Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.
This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.
Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.
Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.
This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.
Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.
Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.7 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.3 |
| Brazil SSLC | 7.8 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 48 |
| Chile PSU | 6.0, overall 600-649 |
| China Gao Kao | 436 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 73, overall 300-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 5.8 |
| France FB | 10.5 |
| German Abitur | 3.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 13 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 7.0 in external exam |
| India CISCE | 63 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 7 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 7.8 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 3.7 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 292 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 65 |
| Malaysia STPM | 3 |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 65 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 78 |
| Norway GPA | 1.3 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 29 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.4 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 16 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 86 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.1 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 78 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 14.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 7.8 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.2 |
| Spain SUOY | 4.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4 |
| Sweden SSLC | 12.3 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 81 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.7 |
| Turkey HSD | 3.7 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 12 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1350, ACT 18 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 Average |
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
This course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in conveyancing.
Please note: Some elective units, when studied online, require students to attend on-campus workshops.
Domestic students
| Location | Session |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | 1, 2 |
| Online | 1, 2, 3 |
International students
| Location | Session | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | 1, 2 | $26,800 ($3,350 per unit) | 016182B |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
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Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018
Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.
Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies
Good Universities Guide 2021
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 graduate attributes.
| Graduate Attribute | Course Learning Outcome |
|---|---|
| Intellectual rigour | Apply critical judgement including analysis, reasoning, and appropriate directed research to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
| Creativity | Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate and creative responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks. |
| 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 research and practice. |
| 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. |
The assessment methods used in this course vary from unit to unit. They may include research proposals, research essays, reports, oral and written presentations, case studies, online and class participation, and examinations. The weighting of assessment marks between assignments and examinations also varies.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including face-to-face lectures and tutorials. Some units offer online activities, classes, pre-recorded and/or live lectures. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
The online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive online pre-recorded and/or live lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.
The following elective units require attendance at on-campus workshops:
In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Paralegals perform substantive legal work in legal practices, banks, insurance companies, or other public and private organisations with in-house legal departments. A paralegal’s tasks may include legal research, drafting wills, preparing legal arguments, preparing agreements, compiling court documentation, legal record keeping, legal communication and client services.
Students who achieve the required grade point average during or on completion of this degree may apply for admission into the undergraduate entry Bachelor of Laws.
Graduates may also choose to transfer into the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies and graduate with a Bachelor degree after just one additional year of study.
The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) when studied with the Conveyancing major is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW.
You may undertake voluntary legal experience and para-professional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.
When taken with the conveyancing major, the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), fulfils 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.
Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.
Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.
Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.
To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
| Title | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 1 | |||
| Part-time students should complete the first two units in Year 1, Session 1. The remaining two units should be completed in Year 2, Session 1. | |||
| LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
| LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System | |||
| LAWS2055 - Criminal Process | |||
| LEGL1002 - Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | |||
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| Part-time students should complete the first two units in Year 1, Session 2. The remaining two units should be completed in Year 2, Session 2. | |||
| LEGL2007 - Principles of Contract Law | |||
| LEGL2001 - Introduction to Land Law | |||
| LEGL2002 - Foundations of Torts | |||
| LAWS2056 - Family Law Practice | |||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| 1st Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| 2nd [UG3296] Law Electives] Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| 3rd Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| 4th Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| 5th Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| 6th Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major | |||
| 7th Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major or University-wide Elective | |||
| 8th Law Electives Unit or Conveyancing major or University-wide Elective | |||
| Title | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 2 | |||
| LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
| LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System | |||
| LEGL2001 - Introduction to Land Law | |||
| LEGL2007 - Principles of Contract Law | |||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| LAWS2055 - Criminal Process | |||
| LEGL1002 - Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | |||
| 1st Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| 2nd Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| LEGL2002 - Foundations of Torts | |||
| LAWS2056 - Family Law Practice | |||
| 3rd Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| 4th Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| 5th Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| 6th Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives | |||
| 7th Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives OR University-wide elective | |||
| 8th Conveyancing major unit OR Law Electives OR University-wide elective | |||
| Title | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1, Session 3 | |||
| LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing | |||
| LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System | |||
| Year 2, Session 1 follow the course progression for Session 1 commencement excluding the completed units. | |||
| Note 1: | Unit requires attendance at a compulsory workshop. |
| Title | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| LEGL2005 - Legal and Conveyancing Practice | |||
| LEGL2008 - Conveyancing Law | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2018 - Wills and Estates | |||
| LEGL2004 - Conveyancers Professional Practice | |||
| LAWS2024 - Commercial Law | |||
| LAWS2001 - Company Law | |||
| LAWS2014 - Local Government and Planning Law | |||
| LAWS2022 - Competition and Consumer Law |
| Title | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT2001 - Taxation | |||
| ACCT3001 - Advanced Taxation | |||
| LAWS2001 - Company Law | |||
| LEGL2008 - Conveyancing Law | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2057 - Welfare Law | |||
| LAWS2060 - Drugs, Crime and the Law | |||
| LAWS2018 - Wills and Estates | |||
| LAWS2019 - Employment and Industrial Relations Law | |||
| JUST2005 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | |||
| LEGL2004 - Conveyancers Professional Practice | |||
| LEGL2005 - Legal and Conveyancing Practice | |||
| LAWS2010 - Environmental Law | |||
| LAWS2014 - Local Government and Planning Law | |||
| JUST2001 - Victimology | |||
| LAWS2020 - Intellectual Property | |||
| LAWS2021 - International Business Law | |||
| LEGL2010 - Information Technology and the Law | |||
| LAWS2022 - Competition and Consumer Law | |||
| LEGL2011 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Note 1 | ||
| LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2054 - Criminology | |||
| LAWS2023 - International Law | |||
| JUST2004 - Human Rights | |||
| LAWS2024 - Commercial Law | |||
| JUST2002 - International Criminal Justice | |||
| JUST2003 - Restorative Justice | |||
| LAWS2025 - Stock Exchange and Finance Law | |||
| LEGL2013 - Law and Government Decision Making | |||
| LEGL2006 - Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy | |||
| LEGL2017 - Public Interest Advocacy | |||
| LAWS2026 - Entertainment Law | |||
| LEGL2018 - Mediating Across Cultures | |||
| LAW10206 - The Holocaust, Genocide and the Law | |||
| LEGL2009 - Mooting | |||
| LAW10292 - Education and the Law | |||
| LAWS2059 - International Human Rights Law | |||
| LAWS2028 - Animal Law | |||
| LAW10489 - Australian Military and National Security Law | |||
| LAW10490 - Trials and Witnesses | |||
| LAWS2031 - Sexual Orientation and the Law | |||
| LAWS2032 - Comparative Law | |||
| LAW10727 - Marine Animal Protection Law | |||
| LAWS2004 - Paralegal Placement | |||
| LAW30004 - Comparative Criminal Law | |||
| LAWS2066 - Climate Law and Policy | |||
| LAWS2037 - Indigenous Jurisprudence | |||
| LAW72011 - Why the State Needs to Kill: law, violence and the production of political authority | |||
| POLT2005 - Struggles, Movements, and the Idea of Communism | |||
| LAW72015 - Law, Film and Ideology | |||
| LAWS2034 - The Rhetoric of Law | |||
| LAWS2041 - Legal Fictions: Writing the Law | |||
| LAWS2035 - International Business Negotiations | |||
| LAW73051 - Global Legal Pluralism | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2042 - Information Environmentalism | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2044 - Crimen Exceptum: The English Witch Prosecution in Context | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2049 - Wisdom, Traditional Knowledge and Intellectual Property | Note 1 | ||
| JUST2009 - The Legalities of Artificial Intelligence | Note 1 | ||
| JUST2010 - Myths for the Future: Law and Climate Fiction in the 21st Century | |||
| LAWS2027 - Introduction to Chinese Business Law | |||
| JUST2007 - Performances and Power in Literature and the Law | |||
| JUST2008 - Justice Framed: Law in Films and in Graphic Novels/Comics | |||
| JUST2006 - Shifting Cultural Paradigms: Law & Literature After Postmodernism | |||
| JUST2012 - The Art of Advocacy: Mooting and Performance Rhetoric | |||
| LAWS2067 - Crossing the Line: Law and Morality in Fiction | |||
| LAWS2068 - Borders and Boundaries: Writing About Family in the 21st century | |||
| LAWS3005 - European Union: Internal Market | |||
| LAWS2069 - Troubling Transactions in Private Law |