Bachelor of Laws with Honours

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. Apply advanced scholarship of theoretical and relevant research principles and methods in legal areas.
2. Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise material and show initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in complex factual, legal and policy issues.
3. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning in the application of advanced knowledge and skills to complex legal issues and independence in planning and executing a project of research and scholarship.
4. Apply advanced scholarship of theoretical and relevant research principles and methods in legal areas.
5. Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise material and show initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in complex factual, legal and policy issues.
6. Apply advanced scholarship of theoretical and relevant research principles and methods in legal areas
7. Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise material and show initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in complex factual, legal and policy issues.
8. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning in the application of advanced knowledge and skills to complex legal issues and independence in planning and executing a project of research and scholarship.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced knowledge of the principles and concepts in one or more legal areas.
10. Apply advanced scholarship of theoretical and relevant research principles and methods in legal areas
11. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning in the application of advanced knowledge and skills to complex legal issues and independence in planning and executing a project of research and scholarship.
12. Communicate clearly the solutions generated by the legal research project in oral and written forms.
13. Demonstrate advanced cognitive skills to review, analyse, consolidate and synthesise material and show initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in complex factual, legal and policy issues.
14. Communicate clearly the solutions generated by the legal research project in oral and written forms.

The Bachelor of Laws with Honours is an additional year of study designed for high-achieving law students interested in research and in bolstering their undergraduate law degree. An Honours year offers an opportunity to work on a piece of specialised scholarship that accords with a student’s particular interest in law reform. Students are encouraged to take an explicit doctrinal or theoretical position on their topic.

It is a thorough preparation for the demands of a career in law, and the basis for a career in academia and research. It may enhance career prospects, be a pathway to a PhD or further study at the postgraduate level. Eligible graduates may be considered for a University Medal.

Southern Cross is home to a dynamic and supportive community of legal scholars with a strong interdisciplinary focus in research. Under the supervision of a qualified legal scholar, students will undertake an extensive project and produce an original thesis which may lie in the exploration and deeper understanding of research methodologies, legal theories and legal scholarship, or in the wide gamut of legal practice from family and civil law to criminal and specialist legal practice. 

To be eligible for Honours, you must:

• Confirm you have completed an Australian Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree (AQF level 7) with a minimum GPA of 5.50 on 20 of the highest 12-credit point law units (or equivalent) that are credited toward the LLB degree, unless approved by the Law Honours Coordinator.
• Contact a prospective Academic Supervisor to discuss a potential research project. Once the Supervisor has agreed to supervise you and the research project, contact the Law Honours Coordinator to confirm your enrolment.

Recommended study pattern

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

• Advanced Legal Research and Writing
• Advanced Law in Context
• Law Honours Research and Methodology.

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 (Honours), students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points).

Class of Honours

This degree may be awarded in the following classes:

1. First Class;
2. Second Class (Division 1); or
3. Second Class (Division 2).

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

Indicative total fee $16,500

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.

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Completion of an Australian Bachelor of Laws Degree (AQF level 7) with, unless otherwise approved by the Law Honours Coordinator, a minimum GPA of 5.50 on 20 of the highest 12-credit point law units (or equivalent) that are credited toward the LLB degree and permission from the Law Honours Coordinator. In addition, applicants are required, subject to approval of the Law Honours Coordinator, to have a research project topic and supervisor who has agreed to supervise the student and project before admission is approved.

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 - 6.5

• Listening - minimum 6.0
• Reading - minimum 6.0
• Speaking - minimum 6.0
• Writing - minimum 6.0.

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.