completed the requirements for the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may elect to be awarded the Associate degree following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelors degree.
  2. Where a candidate undertakes two majors, a unit may not be counted towards both majors except where a unit is a core unit in both majors. In this case a candidate must still complete twenty-four (24) units as in 4.2(a) above, including eight (8) units from each of the two majors.

Course structure

Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.

Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment.

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Year 1, Session 1
Part-time students should complete the first two units in Year 1, Session 1 and the remaining two units in Year 2, Session 1
LAW00051 -  Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW10157 -  Australian Legal System Introductory
LAW00050 -  Criminal Process Introductory
LAW00128 -  Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics Introductory
Year 1, Session 2
Part-time students should complete the first two units in Year 1, Session 2 and the remaining two units in Year 2, Session 2
LAW00052 -  Introduction to Land Law Introductory
LAW10159 -  Principles of Contract Law Intermediate
LAW00053 -  Foundations of Torts Intermediate
LAW00054 -  Family Law Practice Intermediate
Year 2, Session 1
From year 2 complete your chosen Part B Major. Choose from Criminal Justice Major, Civil Practice Major, Conveyancing Major orCommunity Justice Major
1st Part B Major unit
2nd Part B Major unit
3rd Part B Major unit
4th Part B Major unit
Year 2, Session 2
5th Part B Major unit
6th Part B Major unit
7th Part B Major unit
8th Part B Major unit
Year 3, Session 1
From year 3 complete either a 2nd Part B Major (Criminal Justice Major, Civil Practice Major, Conveyancing Major orCommunity Justice Major) OR 8 Elective units ( 6 units must be from Part B Law Electives) OR one 8 unit University-wide Major
1st unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 1st elective OR 1st University-wide Major unit
2nd unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 2nd elective OR 2nd University-wide Major unit
3rd unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 3rd t elective OR 3rd University-wide Major unit
4th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 4th elective OR 4th University-wide Major unit
Year 3, Session 2
5th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 5th elective OR 5th University-wide Major unit
6th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 6th elective OR 6th University-wide Major unit
7th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 7th elective OR 7th University-wide Major unit
8th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 8th elective OR 8th University-wide Major unit

Unit Code Unit Title Available Credit points Level of learning Notes
Students commencing their studies in session 2 are limited to part time, external study for their first session. It may be possible to study on campus and or full time in subsequent sessions.
Year 1, Session 2
LAW00051 -  Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW10157 -  Australian Legal System Introductory
Year 2, Session 1
LAW00050 -  Criminal Process Introductory
LAW00128 -  Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics Introductory
Students may also complete units from Session 1, Year 3 if they wish to study full-time in this Session.
Year 2, Session 2
LAW10159 -  Principles of Contract Law Intermediate
LAW00052 -  Introduction to Land Law Introductory
Students may also complete units from Session 2, Year 3 if they wish to study full-time in this Session.
Year 3, Session 1
From year 3 complete your chosen Part B Major. Choose from Criminal Justice Major, Civil Practice Major, Conveyancing Major orCommunity Justice Major
1st Part B Major unit
2nd Part B Major unit
Year 3, Session 2
LAW00053 -  Foundations of Torts Intermediate
LAW00054 -  Family Law Practice Intermediate
Year 4, Session 1
3rd Part B Major unit
4th Part B Major unit
Year 4, Session 2
5th Part B Major unit
6th Part B Major unit
Year 5, Session 1
From year 5 complete either a 2nd Part B Major (Criminal Justice Major, Civil Practice Major, Conveyancing Major orCommunity Justice Major) OR 8 Elective units ( 6 units must be from Part B Law Electives) OR one 8 unit University-wide Major
1st unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 1st elective OR 1st University-wide Major unit
2nd unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 2nd elective OR 2nd University-wide Major unit
Year 5, Session 2
7th Part B Major unit
8th Part B Major unit
Year 6, Session 1
3rd unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 3rd elective OR 3rd University-wide Major unit
4th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 4th elective OR 4th University-wide Major unit
Year 6, Session 2
5th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 5th elective OR 5th University-wide Major unit
6th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 6th elective OR 6th University-wide Major unit
Year 7, Session 1
7th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 7th elective OR 7th University-wide Major unit
8th unit from 2nd Part B Major OR 8th elective OR 8th University-wide Major unit

Note 1:

Unit requires attendance at compulsory workshop

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes

Part A
LAW10157 Australian Legal System Introductory
LAW00050 Criminal Process Introductory
LAW00051 Legal Research and Writing Introductory
LAW00128 Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics Introductory
LAW10159 Principles of Contract Law Intermediate
LAW00052 Introduction to Land Law Introductory
LAW00053 Foundations of Torts Intermediate
LAW00054 Family Law Practice Intermediate

Part B

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
ACC00132 Taxation Advanced
ACC00134 Advanced Taxation Advanced
LAW00004 Company Law Intermediate
LAW00057 Conveyancing Law Intermediate Note 1
LAW00058 Litigation Practice Intermediate
LAW00059 Welfare Law Intermediate
LAW00061 Drugs, Crime and the Law Intermediate
LAW00062 Wills and Estates Intermediate
LAW00104 Employment and Industrial Relations Law Advanced
LAW00106 EEO and OH&S Law and Practice Advanced
LAW00107 Conveyancers Professional Practice Intermediate
LAW00108 Legal and Conveyancing Practice Introductory
LAW00118 Environmental Law Intermediate
LAW00119 Local Government and Planning Law Intermediate
LAW00120 Victimology Intermediate
LAW00121 Intellectual Property Advanced
LAW00124 International Business Law Intermediate
LAW00125 Information Technology and the Law Advanced
LAW00126 Competition and Consumer Law Intermediate
LAW00214 Mediation and Dispute Resolution Introductory Note 1
LAW00216 Mediation Practice and Procedure Intermediate Note 1
LAW00514 Criminology Intermediate
LAW00521 International Law Intermediate
LAW00522 Human Rights Advanced
LAW00523 Commercial Law Intermediate
LAW00525 Cyberlaw Intermediate
LAW00526 International Criminal Justice Advanced
LAW00529 Restorative Justice Intermediate
LAW01125 Stock Exchange and Finance Law Intermediate
LAW10068 Law and Government Decision Making Intermediate
LAW10069 Veterans Law I Intermediate
LAW10070 Veterans Law II Advanced
LAW10158 Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy Intermediate
LAW10160 Public Interest Advocacy Advanced
LAW10166 Entertainment Law Advanced
LAW10171 Mediating Across Cultures Introductory
LAW10206 The Holocaust, Genocide and the Law Intermediate
LAW10288 Mooting Advanced
LAW10292 Education and the Law Intermediate
LAW10472 International Human Rights Law Intermediate
LAW10487 Animal Law Intermediate
LAW10489 Australian Military and National Security Law Intermediate
LAW10490 Trials and Witnesses Intermediate
LAW10491 Sexual Orientation and the Law Intermediate
LAW10527 Comparative Law Advanced
LAW10727 Marine Animal Protection Law Intermediate
LAW20001 Paralegal Placement Intermediate
LAW30004 Comparative Criminal Law Advanced

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
LAW00056 Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders and the Criminal Justice System Intermediate
LAW00059 Welfare Law Intermediate
LAW00061 Drugs, Crime and the Law Intermediate
LAW00120 Victimology Intermediate
LAW00514 Criminology Intermediate
LAW00526 International Criminal Justice Advanced
LAW00529 Restorative Justice Intermediate
LAW10158 Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
LAW00108 Legal and Conveyancing Practice Introductory
LAW00057 Conveyancing Law Intermediate Note 1
LAW00062 Wills and Estates Intermediate
LAW00107 Conveyancers Professional Practice Intermediate
LAW00523 Commercial Law Intermediate
LAW00004 Company Law Intermediate
LAW00119 Local Government and Planning Law Intermediate
LAW00126 Competition and Consumer Law Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
LAW00058 Litigation Practice Intermediate
LAW00104 Employment and Industrial Relations Law Advanced
LAW00106 EEO and OH&S Law and Practice Advanced
LAW00119 Local Government and Planning Law Intermediate
LAW00124 International Business Law Intermediate
LAW00214 Mediation and Dispute Resolution Introductory Note 1
LAW00523 Commercial Law Intermediate
LAW10158 Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy Intermediate

Unit Code Unit Title Level of learning Notes
LAW00059 Welfare Law Intermediate
LAW00106 EEO and OH&S Law and Practice Advanced
LAW00118 Environmental Law Intermediate
LAW00119 Local Government and Planning Law Intermediate
LAW00214 Mediation and Dispute Resolution Introductory Note 1
LAW00216 Mediation Practice and Procedure Intermediate Note 1
LAW00522 Human Rights Advanced
LAW00529 Restorative Justice Intermediate