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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.
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
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements. The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [7.0]
IELTS reading [7.0]
IELTS writing [7.0]
IELTS speaking [7.0]
IELTS listening [7.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
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.
Experience our on-campus moot court and learn what it’s like to act as an advocate and present before a judge.
Study a law degree accredited by the Legal Practitioners Education and Admission Council.
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.
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.
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.
Throughout your degree, you will have many opportunities to engage in 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.
1. In addition to completion of the core courses, students must complete 9 units of capstone courses. Refer to the Capstone Law Electives list below.
2. All students in UniSA Justice and Society who, as part of a course, undertake activities where interaction with clients/the public/an external organisation are required, such as industry placements or clinical placement, must demonstrate that they have a current National Police Clearance, which is valid for the duration of the course. External placement providers may also require a current DHS - Working with Children Check (WWCC), which is valid for the duration of the course. The National Police Check will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent clinical placement/industry placement involvement, requiring withdrawal from the course.
3. Students must complete these two courses or the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice. Students wishing to complete alternative advanced level studies should seek advice from the Program Director.
4. Students may complete the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice with the College of Law or an alternative approved provider and apply for 18 units of credit towards their Bachelor or Laws (Honours) program.
5. The Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice option is not available to international students studying in Australia on a student visa.
Notes
1. This course contributes towards the honours grade for the program.
2. The Justice & Society Study Tour course can be chosen in place of an elective course as part of this program. Additional fees apply for the study tour component of this course, and enrolment is conditional upon successful application in a competitive Expression of Interest process as well as successful completion of 36 units.
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.
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 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).
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.
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.
Career outcomes
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
Employment for Solicitors is expected to increase by 21 per cent by November 2026.
1Australian Government National Skills Commission Labour Markets Insight, Employment Projections 2021
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.
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
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.
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and lots more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
UniSA law students can join our active UniSA Law Students Association (USALSA) and benefit from a like-minded community while participating in a variety of social and networking events.
Student services
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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)
Nadine Rachid
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Ministerial Adviser | The Hon Michelle Lensink (Member of the Legislative Council & Minister of Human Services)
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
and concepts that underpin the Australian legal system.
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:
