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 | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
International students
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $29,360 ($3,670 per unit) | 016182B |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Level of learning | Notes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Core Units | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1004 | Australian Legal System | Introductory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2055 | Criminal Process | Introductory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1002 | Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | Introductory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1001 | Legal Research and Writing | Introductory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2007 | Principles of Contract Law | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2001 | Introduction to Land Law | Introductory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2056 | Family Law Practice | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2002 | Foundations of Torts | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Electives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Your course progression is in the recommended order you should complete your course in. It is important that you follow this to ensure you meet the course requirements. For further assistance see How to Enrol in Units using My Enrolment.
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Browse uni-wide elective units by selecting Uni-wide elective in the advanced filter of the Unit search.
Browse shared majors and their units at Shared majors
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Level of learning | Notes | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award | ||||||||||||||||||
First Year | ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1001 | Legal Research and Writing | Term1,3,5 | Introductory | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1004 | Australian Legal System | Term1,3,5 | Introductory | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2055 | Criminal Process | Term2 | Introductory | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1002 | Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | Term2 | Introductory | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2001 | Introduction to Land Law | Term3 | Introductory | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2007 | Principles of Contract Law | Term4 | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2056 | Family Law Practice | Term5 | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2002 | Foundations of Torts | Term5 | Intermediate | |||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||
Second Year | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective OR University-wide Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Law Elective OR University-wide Elective | ||||||||||||||||||
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Available | Level of learning | Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1001 | Legal Research and Writing | Term1,3,5 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1004 | Australian Legal System | Term1,3,5 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2055 | Criminal Process | Term2 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL1002 | Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | Term2 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2001 | Introduction to Land Law | Term3 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2007 | Principles of Contract Law | Term4 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2056 | Family Law Practice | Term5 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2002 | Foundations of Torts | Term5 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Second Year | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2005 | Legal and Conveyancing Practice | Term1 | Introductory | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2024 | Commercial Law | Term1 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2022 | Competition and Consumer Law | Term2 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2008 | Conveyancing Law | Term2 | Intermediate | Note 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LEGL2004 | Conveyancers Professional Practice | Term4 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2018 | Wills and Estates | Term4 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2014 | Local Government and Planning Law | Term1,5 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| LAWS2001 | Company Law | Term5 | Intermediate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Note 1: | Unit requires attendance at a compulsory workshop. |
| Unit Code | Unit Title | Level of learning | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT2001 | Taxation | Advanced | |||
| ACCT3001 | Advanced Taxation | Advanced | |||
| LAWS2001 | Company Law | Intermediate | |||
| LEGL2008 | Conveyancing Law | Intermediate | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2057 | Welfare Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2060 | Drugs, Crime and the Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2018 | Wills and Estates | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2019 | Employment and Industrial Relations Law | Advanced | |||
| JUST2005 | EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | Advanced | |||
| LEGL2004 | Conveyancers Professional Practice | Intermediate | |||
| LEGL2005 | Legal and Conveyancing Practice | Introductory | |||
| LAWS2014 | Local Government and Planning Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2020 | Intellectual Property | Advanced | |||
| LAWS2021 | International Business Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2022 | Competition and Consumer Law | Intermediate | |||
| LEGL2011 | Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Introductory | Note 1 | ||
| LEGL2012 | Mediation Practice and Procedure | Intermediate | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2023 | International Law | Intermediate | |||
| JUST2004 | Human Rights | Advanced | |||
| LAWS2024 | Commercial Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2025 | Stock Exchange and Finance Law | Intermediate | |||
| LEGL2017 | Public Interest Advocacy | Advanced | |||
| LEGL2009 | Mooting | Advanced | |||
| LAWS2028 | Animal Law | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2032 | Comparative Law | Advanced | |||
| LAWS2004 | Paralegal Placement | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2066 | Climate Law and Policy | Intermediate | |||
| LAWS2035 | International Business Negotiations | Intermediate | |||
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.
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.
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
Apply critical judgement including analysis, reasoning, and appropriate directed research to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate and creative responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks. |
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. |
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. |
Communicate appropriately and effectively, both orally and in writing. Collaborate effectively and constructively with others. |
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:
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.
The subject ‘LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure’, meets the training and assessment threshold requirements as specified in the National Mediator Accreditation System. As such, Southern Cross University is recognised as an Education and Training Provider Member of the Mediation Standards Board. Upon successful completion of the unit, students may apply to a Registered Mediation Accreditation Body (RMAB) to finalise their accreditation.
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.