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Discipline info for Australian students
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.
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*.
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.
New Bachelor of Arts (Criminology and Criminal Justice)
From 2024, you can study a Criminology and Criminal Justice major as part of the Bachelor of Arts degree. You will explore the social and behavioural science dimensions of criminology across diverse communities, and gain insight into cutting-edge developments from industry-experienced academics.
As you develop an understanding of the criminal justice system, you’ll learn about offender rehabilitation, restorative justice and diversion, globalised crime, youth justice, and police investigations and intelligence. You will discover how the social justice system is experienced by people, and how it can be analysed and improved to address contemporary social challenges.
You can also enhance your employment prospects and diversify your knowledge by pairing this degree with a second major in Arts, graduating with a unique and transferable skillset highly regarded by employers.
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).
*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.
Key features
- Complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year of study and graduate industry ready.
- Ranked No.1 in SA for quality education in Law1.
- UniSA's Law Degrees are accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
- 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.
- 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 UniSA's Law campus facilities, including our moot court where you'll 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- Choose from flexible learning options to suit your needs and lifestyle including online, on-campus, full-time and part-time study.
- 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
Meet the Unstoppables
Meet some of UniSA's unstoppable graduates and explore how you can unlock your unstoppable career in Law with our world-class degrees.
With 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
Ask UniSA
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How do I apply?
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?
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.
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What credit can I receive for previous studies?
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.
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Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?
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.
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.
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
"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
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
"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
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
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
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
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:
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.
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.
A five star university
Five stars for research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness and innovation*
*2023 QS Stars Ratings
