A Law alumni is standing in front of a tiled wall looking over her shoulder

Course snapshot

Domestic snapshot

  • Start Date

    March

  • Duration

    4 years full-time; 8 years part-time

  • Location

    Online

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

  • Course abbreviation

    LLB, BA

  • Course code

    3207030

  • Credit points

    384

  • Equivalent units

    32

  • Scholarships

  • Indicative fee

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

International snapshot

  • Start Date

  • Duration

    4 years full-time

  • Location

  • Placement

    Yes  Learn more

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

Overview

Gain the qualifications for a Law degree, and major in Creative Writing, Social Science or the Humanities, in a double degree that will expand your skills, knowledge and career prospects.

The Law component of the degree fulfils the academic requirements to practise law in Australia, and will provide you with the intellectual, critical, and practical skills needed in the professional practice of law. You may undertake work-integrated learning (voluntary legal experience and professional placement) with legal firms, or undertake community arts learning opportunities, helping you build practical skills and develop professional networks.

The Arts component of the degree focuses on human cultures, values and beliefs, which will broaden your mind with challenging ideas. You will develop cultural awareness and a deep understanding of how to build your creative and communicative abilities, and gain transferable skills that are highly valued across all sectors.

Graduates of this double degree can pursue career opportunities that combine proficiency in the arts and law; and those specific to each discipline. This may include working in private practice as a solicitor or barrister, in government departments, non-government agencies, legal organisations or careers in the media, public relations and creative industries.

Smiling law graduate, Sarah Ashley sitting at the Gold Coast campus

“I chose Southern Cross because I wanted somewhere where the lecturers knew me by name and provided one-on-one assistance. The course was definitely challenging but I learned so much and the staff were always so willing to help.”

The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.

Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.

On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.

Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.

The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.

Learn more

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 (GA).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

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

Apply critical analysis, reasoning and reflexivity to social and cultural situations and problems.

Construct persuasive independent arguments incorporating a range of perspectives and evidence.

GA2: Creativity

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

Develop innovative and creative responses to contemporary and historical social, environmental and cultural issues.

GA3: Ethical practice

Identify, discuss and explain approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts.

Identify and appraise the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and sustainability in service to the community.

Investigate and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and equity and according to ethical conventions.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

Identify, discuss and explain, 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.

Demonstrate a depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of society and culture in chosen disciplines of study.

Apply disciplinary knowledge to diverse contexts.

GA5: Lifelong learning

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

Access, evaluate and present information using academic conventions to inform decision-making and action

GA6: Communication and social skills

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

Communicate effectively in academic and professional settings in a variety of forms, including working autonomously or collaboratively.

GA7: Cultural competence

Identify and discuss Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.

Demonstrate commitment to multicultural perspectives, including practising cultural competence with Indigenous peoples.

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.

Students can choose from one of the following Arts majors:

  • Creative Writing
  • Humanities
  • Social Science.

Location Teaching period
OnlineTerm  1

Career Outcomes

Graduates can pursue career opportunities that combine knowledge of law and arts; and those specific to each discipline.

For law: solicitors or barristers; or in law-related areas in private, corporate, or government organisations.

For arts: community relations, cultural policy, management and administration, publishing, public service, creative and cultural industries, politics, social justice and human rights.

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) and fulfils the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates to complete practical legal training 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 optional subject ‘LEGL2012 – Mediation Practice and Procedure’, is undergoing reaccreditation with the National Mediator Accreditation System Standards (and Australian Mediator and Dispute Resolution Accreditation Standards (AMDRAS) from May 2025). Southern Cross University is recognised as an Education and Training Provider Member of the Mediation Standards Board. Upon successful completion of the unit and meeting all other requirements, students may apply to a Registered Mediation Accreditation Body (RMAB) to finalise their accreditation.

Requirements

We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.

Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.

Entry requirements

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. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

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

Course requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts, students must complete the equivalent of 32 units (384 credit points), comprising:

  • 22 Core Units (264 credit points); and
  • 1 Major (96 Credit points), and
  • 2 Option Units (24 credit points)

Exit Awards

Students may be eligible to exit with a single award after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points). Students considering early exit should apply to the Course Coordinator for advice.

Other things to consider

As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us.

There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.

Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.

SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.

Learn more

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

Learn more

The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.

Learn more


Course structure

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.

Current Students should select their units by checking the Handbook for the year of their enrolment as these may be different.

View Student Handbook

Unit CodeUnit TitleAvailableCredit pointsNotes
Complete the following units to satisfy the Requirements of the Award
If you are commencing in Term 3, please contact Client Services for a course progression.

First Year

LAWS1001Legal Process
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) or Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.
LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
Term1,3,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,3
Term1,3
Online
Term1,3,5
Term1,3,5
Option Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LAWS2056Family Law Practice
LAWS2060Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS3009Intellectual Property
LAWS3002Law Placement
LEGL2012Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 2
LAWS2075AI Regulation and Society
LAWS2028Animal Law
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in 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: fbla.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2002Contract Law I
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in 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: fbla.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2003Contract Law II
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesLAWS2002 - Contract Law I
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: fbla.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2009Criminal Law
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesMust have completed or be currently enrolled in LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process

Second Year

LAWS2015Torts
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2010Environmental Law
Term1,4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1,4
Term1,4
Online
Term1,4
Term1,4
Pre-requisitesLEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process OR LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System
LAWS2012Property Principles
Term2,5
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2,5
Term2,5
Online
Term2,5
Term2,5
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesNot available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
Term2
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term2
Term2
Online
Term2
Term2
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.
LAWS2057Welfare Law
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesLEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process OR LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System
LAWS2007Corporations Law
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
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: fbla.enquiry@scu.edu.au
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
Anti-requisitesThis unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2066Climate Law and Policy

Not currently available

12

Third Year

LAWS2016Evidence
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisitesThis unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term1
Term1
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesMust have completed LEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing
Anti-requisitesThis unit is not available for students admitted to 2206351 - Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) OR 3006110 - Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies
LAWS4008Theories of Law
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesLEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND LEGL1005 - Legal Process
LAWS2072Human Rights Law
Term1
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Online
Term1
Term1
Pre-requisitesLEGL1001 - Legal Research and Writing AND EITHER LAWS1001 - Legal Process OR LEGL1004 - Australian Legal System
LAWS3008Administrative Law
Term3
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term3
Term3
Online
Term3
Term3
Pre-requisitesLEGL1005 - Legal Process AND LAWS2005 - Constitutional Law
Option Unit
Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LAWS2056Family Law Practice
LAWS2060Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS3009Intellectual Property
LAWS3002Law Placement
LEGL2012Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 2
LAWS2075AI Regulation and Society
LAWS2028Animal Law
LAWS3003Professional Conduct
Term4
12 Note 1
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesCompleted the equivalent of 19 law units (228 credit points) in the Bachelor of Laws (or associated double degree), including: LAWS2013 - Civil Litigation and Procedure, LAWS2016 - Evidence AND 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 an in-person, two-day residential school at the Gold Coast campus. If you anticipate that you cannot attend in person, please do not enrol in this unit. It is only unexpected or unplanned exceptional circumstances that will warrant consideration for online attendance. Please note – International lawyers residing outside Australia and completing the unit as a requirement for admission to practice in Australia are exempt from in-person attendance. Others who reside overseas will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies
Term4
12
LocationDomesticInternational
Gold Coast
Term4
Term4
Online
Term4
Term4
Pre-requisitesLAWS2002 - Contract Law I, LAWS2003 - Contract Law II, LAWS2012 - Property Principles, LAWS2017 - Principles of Equity, LAWS2015 - Torts LAWS2007 - Corporations Law

Fourth Year

Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit
Major Unit


Note 1:

Attendance and participation in the practicums/residentials 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:

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 CodeUnit TitleNotes
LEGL1001Legal Research and Writing
LAWS1001Legal Process
LAWS2002Contract Law I
LAWS2003Contract Law II
LAWS2005Constitutional Law
LAWS2007Corporations Law
LAWS2008Criminal Procedure
LAWS2009Criminal Law
LAWS2010Environmental Law
LAWS2011Statutory Interpretation
LAWS2012Property Principles
LAWS2013Civil Litigation and Procedure
LAWS2015Torts
LAWS2016Evidence
LAWS2017Principles of Equity
LAWS3003Professional Conduct Note 1
LAWS3007Private Law Remedies
LAWS3008Administrative Law
LAWS2057Welfare Law
LAWS4008Theories of Law
LAWS2066Climate Law and Policy
LAWS2072Human Rights Law
Select one (1) Major

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
HIST1001Making History
CLST2005Space, Place and Travel
HIST2001Writing Place: Landscapes, Memory, History
CLST2003Australian Cultural History
CLST2004Gender, Sexuality and Culture
CLST3002Borderlands: Identity, Culture and Belonging
HIST3002Freedom and Tyranny in the Ancient Mediterranean World
COMM3004Independent Project

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
SOCI1001Introduction to Sociology
POLT1001Australian Politics
SOCI1005Social Policy
SOCI2006Doing Social Research
SOCI2007Global Inequality and Development
CLST3003EcoCultural Studies
COMM2005Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence and Culture
COMM3004Independent Project

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
WRIT1002Introduction to Creative Writing
WRIT1001Introduction to Written Texts
WRIT2005Writing Genre
WRIT2001Issues and Themes in Contemporary Writing
WRIT2007Writing Poetry
WRIT2004Short Story Writing
WRIT3001Theories of Text and Culture
COMM3004Independent Project
Select two (2) Option units

Unit CodeUnit TitleNotes
LAWS2056Family Law Practice
LAWS2060Drugs, Crime and the Law
LAWS3009Intellectual Property
LAWS3002Law Placement
LEGL2012Mediation Practice and Procedure Note 2
LAWS2075AI Regulation and Society
LAWS2028Animal Law

Why study Law at Southern Cross University

5-star ratings in Law

We're rated 5 stars for undergraduate full-time employment, skills development and student support

Good Universities Guide 2025

Double degrees

Our double degrees enable students to expand their career options or focus in a specialist field, with only one extra year of study

Entry pathways

Entry pathways available into Bachelor of Laws from the Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies)

Fees and Scholarships

Domestic students

You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.

Commonwealth Supported Places:

In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).

SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.

Full Fee-Paying Places:

A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Fees and Scholarships

International Students

If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.

Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF

Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.

Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access, an initiative created to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.

More about scholarships

Further fee information

Apply now

Preparing to apply

  1. Check requirements
  2. Get supporting documents ready
  3. Choose where and when from the available options

Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.

Choose where you want to study

Online

Dates for the diary

Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.

See key dates

Credit Transfer

Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.

Go to credit assessor

Entry Pathway

We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.

Find a pathway