Bachelor of Laws
Southern Cross University
About
Imagine defending a client or presenting the prosecution case in court, challenging a ruling in a sport tribunal or building a case to protect the environment.
You might seek justice for those who have been denied it or rise to the heights of corporate or industrial law.In addition to the core units you’ll need for professional accreditation, you can shape your studies in the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) by choosing from a wide range of elective units with a focus on justice and critique.
An elective in mediation meets national requirements, setting you on the way to becoming a nationally accredited mediator.
Honours is also embedded in this course.You may also complete electives at an academically rigorous and rewarding summer law school in Byron Bay and the Gold Coast and undertake work placements and law mooting as part of your studies.This degree will arm you with the skills, philosophy and commitment required to launch your professional legal career.
It fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Australia.
Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to practise as a lawyer.
Structure
Core Units
| Title | Level of learning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | Introductory | |
| LEGL1005 - Legal Process | Introductory | Note 1 |
| LAWS2002 - Contract Law I | Introductory | |
| LAWS2008 - Australian Criminal Law I | Introductory | |
| LAWS2003 - Contract Law II | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2009 - Australian Criminal Law II | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2015 - Torts | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2012 - Property Principles | Introductory | |
| LAWS2010 - Environmental Law | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity | Advanced | |
| LAWS2016 - Evidence | Advanced | |
| LEGL1006 - Jurisprudence | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2007 - Corporations Law | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure | Intermediate | |
| LAWS2006 - Administrative Law | Advanced | |
| LAWS3003 - Professional Conduct | Advanced | Note 1 |
Electives
Select seven (7) elective units from the following, ensuring at least two (2) are advanced
Entry requirements
Applicants for admission to candidature shall have qualified for any Bachelor degree approved by the School Board, School of Law and Justice, and have a level of achievement acceptable to the School Board.
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Laws - Graduate Entry, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
- 17 core units (204 credit points); and
- 7 Law electives (84 credit points).
Bachelor of Laws with Honours
To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Laws with Honours, students must:
- fulfil the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws; and
- complete the units LAWS4002 - Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method and LAWS4001 - Independent Legal Research; and
- achieve a satisfactory standard of academic performance in law units as determined by the School Board, School of Law and Justice.
Class of Honours
The Bachelor of Laws with Honours may be awarded in the following classes:
- First Class Honours;
- Second Class Honours (Division I); or
- Second Class Honours (Division II).
A candidate who has completed the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies may be granted advanced standing for up to a total of eight (8) units into the graduate Bachelor of Laws degree.
Learning outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the <a href="/staff/teaching-and-learning/graduate-attributes/">graduate attributes</a>.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. |
| Creativity | Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems. |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts.Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community.Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between law and sustainability. |
| Knowledge of a discipline | Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge that includes the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise.Demonstrate an understanding of the international and comparative contexts in which legal issues arise. |
| Lifelong learning | Learn and work independently. Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and seek and make use of feedback as appropriate, to determine personal and professional development needs and achievements.Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal research and practice. |
| Communication and social skills | Communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences. Collaborate effectively and constructively with others. |
| Cultural competence | Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice. |
Institution
