Study Bachelor of Arts (Law, Policy and Politics) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
Magill

Duration
3 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
MBAA

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
2022: AUD$ 28,000 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL)

Admissions
Student Profile

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
098294D

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:

Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND

Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points

Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.

OR
Higher education study

Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above

OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above

OR
Work and life experience

Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past

Essential requirements for admission

Prerequisites

None

Assumed Knowledge

None

English language entry requirements

In addition, international students who speak English as a foreign language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at the University of South Australia. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.

English language test

IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]

See equivalence table for other qualifications and English Language tests accepted by UniSA (PDF)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	3.5
Canada High School (OSSD)	60
Eynesbury FSP	310
German Abitur	3.8
India (best 4)	60
Kenya KCSE (average)	B
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	6
Malaysia UEC	32
Norway GPA	2.8
Pakistan HSSC	75
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	6
Sweden GPA	12.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	6
Vietnam	7
Australia	65
IB (best 6)	26
USA SAT (1600)	1050
HKDSE	15
Nepal NEB	2.41

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Degree overview

Enhance your employment prospects by studying Law, Policy and Politics with a second major. Taking two majors will develop your capabilities to explore and understand diverse ways of thinking, which is highly regarded by prospective employers.
Study at a university ranked No. 1 in South Australia for Learner Engagement in the Humanities¹.
Join South Australia's No. 1 university for Creative Arts Campus Facilities², and Learning Resources³.
Use this degree as a pathway to further study, including teaching.
Gain international experience as part of the Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program or stay local and take part in the Professional Experience Program
Engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program
Benefit from flexible learning options – this degree can be studied completely online.

¹2021 Good Universities Guide –Humanities, Cultural and Social Sciences (Undergraduate). ²ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). Public SA-founded universities only. ³2021 Good Universities Guide – Undergraduate.

Snapshot

As a student studying the Law, Policy and Politics major you will develop an understanding of relevant legal systems, international and domestic law, the politics of environmental change and marginalisation in world affairs.

Key areas of study include:

the politics of environmental change in Australia and Asia
global aid and development
framing global politics through film and documentaries
public international law
Indigenous legal systems
environmental politics
human rights

You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem-solving skills that can be transferable across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

If you finish your degree with a credit or higher-Grade Point Average (GPA), you could also be eligible for the one-year Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree.

What you'll learn

The Law, Policy and Politics major will contextualise Australia’s legal and political systems in the broader context of global politics and international policy and law.You will complete courses in relevant disciplines from across the university.

This degree helps you develop many transferable skills including:

a broad knowledge of global legal and political systems
critical analysis
contemporary research strategies
applying knowledge to a range of legal and political contexts

This degree allows you to select two majors ensuring you graduate with a broad knowledge of two areas of interest. You can choose a second major from the following:

In addition to your two majors, you will also be required to complete four courses from a selected list of minors (also from the above list), and two elective courses in an area of your interest.

* Please note that this major is only available to students whose second language is English.

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units	Reference
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Truth, Lies and Being Human	HUMS 1060	4.5	Note(s): 1
Global Politics and Development	POLI 1020	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,6
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Intercultural Communication	LANG 1054	4.5	Note(s): 1
Foundations of Law	LAWS 1016	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,6
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
The Politics of Environmental Change in Australia and Asia	POLI 2031	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,6
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5
OR
Professional Directions Program 1	COMM 2098	4.5	Note(s): 5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Framing the International: Representations of Global Politics	POLI 2030	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Minor		4.5	Note(s): 3,4,6
Elective		4.5	Note(s): 5
OR
Professional Directions Program 2	COMM 2099	4.5	Note(s): 5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Law, Land and Peoples	LAWS 3086	4.5
Human Rights Law	LAWS 3076	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Villains, Victims and Outsiders: Marginalisation in World Affairs	POLI 3019	4.5
Public International Law	LAWS 3013	4.5
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2
Major 2		4.5	Note(s): 2	Rule(s): 1,2

Majors, Sub-majors & Minors

French Studies

Italian Studies

Japanese Studies

Psychology

Creative Writing and Literature

Applied Linguistics

Sociology

Performing Arts

Social Media

Screen Studies

History and Global Politics

English Language

Cultural Studies

Law, Policy and Politics
Rules & notes

Rules

1. Students are required to complete their second major from: Creative Writing and Literature, Applied Linguistics, Sociology, Languages, English Language, Screen Studies, Performing Arts, Social Media, Cultural Studies or Psychology.

2. Students undertaking Law, Policy and Politics as their first major cannot undertake History and Global Politics as their second major.

3. Enrolment in the English Language major is only available to students for whom English is their second, third or additional language. They are designed to strengthen students' bilingual or multilingual proficiencies for international career advancement.

4. Students intending to undertake a Master of Teaching (Secondary) should consult with their program director for a schedule of recommended courses.

Notes

1. This course is one of two core courses that provide a foundation for the program.

2. Students in the Bachelor of Arts undertake a second major from within the program, normally comprising courses: two at Level 1 (Introductory), two at Level 2 (Intermediate) and four at Level 3 (Advanced)

3. A minor consists of four courses (18 units), two of which must be at Level 1 (Introductory) and two at Level 2 (Intermediate).

4. The Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience course can be chosen in place of the minor sequence and is equivalent to 18 units. Students who choose this option will swap their first year (Level 1 Introductory) minor sequence to Elective 1 and Elective 2. Students can then choose to study the Hawke course in their second year (Level 2 Intermediate). Students will be required to complete the two available Level 2 Intermediate course options at second year in the opposite study period to undertaking the Hawke course.

5. Students complete either Electives or Professional Directions Program courses 1 and 2. Students may be directed to complete English Language courses in place of their electives.

6. Students are advised to select their minor from within the majors offered by the MBAA Bachelor of Arts.

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

Your studies will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

individual and group presentations
critical analysis
essays
reflective journals
research assignments
portfolios
case studies
online quizzes
reports
assignments

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.

Why Bachelor of Arts (Law, Policy and Politics)

Study a degree that blends law and politics to provide insight and clarity on the complex nature of international development and governance through research and case studies. This degree increases your employment prospects by enabling you to gain expertise in two different areas of interest.

You will have opportunities to engage with industry partners and organisations as part of your studies through the optional Professional Directions Program

There is also an opportunity to study a portion of your degree overseas, as part of the University’s Hawke Ambassador Volunteer Experience Program (full semester) or Professional Experience Program (part semester). As part of this program you will volunteer with an international non-government organisation (NGO), usually in an overseas destination.

You could continue your studies with a Master of Teaching with one major and one minor Learning Area. If this interests you, please read How Do I Become a Teacher before selecting your courses.

Career outcomes

Your career

Graduates of this degree go on to enjoy rewarding careers in a variety of roles including:

political analyst
policy advisor
historical analyst
ministerial advisor
humanitarian worker
research
political campaign manager
political communications adviser

With additional qualifications you may choose to work in teaching, academia or policy research and development.

Further career pathways are available depending on your combination of majors.

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Arts

UniSA College Foundation Studies

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

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

SAIBT Diploma of Arts

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

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 gainaccess 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 should you need, from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages or explore our student accommodation by urbanest on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal perfect 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.

Student services

Our international student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA

We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.

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.

Your campus

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

Your study spaces

As an arts student, you will have access to:

on-campus Multimedia Languages Lab, where you can connect in real-time with native speakers from around the world
The Hartley Playhouse Theatre – a 200-seat auditorium ideal for live performances
on-campus TV Studio featuring one of the largest green screens in SA and home to national television shows aired on Channel 44
a broadcast-standard digital radio studio which produces UniCast, a 24 hour online radio station
a purpose built, multi-room ProTools recording studio for live band, multitrack, ADR and foley recordings
a purpose-built high-end Media Suite with Dolby Atmos for screening for industry meetings and client screenings

Your program director

I am Senior Lecturer in Applied Linguistics, and my research is in professional and organisational communication, mainly in health settings. I hold a BA (Hons) in Philosophy from University of York, and an MA and PhD in Linguistics from Macquarie University. My interests cover the humanities and social sciences. Before academia, I worked in Germany in software ergonomics, the wine industry, and later in education. Our Bachelor of Arts program develops each student’s interests, strengths and aspirations, enabling students to explore and prepare for a wide range of career and life goals. The unique double major structure combines theory and practice with real-world experience to develop strong interdisciplinary skills that are highly valued by industry, government and community.

Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

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Dr Jonathan Crichton

Program Director

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Ask UniSA

How to apply?

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?

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?

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?

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.