Bachelor of Science/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 Science component aims to graduate students who can demonstrate that:(i) Science encompasses both a body of knowledge and a reliable process of discovery. It is founded upon the recognition of fundamental laws that make nature systematic and reproducible; (ii) Scientists observe, measure, classify and perform experiments upon the natural world. They employ scientific methods to test hypotheses and use empirical evidence to support or refute their hypotheses. The natural variability, or uncertainty, inherent in the natural world means that scientific conclusions are reliable but contestable: they may be revised or modified as new evidence emerges. Scientists are curious about the natural world and are creative in formulating hypotheses and in designing approaches to problem solving; (iii) Mathematics is used in science to model real-world systems and scientific data are often analysed using statistical methods; (iv) Science operates within a paradigm of peer review and replication that provides a collective responsibility for the reliability of scientific knowledge. Scientists have a responsibility to communicate the outcomes of their work accurately and without bias to their peers and to society; and(v) Science is embedded within a context that reflects both the history of scientific endeavor and the culture of present society. Scientists generate and build knowledge, develop technologies, investigate and solve problems.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: BSc component: demonstrate a coherent understanding of science by articulating the methods of science and explaining why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable by further inquiry, and explaining the role and relevance of science in society; exhibit depth and breadth of scientific knowledge by demonstrating well-developed knowledge in at least one disciplinary area, and demonstrating knowledge in at least one other disciplinary area; critically analyse and solve scientific problems by gathering, synthesising and critically evaluating information from a range of sources; designing and planning an investigation; selecting and applying practical and/or theoretical techniques or tools in order to conduct an investigation; and collecting, accurately recording, interpreting and drawing conclusions from scientific data; be effective communicators of science by communicating scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences, for a range of purposes and using a variety of modes; and be accountable for their own learning and scientific work by being independent and self-directed learners; working effectively, responsibly and safely in an individual or team context; and demonstrating knowledge of the regulatory frameworks relevant to their disciplinary area and personally practising ethical conduct. 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 dissertation that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline BSc component: Graduates will understand ways of scientific thinking and the nature of science as a broad discipline. They will also have specialised knowledge in at least one sub-disciplinary area of science. They will understand and be able to articulate, aspects of the place and importance of science in the local and wider community. 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 BSc component: Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. 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 BSc component: Graduates will be able to investigate and solve problems by using recognised methods of science and appropriate practical techniques and tools. Also, by formulating hypotheses, collecting valid and reliable data, and incorporating quantitative evidence into arguments. LLB component: 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. LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions. Information Literacy BSc component: Graduates will be able to communicate scientific results, information or arguments, to a range of audiences and for a range of purposes. They will also be able to synthesise and evaluate information from a range of sources, using a range of technologies. 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 BSc component: Graduates will be able to take social responsibility by recognising the relevant ethical frameworks within which science is practised and show a capacity for working responsibly and safely in both individual and team environments. LLB component: Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society. Lifelong Learning BSc component: Graduates will be able to take personal responsibility for lifelong learning by demonstrating a capacity for self-directed learning. 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 BSc component: Elements of each unit in the program of study require students to work independently. The units in this program, with a practical component, may require students to work collaboratively as part of a team. 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.