Bachelor of Laws

2023 course information for Domestic Students
2023 course information for International Students

updated 3:46 PM on Thu, 23 March

Domestic snapshot

International snapshot

IELTS
View full English language requirements
ATAR
80
Duration
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
3 years full-time; 6 years part-time
Location
Gold Coast, Online
Gold Coast, Online
Start date
March, July, October
February, June
Course code
3007001
Course abbreviation
LLB (3 year UG entry)
Credit points
288
Equivalent units
24
CRICOS
View in availability and fee details
Fees
Commonwealth supported
Fees
View in availability and fee details

Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.

Course overview

Complete the academic prerequisites to become a lawyer in just three years with the Bachelor of Laws, developing the intellectual, critical, and practical skills needed in the professional practice of law. 

In addition to the core units, which comply with professional accreditation requirements, the course includes unique core units such as the philosophy of law and environmental law, that reflect our focus on justice and critique. 

Elective units cover areas as diverse as human rights, race and the law, animal law, climate law and policy, psychology and the law and ecological jurisprudence. An elective in mediation meets national requirements, setting you on the way to becoming a nationally accredited mediator. 

You may also complete electives via rewarding and academically rigorous Summer or Winter School intensives and undertake work placements and law mooting as part of your studies.

Complete the academic prerequisites to become a lawyer in just three years with the Bachelor of Laws, developing the intellectual, critical, and practical skills needed in the professional practice of law. 

In addition to the core units, which comply with professional accreditation requirements, the course includes unique core units such as the philosophy of law and environmental law, that reflect our focus on justice and critique. 

Elective units cover areas as diverse as human rights, race and the law, animal law, climate law and policy, psychology and the law and ecological jurisprudence. An elective in mediation meets national requirements, setting you on the way to becoming a nationally accredited mediator. 

You may also complete electives via rewarding and academically rigorous Summer or Winter School intensives and undertake work placements and law mooting as part of your studies.

Current Southern Cross students – to access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook.

Entry requirements

See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.

Language requirements

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

CategoryScore
Overall6.0
Listeningminimum 5.5
Readingminimum 5.5
Speakingminimum 5.5
Writingminimum 5.5

About the course

In addition to the core units, which comply with professional accreditation requirements, the course includes unique core units such as the philosophy of law and environmental law that reflect the discipline's focus on justice and critique.

There are no majors in this degree but students can choose from a wide range of electives to suit their interests.

Domestic students

Location Teaching period
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3
OnlineTerm  1, Term  3, Term  5

International students

Location Teaching period Annual Fees CRICOS
Gold CoastTerm  1, Term  3$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)102591A
OnlineTerm  1$29,360 ($3,670 per unit)N/A

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.

How to apply

Where and when do you want to study?

Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.

Australian/Domestic students

Gold Coast
Term 3 July 2023

International students studying in Australia

Gold Coast
Term 3 June 2023

International students studying online or outside of Australia

Online
View domestic application details View international application details

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Laws, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

The Bachelor of Laws must be completed in no less than 3 years full-time study of law, unless exceptional circumstances apply and are approved by the Course Coordinator.


Course structure


Schedule of units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes

Core Units

LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
LEGL1005Legal Process Note 2
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
LEGL1006Jurisprudence
LAWS2002Contract Law I
LAWS2003Contract Law II
LAWS2015Torts
LAWS2007Corporations Law
LAWS2012Property Principles
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
LAWS2010Environmental Law
LAWS2009Criminal Law
LAWS2006Administrative Law
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
LAWS2016Evidence
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
LAWS3003Professional Conduct Note 1
LAWS3006Public Law Remedies
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies

Option Units

Select four (4) Option Units with at least two (2) at Level 3

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LAWS2056Family Law Practice
LEGL2008Conveyancing Law Note 2
LAWS2057Welfare Law
LAWS2060Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS2018Wills and Estates
LAWS2019Employment and Industrial Relations Law
JUST2005EEO and OH&S Law and Practice
LAWS2014Local Government and Planning Law
LAWS2020Intellectual Property
LAWS3001Clinical Legal Experience
LAWS3002Law Placement
LAWS2021International Business Law
LAWS2022Competition and Consumer Law
LEGL2011Mediation and Dispute Resolution Note 1
LEGL2012Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 3
LAWS2038Advanced Advocacy
LAWS2023International Law
JUST2004Human Rights
LAWS2024Commercial Law
LEGL2017Public Interest Advocacy
LAWS2063Race and the Law
LAWS4002Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method
LEGL2009Mooting
LAWS2028Animal Law
LAWS2032Comparative Law
LAWS2065Ecological Jurisprudence
LAWS2066Climate Law and Policy
LAWS2035International Business Negotiations
INDG2012Indigenous Rights
LAWS3004Jessup Moot
LAWS4001Independent Legal Research
LAWS2052Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law

Double Degree Early Exit Pathways

To be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Laws from the double degrees listed below, students will need to complete the exit pathways detailed:

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
LEGL1006Jurisprudence
LEGL1005Legal Process Note 2
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
LAWS2002Contract Law I
LAWS2003Contract Law II
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
LAWS2012Property Principles
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
LAWS2015Torts
LAWS2009Criminal Law
LAWS2007Corporations Law
LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
LAWS2016Evidence
LAWS2010Environmental Law
LAWS2006Administrative Law
LAWS3003Professional Conduct Note 1
LAWS3006Public Law Remedies
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies
Select Four (4) Arts/Law option units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
LAWS2002Contract Law I
LAWS2003Contract Law II
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
LAWS2012Property Principles
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
LAWS2015Torts
LAWS2009Criminal Law
LAWS2007Corporations Law
LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
LAWS2016Evidence
LAWS2006Administrative Law
LAWS3003Professional Conduct
LEGL1005Legal Process Note 2
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies
LAWS2022Competition and Consumer Law
LAWS3006Public Law Remedies
LAWS2019Employment and Industrial Relations Law
LAWS6009The Law of Corporate Governance
LAWS6003Global Business Law
LAWS2020Intellectual Property
LAWS2025Stock Exchange and Finance Law


Course progressions

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 CodeUnit TitleAvailableNotes

Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award

First Year

LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
Term1,3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
LEGL1005Legal Process
Term1,3,5
Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
N/A
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LEGL1006Jurisprudence
Term2
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
N/A
LAWS2002Contract Law I
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW00503 Contract Law AND not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment informationStudents admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW00507 Criminal Law and Procedure AND not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment informationStudents admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2003Contract Law II
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A
Pre-requisitesLAWS2002 - Contract Law I
Anti-requisitesLAW00503 Contract Law AND not available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment informationStudents admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2009Criminal Law
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW00507 Criminal Law and Procedure

Second Year

LAWS2010Environmental Law
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
N/A
Enrolment informationIt is preferable to have completed the following units: LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process OR LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System.
LAWS2015Torts
Term1,4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW10180 - Law of Torts AND this unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
Option Units
LAWS2007Corporations Law
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment informationStudents admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies are not permitted to enrol in this unit. For further information contact: law.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Option Units
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW00115 - Equity AND this unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
Enrolment informationIt is preferable to have completed LAWS2003 - Contract Law II
LAWS2012Property Principles
Term5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term5
Term5
Online
Term5
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesLAW00116 - Property Law AND not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

Third Year

LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
Term1,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1,5
N/A
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisitesLAW00114 - Evidence and Civil Procedure AND this unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2016Evidence
Term1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisitesLAW00114 - Evidence and Civil Procedure AND this unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
Option Units
Option Units
LAWS2006Administrative Law
Term3,5
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3,5
Term5
Pre-requisitesLEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law
LAWS3006Public Law Remedies
Term4
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesLAWS2005 - Constitutional Law, LAWS2010 - Environmental Law, LAWS2006 - Administrative Law LAWS2009 - Criminal Law
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies
Term3
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
N/A
Pre-requisitesLAWS2002 - Contract Law I, LAWS2003 - Contract Law II, LAWS2012 - Property Principles, LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity, LAWS2015 - Torts LAWS2007 - Corporations Law
LAWS3003Professional Conduct
Term4
Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
N/A
Pre-requisitesLAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure, LAWS2016 - Evidence, LAWS2008 - Criminal Procedure
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Enrolment informationThis unit requires attendance at a compulsory three day workshop for all students offered on Gold Coast campus.


Notes

Note 1: Attendance and participation in the workshop/s for this unit is mandatory. A student who cannot attend at the scheduled time must contact the Unit Assessor promptly to determine if an acceptable alternative arrangement can be put in place, with documented reasons that warrant Special Consideration, or else the student may fail the unit.
Note 2: Participation in the workshop/s for this unit is normally expected and strongly encouraged. However, any students who cannot participate at the scheduled time may be able to view or download a recording from MySCU Blackboard.
Note 3: In order to meet the training and assessment requirements prescribed by the National Mediator Accreditation System (NMAS), students are required to attend a compulsory three-day workshop.

Unit groups

Option Units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LAWS2056Family Law Practice
LEGL2008Conveyancing Law Note 2
LAWS2057Welfare Law
LAWS2060Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS2018Wills and Estates
LAWS2019Employment and Industrial Relations Law
JUST2005EEO and OH&S Law and Practice
LAWS2014Local Government and Planning Law
LAWS2020Intellectual Property
LAWS3001Clinical Legal Experience
LAWS3002Law Placement
LAWS2021International Business Law
LAWS2022Competition and Consumer Law
LEGL2011Mediation and Dispute Resolution Note 1
LEGL2012Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 3
LAWS2038Advanced Advocacy
LAWS2023International Law
JUST2004Human Rights
LAWS2024Commercial Law
LEGL2017Public Interest Advocacy
LAWS2063Race and the Law
LAWS4002Legal Research: Context, Perspective and Method
LEGL2009Mooting
LAWS2028Animal Law
LAWS2032Comparative Law
LAWS2065Ecological Jurisprudence
LAWS2066Climate Law and Policy
LAWS2035International Business Negotiations
INDG2012Indigenous Rights
LAWS3004Jessup Moot
LAWS4001Independent Legal Research
LAWS2052Psychiatry, Psychology and the Law

Why choose SCU?

Excellence in research

Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields.

Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) 2018

Top 200 Young Universities

Only 25 years young and ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2020

Outstanding student support

5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies

Good Universities Guide 2021

Learning outcomes

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

Access, manage, research and evaluate sources of information using intellectual and practical skills relevant to legal research and policy issues in professional practice

Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems

Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and sustainability in service to the community

Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge that includes the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise

Learn and work independently by reflection and assessment of their own capabilities and performance, and seek and make use of feedback as appropriate, to determine personal and professional development needs and achievements

Collaborate and communicate using appropriate academic skills in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences

Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.


Assessment methods

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.

Teaching methods

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Our online study option is highly interactive and strives to promote collaboration and a sense of community. Students may receive a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes. The method of teaching may vary from unit to unit.

Career opportunities

This course will equip graduates with the skills to start a legal career and practise as a lawyer, and for a wide range of careers in corporate management, legal aid and in the community sector or the private sector.

During their careers, graduates may choose to specialise in fields such as family law, wills and estate planning, criminal law, corporate law, property and conveyancing law, town planning and environmental law, employment and industrial relations, commercial law, compensation law, entertainment law and sporting law.

Professional placement

Law students can undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms or offices to build their practical legal skills and develop their professional networks.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Laws fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession, and is accredited with the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB). Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to be eligible to practise as a lawyer.

Students who intend to practise law outside Australia should check with the relevant country’s admission body to confirm their practising requirements.

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.

Ask a question

Domestic future
students

Call 1800 626 481 during business hours.

International future
students

Call +61 2 6620 3876 during business hours.

Current
students

Email: enquiry@scu.edu.au
Call 1800 005 687 during business hours.

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