Interested in Law?

Ranked No.1 in South Australia for quality education in Law1, our professional law honours degree will prepare you for a dynamic and rewarding career in the legal profession.  

You will learn the fundamental principles of the Australian legal system and obtain specialised knowledge through elective courses, allowing you to graduate with the skills to analyse and apply legal principles. You’ll also study courses that build your leadership skills, intercultural communication, project management and capacity for community engagement. Providing experiential opportunities, smaller class sizes, and mooting facilities, our degrees deliver a learning experience that will take you well beyond the theory of law. 

You will be prepared for legal practice through practical learning experiences including mooting, negotiation, witness examination, the student-run Legal Advice Clinic and placements across a range of professional settings. You will learn how to argue a case by developing your skills in reasoning, analysis, communication and advocacy, and how to act as an advocate in a mock court, as well as presenting before a judge. 

Recognised as world-class in law research2, you’ll be taught by industry experts at the forefront of the legal profession, ensuring you’ll be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.

Double degrees

We offer many double degree combinations with law so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. In addition to our law double degrees, you can pair the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with a wide range of UniSA degrees and tailor your qualification to your career interests. For more information, submit an enquiry.

Graduate entry degree

If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you may be eligible to receive one year's worth of credit from your previous studies and complete the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Graduate Entry) in 3.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent).

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).

Key features

  • Ranked No.1 in SA for quality education in Law1
  • Learn the fundamental principles of the Australian legal system and graduate with honours in Law.
  • Be prepared to advocate for justice, serve your communities and act with courage and integrity in a range of legal matters.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Law2.
  • UniSA's Law Degrees are accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
  • Explore a wide range of double degrees to gain a competitive edge and diversify your career prospects across two fields.
  • Get involved with the student-run Legal Advice Clinic and provide advice to clients under the supervision of a managing solicitor.
  • Experience our on-campus moot court and learn what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge.
  • Leverage opportunities to participate in industry placements and overseas exchanges – we have more than 2,500 industry partners and over 60 university partners worldwide.
  • If you already hold a bachelor's degree, you may be eligible to receive one year's worth of credit from your previous studies and complete our new Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Graduate Entry) in 3.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.
  • New in 2024: Study the new Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Criminal Justice), developing specialist knowledge in areas such as offender rehabilitation, restorative justice and diversion, globalised crime, youth justice, and police investigations and intelligence. Applications open in August.

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). 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings. 

Why UniSA?

  • study with a university ranked No.1 in SA for quality education in Law1.
  • Complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year of study and graduate industry ready.
  • We make it our business to provide you with opportunities to gain practical experience. Mooting (mock trials), legal negotiation, legal drafting and witness examination are just some of the experiences you will enjoy as part of your studies.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Law2.
  • Access hands-on learning opportunities and connect with industry professionals right from day one.
  • Explore our wide range of grants and scholarships to support your studies.
  • We are consistently recognised and awarded for our excellence in teaching, the quality of our degrees and satisfaction of our students – there's never been a better time to study at UniSA.
  • UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities3, we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

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). 3UNSTOPPABLE® is a Kellogg Company trade mark used under licence. Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

UniSA offers the following Law degrees

Choose your level of study

Your career

AA190312_1.jpgWith our law research recognised as world-class1, you will be taught by industry experts. Our quality teaching and experiences beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

You will hold a desired skill set for a diverse range of careers including:

  • Judge’s associate: working closely with a judge in and out of court; conducting legal research; liaising with court staff, the legal profession, government departments, the press and the public; ensuring the effective and efficient conduct of the judge’s court
  • Law 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
  • Mediator: facilitating negotiation and settlement between disputing parties by providing direction and encouragement; working collaboratively with the parties and finding creative ways to reach a mutual solution
  • 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
  • Solicitor:
    Commercial Solicitor: focusing on business-specific legal practice such as: corporate, contract, competition, communications, commercial property, finance, employment, intellectual property, transport, sports and media law
    Personal Solicitor: focusing on areas such as personal injury, family and tort law, criminal litigation, succession and inheritance, residential property, taxation and trusts
  • Barrister: advocacy, litigation and dispute resolution, preparing matters for trial.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Global networks

We are a globally connected university, and our staff and students come from over 90 countries. We also have more than 2,500 industry and professional relationships that support student internships, research and community engagement. 

In the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) rankings, our research in law was assessed as world-class. We have strong links with leading and like-minded research institutions in North America, Europe and the UK, and are building equally exciting new relationships in Asia. 

Industry facts

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Employment for Solicitors is expected to increase by 21 per cent by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021.

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

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

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The legal profession in Australia is growing, with practising solicitors increasing by 33% over the past seven years.

Urbis, National Profile of Solicitors Report 2018.

Ask UniSA

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

    There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.

    You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.

    Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.

    If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.

    Postgraduate study by research
    For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.

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

    There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.

    If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.

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

    You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.

    The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.

    The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.

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

    UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.

    Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.

    We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.

More FAQs

Study at UniSA

At UniSA you'll learn practical, industry-ready skills to future-proof your career. Hear from our graduates Murtaza and Aria and find out where a UniSA law degree could take you.

UniSA Video

What others are saying

"I decided to combine my studies in law because of my interests. To further expand my studies, I travelled overseas and undertook a program at Masaryk University in Brno, Czech Republic. The program benefited my studies by adding a global perspective, allowing me to understand international law and human rights from a UN and EU perspective."

Philippa Jones

Laws Double Degree
Lawyer, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc

Law and Arts student, Philippa Jones

Philippa Jones

Laws Double Degree
Lawyer, Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement Inc

"I have found studying a law double degree at UniSA to be extremely engaging. My lecturers are wonderful and they are committed to helping their students succeed, which makes studying at the university even more enjoyable. The degree focuses on the practical application of theory, preparing you for professional practice and making transition into the workplace smoother."

Grace English

Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Senior Analyst, SRG Partners

Grace English.jpg

Grace English

Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
Senior Analyst, SRG Partners

In 2013 I had the opportunity to cover and report on the Federal Election, which was an amazing and exhausting experience. An 8 week campaign took a lot of energy and resources from our Bureau, and it was great to travel around the country and experience the diversity of Australia's cities and regions. The combination of journalism and law gave me the strength to take vast amounts of information on complex issues like the election, and distil it into something an audience understands.

Matt Doran

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing
Federal Political Reporter | ABC

Matt Doran

Matt Doran

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing
Federal Political Reporter | ABC

"UniSA embraces modern learning styles, provides exposure to professional development opportunities and integrates real-world projects into the classroom. I was also able to complete an internship overseas with the United Nations, working on the Khmer Rouge Trials. This diverse learning experience will help me pursue a career in international law."

Lachlan Merrigan

Laws Double Degree
Assistant Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Lachlan_Merrigan.jpg

Lachlan Merrigan

Laws Double Degree
Assistant Director, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Technology has certainly streamlined many aspects of the legal industry, traditional career paths and law firm structures are much more dynamic than they once were. It’s important to build transferable skills that are difficult to teach – that is, a willingness to work hard, the ability to lead by example, as well as a desire to learn and give everything a go. My advice is to remain true to your professional core values and skills, but don’t be afraid to embrace change. It’s also important to continue upskilling once you start your career. Consider all options and possible pathways to achieving your goal – in the modern business world, there are so many opportunities and ways of taking your career to the next level.

Olaf Borutz

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Legal Counsel: Sponsorship & Licensing Rights | UEFA Club Competitions

OlafBorutz.png

Olaf Borutz

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Legal Counsel: Sponsorship & Licensing Rights | UEFA Club Competitions

My degree helped me secure a professional role in a law firm while still studying – I focused on estate planning and litigation as a law clerk, then won my current position shortly after graduating. From reviewing contracts to going to court, my work is always changing, which I find is the best way to learn. Studying law at UniSA is fantastic because whether you wish to specialise in a particular area or practise general commercial law, you’ll be set.

Daniella Carling

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Solicitor | Andreyev Lawyers

DaniellaCarling.png

Daniella Carling

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Solicitor | Andreyev Lawyers

Employers often tell us that UniSA law graduates show strength in taking initiative with a ‘can do’ attitude, and are prepared for the  challenges of the legal profession – this is testament to our teaching ethos and culture of engagement. Our industry connections allow students to hear from experts about how the law is applied, which adds an invaluable element to their learning.

Dr Michelle Fernando

Senior Lecturer

Michelle Fernando.jpg

Dr Michelle Fernando

Senior Lecturer

Why study at UniSA?

As one of the most innovative universities in Australia and Asia, there are many reasons to study with us. Here are just three:

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Accessible, helpful and flexible

We have six campuses, a 24/7 online learning environment, and we offer flexible study options like online and evening courses.

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Graduate success

UniSA is South Australia's number one university for graduate careers.*
*ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019-21 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.

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A five star university

Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings