Bachelor of Laws

On successful completion of this program students will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of a coherent body of knowledge that includes: the fundamental areas of legal knowledge, the Australian legal system and underlying principles and concepts (including Indigenous, international and comparative contexts); the broader contexts within which legal issues arise; and the principles and values of justice and of ethical practice in lawyers’ roles

• demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making, an ability to recognise and reflect upon (and a developing ability to respond to) ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts, an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community, and a developing ability to exercise professional judgement

• identify and articulate legal issues, apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal issues, engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives, and think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses

• demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal, and policy issues

• communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences, and collaborate effectively

• learn and work independently; and reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support personal and professional development

• explain the legislative process and identify applicable legislation and delegated legislation, apply general principles of statutory interpretation, make appropriate use of authorised aids to statutory interpretation, and deploy appropriate techniques in the course of solving interpretative problems

• reflect on and articulate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in key areas of law in order to develop an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, values, histories and contributions to Australian society, demonstrate an appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal issues in an Australian context, and critically reflect on the responsiveness of western law to Indigenous histories, values and needs.

Graduate sooner with our Bachelor of Laws. You have the option to fast-track your study and complete this degree in 2 years full-time over 6 consecutive semesters. Explore a range of law specialisations by undertaking electives in your areas of interest, and prepare yourself to practice as a solicitor or barrister in Queensland, or a legal practitioner elsewhere in Australia. This degree is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board as an academic qualification for admission as a lawyer in Queensland.

Recommended study pattern

Award requirements

As Australia’s #1 university for graduate starting salary (Good Universities Guide, 2022), University of Southern Queensland is the right place to make real progress. Regardless of your education history, your age or your aspirations, at UniSQ you’ll be inspired by quality learning experiences matched with top resources and research. Having delivered distance and online learning for over 40+ years, UniSQ supports you to learn at your own pace—exactly how it suits you.

Learn more about USQ.

Explore USQ courses.

QS Ranking 2024:

24

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

24

ATAR/Selection Rank + English Language Proficiency