Start date
February
July

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus/Online

Program Code
DBLS

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 38,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

English Language Requirements
  • IELTS total [6.0]
  • IELTS reading [6.0]
  • IELTS writing [6.0]
Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
082890D

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 in the Top 20 in Australia for Business and Management2.

12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 2Ranked #18, 2024 QS Subject Rankings.

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.

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)

Why this Degree

This 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.

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.

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

How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.

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

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

As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.

Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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 international student services including

    • careers advice
    • help with student visas and health cover
    • personal counselling
    • academic counselling
    • fees and finance help
    • common rooms
    • prayer rooms
    • security officers
    • accommodation services

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 and can also offer help with the English language.

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

    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