Start Date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBLS

SATAC Code
424611 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,C
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 65.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Become a business professional in the private, public or legal sectors.
  • Learn the foundations of law and the Australian legal system.
  • Gain a strong understanding of law in business operations.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an optional internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
  • Extend your knowledge through a broad range of elective courses.
  • Take a direct pathway into Law programs.
  • Study a curriculum informed by above world-class research in Business1.
  • Ranked No. 1 in SA for graduate skills2 and student satisfaction in Business and Management3

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate and Postgraduate). SA public universities.3ComparED (QILT) Course Experience Questionnaire 2021-22 – Overall Satisfaction Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA Public universities.

Snapshot

PA190891 - Copy_1.jpgA specialised degree in legal studies will prepare you for a business career in the private, public or legal sectors.

Employers look for graduates who can apply theory to real industry challenges. You’ll have opportunities to embed an internship into your degree and seek career mentoring from legal professionals. You will also complete career-focused electives in business and legal studies to get valuable industry experience and deepen your legal knowledge.

The Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies) is also a pathway into our Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or a Laws (Honours) Double Degree.

What you'll learn

P7240303-2.jpgThe degree starts with core courses in business theory. These will give you a solid grasp of business fundamentals such as international business, economics and accounting and intelligence.

You’ll then branch out into your legal studies specialisation where you’ll focus on areas such as the foundations of law and public law; torts and contracts. You will also study eight electives – four in legal studies and four in business. Through these you’ll get valuable industry experience and deepen your legal knowledge.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Accounting for Business ACCT 1008 4.5 Note(s): 2
OR
Quantitative Methods for Business MATH 1053 4.5 Note(s): 2
Law, Governance and Citizenship LAWS 1030 4.5
Lawyering and Leadership LAWS 1031 4.5
Principles of Economics ECON 1008 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange MARK 1010 4.5 Note(s): 2
Business Law LAWS 1018 4.5 Note(s): 2
Business and Society BUSS 1057 4.5 Note(s): 2
OR
Free Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
OR
International Study Tour Note(s): 3
Career Development in Business BUSS 1060 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Free Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1,2
Business Intelligence INFS 2036 4.5 Note(s): 2
Management and Organisation BUSS 2068 4.5 Note(s): 2
Common Law in Context LAWS 1027 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication, Interviewing and Negotiation LAWS 1025 4.5
Entrepreneurship for Social and Market Impact BUSS 2085 4.5
Legal Policy, Lawmaking and Justice LAWS 1020 4.5
Free Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Strategic Management BUSS 3023 4.5
Community Justice Project LAWS 1028 4.5
Legal Studies Elective 4.5 Rule(s): 2
International Business Environments BUSS 3103 4.5
OR
International Elective 4.5 Note(s): 4
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
International Law and Environmental Justice LAWS 2040 4.5
Advanced Legal Studies Elective 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Experiential Elective 4.5 Rule(s): 2
Advanced Elective 4.5 Note(s): 1 Rule(s): 2

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week. 

Assessment

Marketing_Clinic-15 copy_1.jpgYour studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

  • reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
  • essays and assignments
  • examinations
  • industry-relevant, research-based projects
  • practicals and team-based projects
  • participation in the workplace and in class

Global opportunities

Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.

You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Global opportunities

Research

Our research in the area of law is recognised as world-class1. We are committed to research that changes the profession. Our law researchers make an impact on the content, practice, administration and development of the law and legal education.

UniSA’s high-quality research shapes the thinking of society, government and the legal profession. Our specialists examine both future and emerging legal challenges and topical issues, and have extensive industry connections and experience. Research areas of focus at UniSA are:

  • Corporate and Commercial Law: researching corporate governance, competition and consumer law, and Chinese commercial law
  • Environmental and Natural Resources Law: exploring water law, climate change and environmental regulation, and the conservation of scarce resources
  • Criminal Law and Sentencing: investigating societal issues including juries and sentencing, policing and security, digital identity and cybercrime
  • Public Law and Human Rights: leading the way in research into Indigenous law, constitutional law, judicial power, children’s rights in family law proceedings, and the rights of older people

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Why Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies)

0001_Michael.Mullan_7.11.13.jpgThis degree will give you a solid grounding in core business concepts and expertise in some areas of the law. You will study courses from the Law discipline and focus on fundamental principles of the Australian legal system.

Many of our teaching staff are legal professionals and current researchers and you will study their findings in class. We also consult with industry as part of course planning – so you’ll work on real-world projects that are relevant today.

The Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies) is also a pathway into our Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or Laws (Honours) Double Degree.

Combined degrees

We offer a wide range of combined degrees so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. Discover how you can pair this degree with another business degree, or a degree from another discipline, and tailor your qualifications to your interests.

More ways to study

Our flexible delivery and extracurricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred learning style, and career interests. You can benefit from online and on-campus study, part-time or full-time learning, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities with industry, and accelerated learning pathways. Plus, you can make the most of professional development courses endorsed by industry, build leadership skills by participating in the UniSA+ Award, or seek support at our on-campus Business Student Hub.

Real-world connections

In addition to learning from teachers with professional experience as part of your studies, we offer opportunities for you to connect with industry outside the classroom:

  • Complete an industry project.
  • Undertake an internship and apply the skills and knowledge gained from your studies in a real workplace setting.
  • Become a global citizen with our overseas exchange program – we have more than 60 partner universities worldwide, and study options that range from two weeks to one year.
  • Build your network and career by participating in our Business Career Mentor Program which pairs you with an experienced business professional.
  • Meet one-to-one with a senior business executive through our Executive in Residence program and advance your career with their expert guidance and support.

We also host regular University-wide employee master classes, employment expos and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

Online study

Online study

Part, or all, of this degree can be studied online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in an interactive online learning environment
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use discussion forums for team work and communication

Please note that for some degrees, some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

This could be you

At UniSA, you'll learn invaluable transferable employability skills to future-proof your career.

UniSA Video

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career ready.

Careers to consider:

  • Court or legal clerk: performing clerical work for courts and legal practices such as organising jury and witness lists, maintaining order in courts, executing court orders, processing court documents, documenting court proceedings
  • Government affairs/policy adviser: analysing policies and their effects to provide advice and guidance to governments and organisations; offering strategic policy and planning advice on programs and operations; reviewing, developing, and implementing policies and strategies
  • Legal adviser: preparing legal documentation; conducting legal research projects; consulting with clients and stakeholders
  • Legal secretary: providing administrative and operational support to legal professionals such as law firms, government departments, law courts and judges
  • Paralegal: support the delivery of legal services such as case planning, legal research, drafting correspondence, fact checking, preparing for and assisting at trial, locating and interviewing witnesses

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

Careers in law, along with jobs in social welfare, are predicted to increase by 12.9% by 2022.

Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017 Occupational Projections.

chart-people

The legal profession in Australia is continuing to grow, with more than 76,000 practising solicitors in Australia registered in 2018.

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

job-listings

Opportunities for legal professionals are becoming more diverse, with a 23% increase in the number of lawyers working in private sectors, and strong growth of 61% in corporate sectors.

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:

International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
  • SAIBT Diploma of Business - if you complete this two year Diploma, you can apply to enter the 2nd year of this degree
  • see the full list of entry pathways that may apply

Deferment

This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.

Scholarships

Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.

More scholarships

Your study experience and support

Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.

Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.

UniSA law students can join our active UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) and benefit from a like-minded community while participating in a variety of social and networking events.

Student services

Student services

The Business Student Hub is a dedicated convenient, support service for business students, from first year right through to graduation. The team provides expert advice on study options, elective choices and any academic difficulties, and can help with referrals to support services across the University. The Business Student Hub is there to facilitate your life at university, so you get the most out of your UniSA experience.

You can also access a range of other student services including:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers which you can work with face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies.

When you become a UniSA student you can contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your ID cards, fees and any other questions you might have.

24/7 digital environment

Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.

Student services

Your campus

We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.

Location This degree is delivered at the following campus.

Your program director

The creation of law through judgments handed down by judges over centuries makes law one of the most significant and profound intellectual achievements of our society. Law speaks to the human condition. It cements core values – integrity, loyalty, perseverance and compassion. And it has never been needed as much it is needed today. I believe that this philosophy, which is integral to the law program at UniSA, equips you with the skills, passion and commitment to excel in your future careers – the legal profession, government, business, community enterprise and postgraduate study.

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

Enquire
Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson
Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

  • How do I apply? minus-thick plus-thick

    The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.

    The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.

    There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.

    If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.

    You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.

    If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying

  • Is there a closing date for applications? minus-thick plus-thick

    Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

    Undergraduate

    The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.

    Postgraduate

    Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.

    As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.

  • What credit can I receive for previous studies? minus-thick plus-thick

    You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central. 

  • Can I speak to someone regarding my study options? minus-thick plus-thick

    Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.

More FAQs