Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
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You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 90.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,A
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 90.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice option is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Law and Paralegal Studies – Overall Quality of Educational Experience Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Gain a competitive advantage by combining law with journalism and professional writing, and graduate with two degrees in just 5 years.
A double degree expands your knowledge and opens doors to a broad range of career opportunities.
You will graduate with professional honours, an advanced understanding of legal principles of Australian law and the latest legal concepts in journalism and professional writing. This legal expertise, combined with the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from your specialisation, will set you on track for a leadership career.
In your law studies you can undertake a Community Justice Project, practice advocacy and negotiation, or gain industry experience through participation in our Legal Advice Clinic or a professional placement. You’ll also be involved in mock-trials in our moot court, learning what it’s like to act as an advocate and argue a case before a judge. During the final year of your Law Honours degree, you will also have the opportunity to undertake the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP), a compulsory qualification needed to practise as a barrister or solicitor in South Australia. You can use your GDLP qualification towards your law degree study, and shorten your pathway to practice*.
In your journalism and professional writing studies you will develop the skills and knowledge to work as a journalist and writer in mainstream media and the field of communication. The emphasis on professional writing opens doors into professions such as technical writing, tender presentations, and marketing and communication.
* The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) is delivered by arrangement with the College of Law during your final year. Following completion of the GDLP, you can claim 4 course credits towards your law degree, shortening your pathway to practice.
This degree is made up of 40 courses. You will do 24 courses in law and 12 courses in journalism and professional writing.
As a UniSA Law student, you’ll gain valuable skills from day one, including in reasoning, reporting, analysis, negotiation, communication and advocacy. You will also experience what it's like to argue a case and provide legal advice.
Throughout your degree you will study core courses that teach you the fundamental legal concepts that underpin the Australian legal system. Courses such as torts, contracts, criminal law and constitutional law will give you a good understanding of basic legal principles.
Our Law program also features courses that build your leadership skills, intercultural communication, project management and capacity for community engagement.
You will have the opportunity to complete your GDLP in your final year of study, in addition to practical learning experiences including mooting, negotiation, and witness examination. You will also engage in a Community Justice project, high-level research or an industry placement, ensuring you’ll be prepared for legal practise upon graduation.
You will study courses that provide you with the skills and knowledge to work as a journalist and writer. For example you will:
A final year internship at a news or production organisation will synthesise your knowledge and training.
Through your choice of electives you can also expand your knowledge in an area of professional interest such as health law, sports law, family law and human rights law.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
With our law research recognised as world-class1, you’ll be taught by industry experts. Learn from those at the forefront of the legal profession with our teaching staff committed to developing not only your knowledge, but also your confidence.
You will graduate with professional honours and be ready to practise law, having completed your GDLP in your final year of study. You will have an advanced understanding of legal principles and methods from participating in a Community Justice Project, undertaking a professional placement, or participating in our Legal Advice Clinic, solving the legal problems of clients under the guidance of a managing solicitor.
Throughout your journalism studies, you will gain access to our on-campus TV studio that boasts one of South Australia’s largest green screens, and a radio station. This means you will graduate with plenty of hands-on experience. You can even be part of the University’s own radio station UniCast, which is broadcast live on the internet, our TV show that airs on Channel 44, or be published in our online student publication On the Record.
Our study options and extra-curricular opportunities are designed to suit your lifestyle, preferred way of learning and career interests. You can benefit from two study intakes, Summer and Winter School intensive courses, mentoring and networking opportunities, as well as accelerated learning pathways.
You can also join our active student community with the UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) – an independent body that provides educational and vocational support, and hosts a variety of social and networking events.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Our quality teaching focuses on developing your practical skills and identifying opportunities for you to connect with industry beyond the classroom, which will ensure you graduate career-ready.
You will hold a desirable skillset for a diverse range of careers including:
You can also consider other legal careers such as lawyer, judge's associate, mediator and more.
This program covers in a comprehensive way the academic requirements for admission to practice as specified by the national Law Admissions Consultative Committee and applied in South Australia by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council. In addition to the academic requirements of the program, students seeking admission to practice are required to complete an approved practical legal training (PLT) program. Students seeking admission to practice in other Australian jurisdictions should apply to the appropriate admitting authority.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
Applying to study with us:
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree.
International
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree. You could consider the Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies).
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.
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.