Start Date
February
July

Duration
5 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
DHLD

SATAC Code
424831 (Internal)

Study as
Full-time or part-time

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Entry Scores
2024 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 90.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,A
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2023 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 90.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
View full entry requirements

Degree overview

  • Complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year of study and graduate industry ready. 
  • Ranked No.1 in South Australia for graduate careers in Law1.
  • Ranked No. 1 in SA and Top 15 in Australia for Business and Management2.
  • Study a law degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
  • Gain a competitive edge with expertise in two fields and graduate with two degrees in just 5.5 years.
  • Develop an advanced understanding of key legal principles, processes and methods with a professional law honours degree.
  • Learn about effective management systems with a focus on people management including recruitment, training, performance and retention.
  • Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through an internship, student exchange or mentorship opportunity.
  • Undertake a professional placement, Community Justice project or high-level research in your final year.
  • Experience our on-campus moot court and learn what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge.
  • Participate in our student-run Legal Advice Clinic and provide advice to clients under the supervision of a managing solicitor.
  • Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Law3 and above world-class research in Human Resource Management4.
  • Experience a university ranked No. 1 in South Australia for Law campus facilitiesand resources6.

1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22, Law and Paralegal Studies – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22023 QS Subject Rankings. 32018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Results in Business and Management - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 5Ranked #4, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Law and Paralegal Studies – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). Public universities. 6Ranked #4, ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Law and Paralegal Studies (Undergraduate). Public universities.

Snapshot

AA190312_1.jpgGain a competitive edge by combining law with human resource management 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 human resource management. This legal expertise, combined with the knowledge and skills you’ll gain from your Human Resource Management specialisation, will set you on track for a rewarding 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 human resource management studies you will develop the skills and knowledge to manage people to achieve positive outcomes. You’ll understand recruitment, staff performance appraisal, training and development, and staff retention. During your studies, you will also develop a solid understanding of management systems.

* 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. 

What you'll learn

AA190090.jpgThis degree is made up of 40 courses. You will do 24 courses in law and 12 courses in human resource management.

Laws (Honours)

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 practice upon graduation.

Human Resource Management 

You will study core courses such as Management and Organisations, Business and Society and Career Development in Business. You will also learn the latest in specialist areas such as:

  • Staffing, training and development
  • Performance and compensation management
  • Management of industrial relations

Through your choice of electives you can 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.

Degree structure

Course name Area and cat no. Units Reference  
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Law, Governance and Citizenship LAWS 1030 4.5
Lawyering and Leadership LAWS 1031 4.5
Torts LAWS 1032 4.5
Common Law in Context LAWS 1027 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Legal Policy, Lawmaking and Justice LAWS 1020 4.5
Community Justice Project LAWS 1028 4.5
Contracts LAWS 1029 4.5
Intercultural Communication, Interviewing and Negotiation LAWS 1025 4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Criminal Law and Procedure LAWS 2030 4.5
Constitutional Law LAWS 2008 4.5
Foundations of Human Resource Management BUSS 2043 4.5
Quantitative Methods for Business MATH 1053 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Administrative Law LAWS 3006 4.5
International Law and Environmental Justice LAWS 2040 4.5
Performance and Compensation Management BUSS 2048 4.5
Management and Organisation BUSS 2068 4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Managing the Employment Relationship BUSS 3037 4.5
Property Law LAWS 2038 4.5
Employment Law COML 2007 4.5
Business Intelligence INFS 2036 4.5
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Legal Analytics and Research LAWS 2041 4.5
Strategic Human Resource Management BUSS 3038 4.5
Organisational Behaviour BUSS 2046 4.5
HR Analytics BUSS 3110 4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Strategic Management BUSS 3023 4.5
Training and Development BUSS 2036 4.5
Recruitment and Selection BUSS 3082 4.5
Lawyers, Ethics and Society LAWS 4006 4.5 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Evidence LAWS 4003 4.5 Note(s): 2
Equity and Trusts LAWS 3084 4.5 Note(s): 2
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 2
Law Elective 4.5 Note(s): 2
FIFTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Period 1, 2 or 3)
Civil Dispute Resolution LAWS 3087 4.5
Corporate Law LAWS 4022 4.5 Note(s): 2
Capstone Law Elective 9 Note(s): 2
Second Semester (Study Period 4, 5 or 6)
Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice 18 Rule(s): 5,6
OR
Research Methodologies and Methods SOCU 4006 9 Rule(s): 4
Honours Thesis 1 LANG 4010 9 Rule(s): 4

Study hours

For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. In addition, you will need to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects and contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). As a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate approximately 12 hours per week for classes and 14 – 28 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

UniSA_Law-23 copy.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:

  • essays and research papers
  • assignments and in-class tests
  • examinations
  • various law moots
  • industry-relevant, research-based projects
  • practical, team-based projects

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 Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)

P5071921_1.jpgWith 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.

In your HRM studies, you’ll have opportunities to embed an internship, mentoring or work-integrated learning into your degree for valuable industry experience. You will also learn research insights into current and future workplace challenges. Our researchers' scientific approach enables organisations and employees to be innovative, agile and adaptable as the global marketplace, people, and technology continue to change. 

More ways to study

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).

Real-world connections

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. We collaborate with over 2,500 companies worldwide to bring you placement, project, research and work opportunities. You can also choose to incorporate local or national internships and clerkships into your degree.

We also host regular university-wide employee master classes and employment expos, and alumni events in Australia and overseas.

This could be you

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

Career outcomes

Your career

Our quality teaching, focus on developing your practical skills and opportunities to connect with industry beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

You will hold a desirable skillset for a diverse range of careers including:

  • Employment lawyer: reviewing employment contracts on behalf of clients or organisations, advising clients of employment rights, mediating between employees and organisations.
  • Employment relations specialist: providing high level policy advice on current legislation and coordinating policy projects of national and international scale.
  • Human resource manager: designing, organising and implementing human resources strategies, policies and programs; overseeing recruitment, performance management, and learning and development.
  • Organisational change consultant: working with key executives to develop strategies and frameworks; planning, communicating and executing process improvements; facilitating a smooth transition through the change process.
  • 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.
  • Negotiation consultant: working with clients to discuss, identify, test, and evaluate specific strategies or elements of a negotiation.
  • Project manager: ensuring projects are delivered on time and according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting; managing vendors and suppliers; managing budgets.
  • 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.

You can also consider other legal careers such as lawyer, judge's associate, mediator and more.

Professional accreditation and recognition

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.

Industry facts

column-chart-growth

Employment for Solicitors is expected to increase by 21 per cent by November 20261.

1Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021

chart-people

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.

job-listings

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.

How to apply

Applying to study with us:

  • go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
  • you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application

Alternative Pathways

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).

Deferment

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.

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

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.

Student services

Student services

Our 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:

  • academic counselling
  • personal counselling
  • social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
  • common rooms
  • prayer rooms
  • security officers
  • career services and mentoring
  • Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
  • as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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

You may be able to study human resource management courses online. With interactive online course materials and a 24/7 learning environment you can organise your study to suit your lifestyle. You can:

  • study online, including accessing videos and course resources
  • participate in virtual classrooms
  • submit your assignments and get feedback online
  • use forums and discussion boards for team work and communication

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.

Please note some on-campus attendance (such as to attend seminars, workshops or examinations) and/or placements may apply. Any requirements like this are detailed on individual course pages.

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

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Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson
Portrait image for Mr Matthew Atkinson

Mr Matthew Atkinson

Program Director

Enquire

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What others are saying

I made the most of my law degree by undertaking internships, editing UniSA’s Student Law Review, and carrying out research for several barristers. My advice is to take these opportunities as the skills I have developed will hold me in good stead for my future career.

Travis Shueard

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Associate | Piper Alderman

Case_Study_27 copy.jpg

Travis Shueard

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Associate | Piper Alderman

I have always been very people-focused so I chose to study a double degree that would allow me to utilise my skills to really make a difference in people’s lives. There are so many crossovers between human resources and the law that I know will open up many career options, whichever path I take. During my studies, we got to sit in on a real Supreme Court case and undertake a moot assessment where we experienced what it would be like to argue a legal issue in front of a judge. I was also able to travel to London and Italy for three weeks to study the relationship between literature, art and the law. These experiences reflect real-life settings, and allowed me to have confidence in my abilities and are some of the most rewarding I have ever had.

Hannah Greenwell

Workforce Graduate | SA Health

Hannah.jpg

Hannah Greenwell

Workforce Graduate | SA Health