Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| 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 |
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 |
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.
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) | 022342G |
Applications for this course are made directly to Southern Cross University via our online application service.
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 social and political contexts. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics. |
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. |
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 |
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 issues in social and political contexts. |
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:
Law-related work In legal firms, government policy making, corporate firms, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in banking, insurance and conveyancing.
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.
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 Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:
Exit Award
Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 8 core units and 8 elective or major units.
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. | |||
| LEGL2001 - Introduction to Land Law | |||
| LEGL2007 - Principles of Contract Law | |||
| LEGL2002 - Foundations of Torts | |||
| LAWS2056 - Family Law Practice | |||
| Year 2, Session 1 | |||
| From Year 2 choose either the Conveyancing Major and four (4) Law Electives OR twelve (12) elective units (ten(10) units must be from Law Electives), OR a shared major and four (4) Law Electives. | |||
| POLT1001 - Australian Politics | |||
| POLT2004 - Analysing Policy Problems | |||
| 1st Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| 2nd Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| POLT2003 - Global Social Movements | |||
| SOCI1005 - Social Policy | |||
| 3rd Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| 4th Conveyancing major OR Law ElectivesOR Shared majors unit | |||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| 5th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| 6th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| Law Electives | |||
| Law Electives | |||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| 7th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| 8th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| 1 Law Electives OR University-wide Elective | |||
| 1 Law Electives 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 | |||
| POLT1001 - Australian Politics | |||
| 1st Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| Year 2, Session 2 | |||
| LEGL2002 - Foundations of Torts | |||
| LAWS2056 - Family Law Practice | |||
| POLT2004 - Analysing Policy Problems | |||
| 2nd Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors unit | |||
| Year 3, Session 1 | |||
| POLT2003 - Global Social Movements | |||
| SOCI1005 - Social Policy | |||
| 3rd Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| 4th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| Year 3, Session 2 | |||
| Law Electives unit | |||
| Law Electives unit | |||
| 5th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| 6th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| Year 4, Session 1 | |||
| 7th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| 8th Conveyancing major OR Law Electives OR Shared majors Unit | |||
| Law Electives OR University-wide Elective | |||
| 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT3001 - Advanced Taxation | |||
| LAWS2028 - Animal Law | |||
| LAWS2024 - Commercial Law | |||
| LAWS2032 - Comparative Law | |||
| LAWS2001 - Company Law | |||
| LAW30004 - Comparative Criminal Law | |||
| LAWS2022 - Competition and Consumer Law | |||
| LEGL2004 - Conveyancers Professional Practice | |||
| LEGL2008 - Conveyancing Law | Note 1 | ||
| LAWS2054 - Criminology | |||
| LAWS2060 - Drugs, Crime and the Law | |||
| JUST2005 - EEO and OH&S Law and Practice | |||
| LAWS2019 - Employment and Industrial Relations Law | |||
| LAWS2026 - Entertainment Law | |||
| LAWS2010 - Environmental Law | |||
| JUST2004 - Human Rights | |||
| LEGL2010 - Information Technology and the Law | |||
| LAWS2020 - Intellectual Property | |||
| LAWS2021 - International Business Law | |||
| JUST2002 - International Criminal Justice | |||
| LAWS2059 - International Human Rights Law | |||
| LAWS2023 - International Law | |||
| LEGL2006 - Introduction to Evidence and Advocacy | |||
| LEGL2013 - Law and Government Decision Making | |||
| LEGL2005 - Legal and Conveyancing Practice | |||
| LAW00058 - Litigation Practice | |||
| LAWS2014 - Local Government and Planning Law | |||
| LEGL2018 - Mediating Across Cultures | |||
| LEGL2011 - Mediation and Dispute Resolution | Note 1 | ||
| LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure | Note 1 | ||
| LEGL2009 - Mooting | |||
| JUST2003 - Restorative Justice | |||
| LAWS2004 - Paralegal Placement | |||
| LEGL2017 - Public Interest Advocacy | |||
| LAWS2031 - Sexual Orientation and the Law | |||
| LAWS2025 - Stock Exchange and Finance Law | |||
| ACCT2001 - Taxation | |||
| LAW10490 - Trials and Witnesses | |||
| LAW10069 - Veterans Law I | |||
| LAW10070 - Veterans Law II | |||
| JUST2001 - Victimology | |||
| LAWS2057 - Welfare Law | |||
| LAWS2018 - Wills and Estates | |||
| LAWS2066 - Climate Law and Policy | |||
| POLT2005 - Struggles, Movements, and the Idea of Communism | |||
| LAWS2037 - Indigenous Jurisprudence | |||
| LAWS2034 - The Rhetoric of Law | |||
| LAWS2041 - Legal Fictions: Writing the Law | |||
| LAWS2035 - International Business Negotiations | |||
| 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 | Note 1 | ||
| 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 |