Course summary
The Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies provides a thorough practical grounding in legal knowledge and opens up opportunities for entering the fields of law and justice at the para-professional level. For people who have already been working professionally in the fields of law and justice, this course will help extend their knowledge, skills and expertise to develop their career. This Bachelor degree is an extension of the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), and offers a wider choice of specialised study areas.
Students who want to become lawyers and who achieve the necessary grade point average may apply for admission to the undergraduate entry or the graduate entry Bachelor of Laws during or at the completion of their studies, respectively.
Alternatively, students who wish to exit this course early with the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may do so with the completion of the required 16 units.
Domestic snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
3F/6P | Gold Coast | 1 |
| Lismore | 1 | |
| Online | 1, 2 |
International snapshot
| Duration | Location | Session |
|---|---|---|
3F/6P | Gold Coast | 1 |
| Lismore | 1 |
Major areas of study
The course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in Civil Practice, Community Justice, Conveyancing, or Criminal Justice.
Civil Practice provides a platform for students to move into support roles in the fields of commercial and civil litigation practice within legal firms.
Community Justice provides students with expertise in the human rights and social justice fields. Graduates will have the background and skills to enable them to work in a wide range of civil and community services.
Conveyancing provides students with 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, except Queensland where only qualified solicitors are legally permitted to engage in conveyancing.
Criminal Justice is designed to give students a thorough grounding in the law and practice of criminal law. Graduates will have the background and skills to enable them to work in the criminal justice system which offers a diverse array of roles in legal firms, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, courts administration and public prosecutions.
University-wide majors are also available in this course.
Additional information: Some elective units, when studied by distance education, require students to attend on-campus workshops — see teaching methods.
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.
| 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 social and political contexts. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics. |
| Creativity | Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and political contexts. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics. |
| Ethical practice | Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks. Understanding the relationship between law and sustainability. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics |
| 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 issues in social and political contexts. |
| 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. |
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 distance education 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.
If distance education students choose to study the following elective units, they will need to attend workshops at either the Lismore or the Gold Coast campus:
- LAW00057 - Conveyancing Law (a one-day workshop, usually Saturday or Sunday)
- LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution (a two-day workshop, usually Saturday and Sunday)
- LAW00216 - Mediation Practice and Procedure (a two-day workshop, usually Saturday and Sunday)
Career opportunities
Professional placement
Professional recognition
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course code | 3006110 | ||||||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | BLJSt | ||||||||||||||||
| Credit points | 288 | ||||||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 24 | ||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||
| Availability details |
Part time only if starting in session 2
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| Indicative ATAR/OP | 68 / 13 | ||||||||||||||||
| Fees | Commonwealth supported |
| Type | Detail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Course code | 3006110 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Course abbreviation | BLJSt | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Credit points | 288 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equivalent units | 24 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Duration | 3 years full-time; 6 years part-time | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Availability details |
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| English language IELTS |
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Academic scores by country
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Learning Resources
The School of Law and Justice delivers courses in a blended learning environment using innovative and emergent technologies.
MySCU is a student’s point of entry to a range of online services and resources that support study and student life. The portal includes unit learning sites and information sites where students can access resources, communication tools and useful links that are integral to their studies.
The web-based study environment Blackboard Learn delivers an advanced online learning environment for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces, classrooms, and discussion boards. They can share files, presentations and applications. If a tutorial or lecture is recorded, students can view it afterwards.
Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed text books.
The SCU library provides a wide range of services including librarian assistance, print and electronic resources, a document delivery service, catalogues, databases, ebooks, ereadings, and full-text journal literature.
The academic skills development team supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, email, phone, and one-on-one support.
The School of Law and Justice resident tutor assists first year students who experience difficulties in understanding their study tasks and/or adapting to tertiary study.
Equipment and facilities
Southern Cross University provides students with modern well equipped teaching spaces such as lecture theatres, classrooms, and studios or laboratories tailored to meet the needs of specific study disciplines. Contemporary audiovisual equipment is standard in most teaching venues, and students have access to computer labs for individual study purposes.
Students at the Lismore campus also have access to a Moot Court with a two-way viewing room, which is used for teaching practical skills in a court setting.
Course structure
See the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, in conjunction with the Specific Award Rules listed below.
Table of contents
Course requirements
-
To be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies a candidate shall successfully complete not less than twenty-four (24) units comprising:
- All units in Part A of the Schedule of Units attached to these Rules; and
- One eight (8) unit major from Part B of the Schedule of units; and
- Either a second eight (8) unit major from Part B of the Schedule of units; or
- Eight (8) elective units of which a minimum of six (6) are selected from Part B of the Schedule of Units; or one (1) eight (8) unit University-wide major selected from the University-wide Schedule of majors, excluding the Law and Justice major.
- A candidate who while enrolled for the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies degree, has completed the requirements for the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may elect to be awarded the Associate degree following withdrawal from candidature for the Bachelors degree.
- Where a candidate undertakes two majors, a unit may not be counted towards both majors except where a unit is a core unit in both majors. In this case a candidate must still complete twenty-four (24) units as in Award Requirement (a) above, including eight (8) units from each of the two majors.
Advanced standing
Candidates who have completed an Associate Degree in Law or Diploma in Law (Paralegal Studies), Associate Degree in Law or Diploma in Law (Aboriginal Paralegal Studies), Associate Diploma in Business (Paralegal Studies) or Associate Degree in Correctional Administration may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
Schedule of units
Course progressions
Students should use course progression information to select units specific to their course and enrol in these units using My Enrolment
Students Commencing in Session 1
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session 1, Year 1 | |||
| Part-time students should complete the first two units for session 1, Year 1 and the remaining two units for Session 1, Year 2 | |||
| LAW00051 - Legal Research and Writing | Introductory | ||
| LAW10157 - Australian Legal System | Introductory | ||
| LAW00050 - Criminal Process | Introductory | ||
| LAW00128 - Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | Introductory | ||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| Part-time students should complete the first two units for session 2, Year 1 and the remaining two units for Session 2, Year 2 | |||
| LAW00052 - Introduction to Land Law | Introductory | ||
| LAW10159 - Principles of Contract Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00053 - Foundations of Torts | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00054 - Family Law Practice | Intermediate | ||
| Session 1, Year 2 | |||
| From year 2 complete your chosen Part B major. Choose from Criminal Justice major, Civil Practice major, Conveyancing major orCommunity Justice major | |||
| Major - first unit | |||
| Major - second unit | |||
| Major - third unit | |||
| Major - fourth unit | |||
| Session 2, Year 2 | |||
| Major - fifth unit | |||
| Major - sixth unit | |||
| Major - seventh unit | |||
| Major - eighth unit | |||
| Session 1, Year 3 | |||
| From year 3 complete either a 2nd Part B Major (Criminal Justice major, Civil Practice major, Conveyancing major orCommunity Justice major) or 8 Elective units ( 6 units must be from Part B Electives) | |||
| Major - first unit or elective | |||
| Major - second unit or elective | |||
| Major - third unit or elective | |||
| Major - fourth unit or elective | |||
| Session 2, Year 3 | |||
| Major - fifth unit or elective | |||
| Major - sixth unit or elective | |||
| Major - seventh unit or elective | |||
| Major - eighth unit or elective | |||
Students Commencing in Session 2
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students commencing their studies in session 2 are limited to part time, external study for their first session. It may be possible to study on campus and or full time in subsequent sessions. | |||
| Session 2, Year 1 | |||
| LAW00051 - Legal Research and Writing | Introductory | ||
| LAW10157 - Australian Legal System | Introductory | ||
| Session 1, Year 2 | |||
| LAW00050 - Criminal Process | Introductory | ||
| LAW00128 - Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics | Introductory | ||
| Students may also complete units from Session 1, Year 3 if they wish to study full-time in this Session. | |||
| Session 2, Year 2 | |||
| LAW10159 - Principles of Contract Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00052 - Introduction to Land Law | Introductory | ||
| Students may also complete units from Session 2, Year 3 if they wish to study full-time in this Session. | |||
| Session 1, Year 3 | |||
| From year 3 complete your chosen Part B major. Choose from Criminal Justice major, Civil Practice major, Conveyancing major orCommunity Justice major | |||
| Major - first unit | |||
| Major - second unit | |||
| Session 2, Year 3 | |||
| LAW00053 - Foundations of Torts | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00054 - Family Law Practice | Intermediate | ||
| Session 1, Year 4 | |||
| Major- third unit | |||
| Major- fourth unit | |||
| Session 2, Year 4 | |||
| Major- fifth unit | |||
| Major- sixth unit | |||
| Session 1, Year 5 | |||
| From year 5 complete either a 2nd Part B Major (Criminal Justice major, Civil Practice major, Conveyancing major orCommunity Justice major) or 8 Elective units ( 6 units must be from Part B Electives) | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - first unit | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - second unit | |||
| Session 2, Year 5 | |||
| Major- seventh unit | |||
| Major- eighth unit | |||
| Session 1, Year 6 | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - third unit | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - fourth unit | |||
| Session 2, Year 6 | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - fifth unit | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - sixth unit | |||
| Session 1, Year 7 | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - seventh unit | |||
| Elective or 2nd Major - eighth unit | |||
Unit groups
Criminal Justice major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW00056 - Aborigines, Torres Strait Islanders and the Criminal Justice System | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00059 - Welfare Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00061 - Drugs, Crime and the Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00120 - Victimology | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00514 - Criminology | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00526 - International Criminal Justice | Advanced | ||
| LAW00529 - Restorative Justice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10158 - Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy | Intermediate |
Conveyancing major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW00108 - Legal and Conveyancing Practice | Introductory | ||
| LAW00057 - Conveyancing Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00062 - Wills and Estates | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00107 - Conveyancers Professional Practice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00523 - Commercial Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00004 - Company Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00119 - Local Government and Planning Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00126 - Competition and Consumer Law | Intermediate |
Civil Practice major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW00058 - Litigation Practice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00104 - Employment and Industrial Relations Law | Advanced | ||
| LAW00106 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | Advanced | ||
| LAW00119 - Local Government and Planning Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00124 - International Business Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Introductory | ||
| LAW00523 - Commercial Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10158 - Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy | Intermediate |
Community Justice major
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAW00059 - Welfare Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00106 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | Advanced | ||
| LAW00118 - Environmental Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00119 - Local Government and Planning Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Introductory | ||
| LAW00216 - Mediation Practice and Procedure | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00522 - Human Rights | Advanced | ||
| LAW00529 - Restorative Justice | Intermediate |
Part B Electives
| Title | Level of learning | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACC00132 - Taxation | Advanced | ||
| ACC00134 - Advanced Taxation | Advanced | ||
| LAW00004 - Company Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00057 - Conveyancing Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00058 - Litigation Practice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00059 - Welfare Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00061 - Drugs, Crime and the Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00062 - Wills and Estates | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00104 - Employment and Industrial Relations Law | Advanced | ||
| LAW00106 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | Advanced | ||
| LAW00107 - Conveyancers Professional Practice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00108 - Legal and Conveyancing Practice | Introductory | ||
| LAW00118 - Environmental Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00119 - Local Government and Planning Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00120 - Victimology | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00121 - Intellectual Property | Advanced | ||
| LAW00124 - International Business Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00125 - Information Technology and the Law | Advanced | ||
| LAW00126 - Competition and Consumer Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Introductory | ||
| LAW00216 - Mediation Practice and Procedure | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00514 - Criminology | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00521 - International Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00522 - Human Rights | Advanced | ||
| LAW00523 - Commercial Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00525 - Cyberlaw | Intermediate | ||
| LAW00526 - International Criminal Justice | Advanced | ||
| LAW00529 - Restorative Justice | Intermediate | ||
| LAW01125 - Stock Exchange and Finance Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10068 - Law and Government Decision Making | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10069 - Veterans Law I | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10070 - Veterans Law II | Advanced | ||
| LAW10158 - Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10160 - Public Interest Advocacy | Advanced | ||
| LAW10166 - Entertainment Law | Advanced | ||
| LAW10171 - Mediating Across Cultures | Introductory | ||
| LAW10206 - The Holocaust, Genocide and the Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10288 - Mooting | Advanced | ||
| LAW10292 - Education and the Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10472 - International Human Rights Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10487 - Animal Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10489 - Australian Military and National Security Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10490 - Trials and Witnesses | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10491 - Sexual Orientation and the Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW10527 - Comparative Law | Advanced | ||
| LAW10727 - Marine Animal Protection Law | Intermediate | ||
| LAW20001 - Paralegal Placement | Intermediate |
Applications are not available for 2014. Please select a different year above or see Course Options for courses currently offered.
The information on this page may be subject to change over time. Please check this web page again before acting and see our disclaimer
From the 1st of June, 2017, the term 'Distance Education' has been replaced with 'Online'