Bachelor of Criminology/ Bachelor of Laws

The University of New England offers a flexible approach to the study of law.

UNE boasts one of Australia's largest law schools outside a capital city, as well as being an early adopter of innovative technology in the delivery of its law programs.

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and mutual recognition legislation extends admission to other Australian jurisdictions.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Criminology component is concerned with understanding social constructions of crime and criminality. It provides graduates with a unique opportunity to develop both theoretical and practical skills and an understanding of criminology within a local and international context.The Bachelor of Laws component aims to graduate students who can demonstrate:1. understanding and knowledge of Australian law and awareness of indigenous, international and theoretical perspectives; 2. competence in using legal research and analytical skills that equip them to work in the legal profession or 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;5. the ability to work independently and in groups; and6. professional judgement and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with having completed a law degree.7. LLB with Honours students: a comprehensive understanding of theoretical, comparative or interdisciplinary research to examine law's effect on society and the effectiveness of the Australian Legal System.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: BCrim component: demonstrate an understanding of the causes and consequences of crime within Australia, including the role that the media, legal system, geographical distances and social inequalities play in shaping our understanding of crimes; demonstrate an understanding of the major criminological and sociological theoretical perspectives that explain both crime and deviance. Critically analyse, consolidate and apply this theoretical understanding to practical criminological scenarios with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and a wider knowledge base; demonstrate the practical use of criminological research and study within the criminal justice system to apply research methods and practical skills to their theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system; demonstrate a critical understanding of the Australian Criminal Justice System and the key institutions within this system, the key local and international political and social changes that have shaped the progression of the Australian Criminal Justice System, in particular, the degree explores how justice is impacted by social inequalities that affect vulnerable and over-represented populations; demonstrate an ability to understand and critically evaluate criminological literature, including policy and government documents and media articles to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of academic and non-academic sources in an appropriate manner; examine criminological research drawing on knowledge of disciplines related to criminology, from either sociology, social work, law, psychology or forensic science; and apply academic writing skills and communicate oral and written findings in an appropriate form and at an appropriate level. LLB component: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values, and principles; and have an awareness of international law, and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues; 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 awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives; demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and 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 that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge; 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 apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts; 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 and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform. LLB with Honours students: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues; 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 awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives; demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and 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 that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge; 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 apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts; 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; demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform; conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach; develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and produce a written thesis that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline BCrim component: Graduates will be encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to work collaboratively. Teamwork is practised in interactive tutorials and/or online discussion forums whereby students pose questions, communicate ideas and solve problems in cooperation with their peers and staff. Graduates will thus have learned to collaborate with others in a variety of contexts. LLB component: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practised and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, law 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. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis. Communication Skills BCrim component: Graduates will have developed skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their study. Communication skills including oral communication skills for application to a diverse range of vulnerable people and contexts, online and written communication skills that are appropriate for graduates to use within the workplace will be taught and practised in lectures, tutorials and online activities. LLB component: 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. LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research. Problem Solving BCrim component: Graduates will demonstrate their ability to locate, evaluate and apply information from a variety of sources throughout their degree. Graduates will be able to evaluate and interpret information in a useful manner. Graduates will be assessed on their ability to deconstruct assignment tasks and to integrate theory and literature into their work. Information Literacy BCrim component: Graduates will demonstrate their ability to identify relevant literature and their ability to critically analyse the literature. They will be taught, and directed to, relevant criminological literature and how to assess its validity. LLB component: 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. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility BCrim component: Graduates will be taught about their professional responsibilities as a researcher to provide balanced and accurate research and data. In addition, graduates will be taught that they have a social responsibility to question and challenge some 'facts'. LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences. Lifelong Learning BCrim component: Graduates will develop their intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills through lectures, unit materials, guided reading and online activities. Through completing the assessments, graduates will be provided with the necessary lifelong skills to be able to research, write and discuss social issues. These are transferable and essential lifelong skills. LLB component: 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 BCrim component: Graduates will be able to participate in professional, respectful and ethical discussions and work collaboratively with others. The development of collaboration and group participation skills will be developed through on-campus and online interactive teaching. LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.