SCU - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies

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Course summary

In the fight for justice, you need knowledge, integrity and perseverance. This degree embraces all these qualities as you learn how the law works, why specific laws exist, and how our laws impact on others.

The Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies is an excellent degree for those wanting to work in policy development, paralegal positions, conveyancing, and in the justice sector. It provides a thorough practical grounding in legal knowledge and a strong understanding of Australian and international politics and society. If you have already been working professionally in the fields of law and justice, this course will extend your knowledge, skills and expertise. The conveyancing major, which is accredited by New South Wales Fair Trading, enables you to become a licenced conveyancer in NSW.

Our graduates can envisage career roles across the justice and social policy sector, as well as the public service. Students who want to become lawyers may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Laws during or at the completion of their studies.

Alternatively, students can choose to graduate with the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) after completing the required 16 units.

Domestic snapshot

Duration	Location	Session
3F/6P	Gold Coast	1, 2
Lismore	1, 2
Online	1, 2, 3

Duration

Location

Session

3F/6P

Gold Coast

1, 2

Lismore

1, 2

Online

1, 2, 3

International snapshot

Duration	Location	Session
3F/6P	Gold Coast	1, 2
Lismore	2

Duration

Location

Session

3F/6P

Gold Coast

1, 2

Lismore

Major areas of study

The course consists of core and elective units, including Australian Politics, the Australian Legal System, Global Social Movements and Social Policy. Students can choose to study a major in Conveyancing.

Additional information: Some elective units, when studied online, require students to attend on-campus workshops.

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

Teaching methods

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:

LAW00057 - Conveyancing Law (a one-day workshop, usually Saturday or Sunday)
LAW00214 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution (a one-day workshop, usually Saturday or Sunday)
LAW00216 - Mediation Practice and Procedure (a one-day workshop, usually Saturday or Sunday)

Career opportunities

Professional placement

Professional recognition

When studied with the conveyancing major, this is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer 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 QLD where only qualified solicitors are legally permitted to engage in conveyancing.

Related courses

Type

Detail

Course code

3006110

Course abbreviation

BLJSt

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Availability details

Location	Session	UAC code	QTAC code
Gold Coast	1, 2	336161	056161
Lismore	1, 2	336110	056051
Online	1, 2, 3	N/A	N/A

ATAR/OP

60 / 15

Fees

Commonwealth supported

Type

Detail

Course code

3006110

Course abbreviation

BLJSt

Credit points

288

Equivalent units

Duration

3 years full-time; 6 years part-time

Availability details

Location	Session	Annual Fees	CRICOS
Gold Coast	1, 2	$26,800 ($3,350 per unit)	022342G
Lismore	2	$26,800 ($3,350 per unit)	022342G
Notice 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.

English language IELTS

Category	Score
Overall	6.0
Reading	5.5
Writing	5.5
Listening	5.5
Speaking	5.5

Academic scores by country

Country	Score
Austria AMC	3.4
Bangladesh HSC	3.6
Brazil SSLC	8.2
Canada High School OSSD	50
Chile PSU	6.4, overall 600-649
China Gao Kao	449
Colombia CB (NAT)	81, overall 300-349
Denmark USSLE	6.2
France FB	11
German Abitur	3
Hong Kong HKDSE	14
India CBSE (best 4)	8.5 external exam
India CBSE (best 4)	8.5 external exam
India CISCE	71
India CISCE	71
India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4)	78 in academic
Indonesia SMA	8.2
International Baccalaureate	24
Japan USSLC	4
Korea, Republic of, CSAT	298
Malaysia ICSSUEC	71
Malaysia STPM	5 (best 3 A levels)
Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate	73
Nepal Proficiency Certificate	82
Norway GPA	1.5
Pakistan HSSC Humanities and Science streams	77
Pakistan HSSC Pre-Eng and Pre-Med streams	31
Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5)	2.5 pass Eng & Math
Peru OCSE	17
Phillipines NSAT	89
Russia FCCSE	4.4
Saudi Arabia MESSLC	83
Singapore SCGCE	15.5
Spain SSSD	8.2
Spain STBPU	7.5
Sri Lanka GCE	4.5
Sweden SSLC	13 (4 subjects)
Taiwan GSAT	54
Taiwan Senior High School Certificate	87
Thailand CSE	(Matayom 6) 1.9
Turkey HSD	4
UK Board GCE A Levels	13
USA SAT & ACT	SAT 1410, ACT 20
Vietnam (in 4 subjects)	7.5 academic average

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 program Blackboard Collaborate delivers advanced on-line learning environments for students and lecturers to communicate and collaborate through virtual meeting spaces and classrooms. They can share files, presentations, and applications. If the session is recorded, students can view it afterwards.

Learning materials include the provision of unit information guides, study guides and books of readings. Students may need to purchase or access prescribed textbooks.

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.

College Connect offers extra support for all students undertaking a SCU College Bachelor degree, Associate degree or Diploma.

The Student Learning Zone supports student learning by offering online and on-campus academic skills workshops, assignment reviews and small group or one-on-one face-to-face, phone or Skype consultations with a Learning Coach during business hours 9am to 4.30pm. Appointments can be made via the MySCU Hub Connect Now button or on the Learning Zone. Students can also book appointments online in Career Hub.

Grammarly Premium is free to all Southern Cross University students. Grammarly is a great tool to help improve your writing in conjunction with the help of Learning Coaches at the Student Learning Zone.

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.

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

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies students must complete 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

12 core units (144 credit points); and
the Conveyancing Major (96 credit points) and 4 Law electives (48 credit points); or
10 Law electives (120 credit points) and 2 Law or University-wide electives (24 credit points); or
4 Law electives (48 credit points) and a University-wide Major (96 credit points), excluding the Law and Justice Major.

Exit Award

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) after completing 192 credit points, comprising 8 core units and 8 elective/major units.

Advanced standing

Candidates who have completed an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.

Schedule of units

The specific units (subjects) students will study over the duration of this course, including any majors or specialisations, will be available early June. For any specific course enquiries please contact us.

This course is available to:

Australian/Domestic students

Where and when do you want to study?

Gold Coast

Session 1March 2021

Session 2July 2021

Session 3

Lismore

Session 1March 2021

Session 2July 2021

Session 3

Online

Session 1March 2021

Session 2July 2021

Session 3November 2021

International students studying in Australia

Where and when do you want to study?

Gold Coast

Lismore

Notice

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'