Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for Australian students
You're considered an Australian student if you are any of the following:
- Australian or New Zealand Citizen
- Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)
Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 90.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): A,A,A
TAFE/RTO: AdvDIP
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2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 90.00
TAFE/RTO: Dip
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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 Diploma level or above
OR
Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month 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
NoneAssumed Knowledge
None
The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice option is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Degree overview
- Complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year of study and graduate industry ready.
- Graduate with a professional law honours degree and an advanced understanding of key legal principles, processes and methods.
- Develop strong skills in analysis, reasoning, advocacy, negotiation and communication to resolve complex legal problems.
- Be prepared to advocate for justice, serve your communities and act with courage and integrity in a range of legal matters.
- Study a law degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
- Experience our on-campus moot court and learn what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge.
- Get involved with our student-run Legal Advice Clinic and provide advice to clients under the supervision of a managing solicitor.
- Gain real-world experience as part of your studies through a professional placement, or take advantage of a student exchange opportunity.
- Study at a university ranked No.1 in SA for quality education in Law1.
- Gain a competitive edge by pairing law with another UniSA discipline and graduate with two degrees.
- Study a curriculum informed by world-class research in Law2.
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).
Snapshot
Prepare for a dynamic career in law with our professional law honours degree.
As a UniSA Law student, you'll gain valuable skills from day one that you can use to resolve complex legal problems, including in reasoning, reporting, analysis, negotiation, communication and advocacy.
You will be involved in mock-trials in our Moot Court, gaining practical skills and learning what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge. You will also be guided to reach your potential and become career ready, with opportunities for international study tours as well as local and national internships and clerkships.
During your degree, 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.
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*.
At UniSA we are dedicated to ensuring that our students graduate with a commitment to seeking fair and just outcomes, and with the confidence and capabilities that employers value. These real-world opportunities will ensure you are well equipped with both the practical skills and academic knowledge to successfully practice law upon graduating.
This degree is designed for those who don't already hold a bachelor's degree. If you have already successfully completed a recognised bachelor's degree (with a competitive GPA), you can receive credit from your previous studies and complete our Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (Graduate Entry) in 3.5 years full-time (or part-time equivalent).
*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
During this degree you will study courses that teach you the fundamental legal principles and concepts that underpin the Australian legal system.
Courses such as torts, contracts, criminal law and constitutional law will give you a good understanding of the basic legal principles.
Our Law program also features courses that build your leadership skills, intercultural communication, project management and capacity for community engagement. Through your choice of electives you can expand your knowledge in an area of professional interest such as health law, sports law, family law or human rights law.
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, ensuring you’ll be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
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
Your 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
- problem solving assignments and in-class tests
- examinations
- various law moots
- group projects and 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.
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)
With our law research recognised as world-class1, you will be taught by 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.
Our innovative combination of smaller class sizes, practice-based learning and courtroom-like facilities deliver a learning experience that takes you beyond the theory of law.
You will graduate with professional honours and be ready to practise law, having completed your GDLP in your final year of study. You may also choose to gain valuable experience in our Legal Advice Clinic, solving the legal problems of clients under the guidance of a managing solicitor.
Double degrees
We offer more than 100 degree combinations with law so you can specialise in two fields and expand your career prospects. In addition to our law double degrees, you could pair the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) with any other UniSA discipline and tailor your qualification to your career interests. For information about the application process, submit an enquiry.
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).
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.
Your career
Our quality teaching focuses on developing your practical skills and identifying opportunities for you to connect with industry beyond the classroom, which will ensure you graduate career-ready.
You will hold a desirable skillset for a diverse range of careers including:
- Arbitrator/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
- Human rights advocate: becoming a champion for social justice; defending the right for equal treatment of all people; helping develop training initiatives to educate particular audiences
- In-house counsel: working closely with the chief executive of a business to understand strategic business issues, manage risk and offer tangible solutions; offering legal advice to business units
- 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
- Paralegal: supporting legal practitioners with research on legal and regulatory requirements; trial prep; drafting of contracts and written reports; concentrating on a particular area of law such as personal injury, immigration or intellectual property
- Parliamentary draftsperson: working with government bodies; drafting precise legal instruments; outlining proposed bills and regulations that will pass into new legislation
- Policy/Ministerial 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
- Political Analyst: conduct research on political processes and policies and predict political, social and economics trends
- 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.
*To qualify for admission to legal practice as a legal practitioner (solicitor or barrister), you will be required to complete your Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP) in your final year.
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
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.
- An alternative entry option is available through the Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Social Sciences) with UniSA College, subject to Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements.
- You may also be considered for entry through the Diploma in Social Sciences (Law) program with UniSA College. A competitive GPA is required.
- You could also consider the Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies)
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.
UniSA Excellence Scholarships
$5,000 scholarship for South Australian students with an ATAR of 99 who enrol to study a UniSA undergraduate degree.
UniSA Outstanding Achievement Scholarship
Up to $10,000 per annum (full time) for South Australian students who obtain an ATAR of 99.95 or IB equivalent and enrol to study at UniSA.
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
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.
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.
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
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
I studied law because I wanted to advocate for the good of others and make a difference. I completed a six-week placement for a legal firm during my studies then went on to work with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency in Lebanon, after graduating. This was an unbelievable experience which strengthened my values and gave me more confidence to advocate for issues I’m passionate about.
Nadine Rachid
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Ministerial Adviser | The Hon Michelle Lensink (Member of the Legislative Council & Minister of Human Services)
