Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2020
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 Humanitarian Visa holders)
Program Code
DHLA
SATAC Code
424821 (Internal)
Study as
Full-time
or part-time
Admissions
Student Profile
Entry Requirements
Selection Rank (Internal): 85.35 (for 2019)
Selection Rank (Guaranteed): 90.00 (for 2020)
TAFE/RTO (Guaranteed): AdvDIP
View full entry requirements
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
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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 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
Degree overview
- Study the Law degree ranked No.1 in South Australia and top 100 in the world1.
- 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.
- Undertake a professional placement, a law reform 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.
- Get involved with our student-run Legal Advice Clinic and provide advice to clients under the supervision of a managing solicitor.
- 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 Law3.
- Join our active UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) - benefit from a like-minded community and participate in a variety of social and networking events.
12020 THE Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
Prepare for a dynamic career in law with our professional law honours degree.
From your very first weeks as a student, you'll gain valuable skills that you can apply in reasoning, reporting, analysis, negotiation, communication and advocacy to resolve complex legal problems.
You will be involved in mock-trials in our Moot Court, 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.
In your final year, you will also choose from an industry or clinic placement, a law reform project or high-level research to complete the honours component of your degree.
If you wish to practise law, you should also familiarise yourself with the requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in South Australia.
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.
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.
Through practical learning experiences including mooting, negotiation, witness examination and the opportunity to undertake placement in a professional setting, you will be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.
You'll also be able to choose from an industry or clinic placement, a law reform project or high-level research in your final year.
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. Australian and international students may have the option to do an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas. We have links with universities worldwide. 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 have extensive industry connections and experience, they examine future and emerging legal challenges and topical issues. Research concentrations 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 degree ranked No.1 in South Australia1, in the top 100 in the world1, and our research in the area of law recognised as world-class2, you will be learning from experts. Learn from those at the forefront of the legal profession with our teaching staff committed to developing not only your knowledge, but 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 an advanced understanding of legal principles and methods including the opportunity to experience an industry or clinic placement, undertake a law reform project or conduct high level research in your final year. In our Legal Advice Clinic you’ll gain valuable experience, 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.
12020 THE Subject Rankings. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
This could be you
At the UniSA Business School, you'll learn invaluable transferrable employability skills to future-proof your career - see where a degree in Law could take you.
Your career
Careers in law, along with jobs in social welfare, are predicted to increase 12.9% by 20221.
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 desired 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
- 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
Admission to practice
If you wish to seek admission to practise law in South Australia you must satisfy a number of specified course requirements in your degree, followed by the completion of Practical Legal Training.
Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017 Occupational Projections.
Professional accreditation and recognition
The Law degree is accredited by the Bar Council of India. Indian students studying in Australia can have their Law Degree recognised for the purposes of a legal career in their home country. Students who wish to be admitted in India are advised to consult with the Bar Council about what bridging courses they may need to complete.
This program covers in a comprehensive way the academic requirements for admission to practice (the Uniform Admissions Rules) as specified by the National Law Admissions Consultative Committee. Students seeking admission to practice are required to complete an approved practical legal training (PLT) program. It is expected that students will complete the law degree before commencing the PLT. Students seeking admission to practice in other Australian jurisdictions should apply to the appropriate admitting authority. There are additional course requirements for students who wish to seek professional accreditation.
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 Foundation Studies program with UniSA College subject to Grade Point Average (GPA) requirements.
You may also be considered for entry through the Diploma of Business 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 have fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and areas 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 has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation or private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages for plenty of options. If you need somewhere to live, our new student accommodation by urbanest is 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 student support services will make your life at university easier. We want you to be successful, and if you need help, we're here to assist. We provide 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
- Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
- services offered through our student association, USASA
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 enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and any other questions you might have.
Your program director
I teach and research in private law, primarily equity, trusts, property and contract law. I have recently taken on a new course which considers legal ethics and the legal profession. I am also engaged in several research projects with my colleagues – one of these focuses on how online courts can improve access to justice, and the other involves writing a legal ethics problems handbook for use by students and teachers in legal ethics courses.
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How do I apply?
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
Applications for admission into the University of South Australia’s undergraduate and most postgraduate degrees are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Visit satac.edu.au and follow the links.
For the MBA degrees please apply through the UniSA MBA Application Portal. Applications for a small number of degrees are submitted direct to UniSA through our Apply Online portal. It will be noted on the degree page if you need to apply via Apply Online.
Postgraduate study by research
For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit unisa.edu.au/resdegrees. -
Is there a closing date for applications?
Undergraduate
Yes. The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be given equal consideration is in 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 (mid January). Some degrees will not make any offers after the main offer round. Please click here find all of the key dates for applications here.Postgraduate
Most postgraduate degrees do not have a closing date for applications. However, there are exceptions, so it is best to check – either on the SATAC website, Apply Online or the degree homepage. Postgraduate offers are normally ‘rolling’, meaning they may be sent out at any time up until the program starts. This also means that applications may close at any time without warning, if the quota is filled earlier. For this reason, postgraduate applications should be submitted without delay. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquiries team on (08) 8302 2376 or via the online enquiry form. -
What credit can I receive for previous studies?
Credit transfer or advanced standing
You may be eligible to receive a credit transfer 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 a credit transfer will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
Recognised prior learning
If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning for this experience. Receiving recognised prior learning will normally reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and can reduce the duration of the degree.
How do I get credit?
Credit transfer and recognition of prior learning is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Program Director who will discuss your prior learning and experience with you to ascertain what credit you may be eligible for.
Many of our credit transfer arrangements are listed on our online Credit Assessor.
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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.
If you are interested in studying an MBA please contact admissions@unisa.edu.au and our Future Student Enquiries team will contact you regarding your enquiry.
Alternatively, you can complete a MyCareerMatch career profile. MyCareerMatch is an online career profiling tool that you can use free-of-charge through UniSA. MyCareerMatch specialises in career profiles and provides you with a personalised career report outlining information about your personality style and a list of career options, which are complementary to your natural strengths and talents.
We have many events throughout the year where you can speak with a lecturer or tutor about your degrees of interest. You can find out what is happening at UniSA by visiting our events page or by signing up to our mailing list, so you're the first to know about careers events, information sessions, degree requirements, scholarships and more!
There are also many career counsellors external to the University that you can discuss your career options with. If you are unsure where to start your search, you can contact the Government's Work Ready team (formally Skills for All). Visit skills.sa.gov.au or call 1800 506 266.
You may also find Job Outlook a helpful resource in your decision-making.
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Where can I get further information?
It can be difficult to decide what degree you would like to do and where. You might find information from government organisations will help to weigh up your degree and provider options.
Find a course or a provider
TEQSA is a regulatory body for higher education providers. Use the TEQSA national register of higher education providers to search for a course or a provider. Compare courses and providers for undergraduates and postgraduates using the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) online comparison tool.
More information on university admission
Visit the SATAC website to find out important news, events and information on applying to university in South Australia. Visit Study with Us to find out everything you need to know about studying at UniSA, admissions and the application process.
Questions about your application
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your application you should contact the Future Students Enquiries team in the first instance.
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 as I enter my clerkship with Minter Ellison.
Travis Sheuard, Law Clerk, Minter Ellison SA/NT
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
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)
Employment: Legal Counsel: Sponsorship & Licensing Rights, TEAM Marketing AG (Switzerland)
"My studies helped me secure a professional role at WRP Legal & Advisory by allowing me to develop transferrable skills such as communication, time management and analytical thinking. Plus the support network between staff and students is great and the flexible timetable allows you to create your own personal study program that fits in with your life."
Daniella Carling
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
“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)
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
Employment: Senior Lecturer
