Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws

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 Outcomes

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. Demonstrate the ability to develop a persuasive independent argument 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 Demonstrate an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making and an ability to recognise, reflect upon, and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon 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 Demonstrate an understanding of 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 their 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 Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice. Demonstrate a commitment to multicultural perspectives as well as specifically developing the ability to engage in a culturally competent way with Indigenous peoples.

Multiply your skills, knowledge and career prospects with a double degree in arts and law. You can immerse yourself in arts majors such as history, digital media or politics and international relations, while at the same time gathering the qualifications for a legal career.

You may undertake voluntary legal experience and professional placement with legal firms, or undertake community arts learning opportunities, helping you build practical skills and develop professional networks.

Graduates 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.

The Bachelor of Laws fulfils the academic requirements to practise law in Australia. Professional admission authorities also require law graduates of all universities to complete practical legal training or similar to practise as a lawyer.

Applicants who do not have the required entry mark for this double degree are encouraged to apply for the Bachelor of Arts. If a student achieves the required grade point average during that course, they may then apply for transfer into the double degree.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include:

• Legal Research and Writing
• Legal Process
• Statutory Interpretation
• Jurisprudence.

Plus there’s a selection of majors and electives to choose from. As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

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

• 19 core units (228 credit points), and
• 1 Arts Major (96 credit points), and
• 5 Arts Law Option units (60 credit points).

Choose your subjects

Majors

Available majors include:

• Cultural Studies
• History
• Digital Media
• Creative Writing
• Politics and International Relations
• Social Science. 

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Laws after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), as per the Bachelor of Laws Schedule of Units.

Students may be eligible to exit with a Bachelor of Arts after completing the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), as per the Bachelor of Arts Schedule of Units.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $61,000

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

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ATAR 80 or equivalent.

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:

• Overall – 6.0
• Listening - minimum 5.5
• Reading - minimum 5.5
• Speaking - minimum 5.5
• Writing - minimum 5.5.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to ‘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 for knowledge and skills you have already acquired. Credit gained through prior learning, experiences and qualification can reduce the duration and cost of your course.

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.

In the Bachelor of Arts, students can undertake learning opportunities in the community through a number of units as well as through assessment opportunities.