Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies

This course is an Exit Award only for students who have completed 72 credit points from specified units in undergraduate Law courses.

Course Aims

The Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies aims to graduate students who can demonstrate:1. understanding and knowledge of Australian law; 2. competence in using legal research and analytical skills that equip them to work in a broad range of law related occupations;3. the ability to take a strategic approach to problem solving by applying critical and innovative thinking to complex legal issues and situations;4. competence in oral and written communication.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: demonstrate a sound knowledge some of the fundamental areas of law and a range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing; demonstrate an ability to design access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated; demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education; demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses; demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved; and demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Knowledge of the discipline including a global perspective is taught, practised and assessed in both core units and electives; The focus is on Australian law but units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Communication Skills Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts. Problem Solving This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law, and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects. Information Literacy Students will be required to identify, access and navigate complex databases to retrieve primary and secondary material. This requires them to obtain a high level of information literacy. Students will also be required to critically evaluate this information to complete assessment tasks. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility Students are encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society. Lifelong Learning This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline. Independence and Collaboration Students engage in group work and to collaborate in producing learning materials or assessment items within units in the degree. Students are required to carry out substantial independent research in all units.