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.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Access, manage, research and evaluate sources of information using intellectual and practical skills relevant to legal research and policy issues in professional practice
2. Apply legal reasoning, critical analysis and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems
3. Demonstrate an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and sustainability in service to the community
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Collaborate and communicate using appropriate academic skills in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences
8. Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.

Complete the academic prerequisites to become a lawyer in just three years with the Bachelor of Laws, developing the intellectual, critical, and practical skills needed in the professional practice of law. 

In addition to the core units, which comply with professional accreditation requirements, the course includes unique core units such as the philosophy of law and environmental law, that reflect our focus on justice and critique. 

Elective units cover areas as diverse as human rights, race and the law, animal law, climate law and policy, psychology and the law and ecological jurisprudence. An elective in mediation meets national requirements, setting you on the way to becoming a nationally accredited mediator. 

You may also complete electives via rewarding and academically rigorous Summer or Winter School intensives and undertake work placements and law mooting as part of your studies.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Legal Research and Writing 

• Legal Process

• Statutory Interpretation 

• Jurisprudence.

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 Laws, students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 20 core units (240 credit points), and
• 4 Law option units (48 credit points).

The Bachelor of Laws must be completed in no less than 3 years full-time study of law, unless exceptional circumstances apply and are approved by the Course Coordinator.

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

Indicative total fee $45,000

The amount shown here is 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.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS Ranking 2024:

32

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

34

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.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing.

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.