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Program handbook

Description

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice is offered by the School of Law and Justice. Information on the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) programs is included here to provide background context for this program.

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program is offered only as a combined degree with the:

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Bachelor of Business
  • Bachelor of Biomedicine 
  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Criminology
  • Bachelor of Media and Communication
  • Bachelor of Development Studies
  • Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies
  • Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  • Bachelor of Psychological Science 
  • Bachelor of Science or
  • Bachelor of Social Science.

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice degree meets the academic requirements needed to gain admission to the practice of law in New South Wales.

During the first three years, combined degree students enrol in the courses offered by the School of Law and Justice as part of the LLB (Hons) program, as well as courses which contribute to their non-Law program. During the final two years students enrol in LAWS courses only. For information about the non-Law programs and recommended enrolment patterns for individual combined degrees, refer to the relevant program handbooks.

Upon completion of their non-Law program students will be automatically transferred into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice for their final two years of Law studies. Students who wish to remain in their combined Law program to complete the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) only, should consult the Program Convenor and email programadvice@newcastle.edu.au to opt out of this transfer process.

 


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Demonstrate the capacity to provide professional advice, based on specialised knowledge of law and its application in diverse contexts, to employers, government and individual clients.
  • Recognise Law as a dynamic discipline requiring professional lifelong learning and skill development.
  • Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills required to plan and conduct advanced legal research tasks independently.
  • Demonstrate the technical and cognitive skills required to plan and conduct advanced legal research tasks in collaboration with others.
  • Apply critical thinking skills to analyse the formation, content and operation of the law.
  • Apply lateral thinking to solve legal problems through the range of available dispute resolution mechanisms.
  • Demonstrate advanced oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrate advanced written communication skills.
  • Recognise the importance of acting as a professional advocate for the rule of law.
  • Apply professional skills to the maintenance and reform of the legal system.
  • Understand and uphold the highest ethical standards in discharging responsibilities to clients, other professionals, the courts and the public.
  • Understand, evaluate and critically reflect upon the interaction of law and society.

Details

Information correct as atMar 29, 2024 8:10 am
Program code12347
AQF level

Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 5 years full-time.
  • International students - 5 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Newcastle City PrecinctNANA

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD34,575 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code032798C

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Admission information

Admission requirements

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice Program is only available to students who have met the requirements for their non-Law degree and are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program at the University of Newcastle. 

English Language Requirements

All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6

Credit transfer

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.


Compulsory program requirements

First year of the program – 105 hours at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre (made up of advice clinics and placement days working on client matters, all under the supervision of UNLC lawyers).

Second year of the program – 180 hours with an external provider (these are arranged by the UNLC placement officer, or students can arrange their own subject to approval by the Director of the Program).


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

440 units

Program duration

5 years full-time.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

All students complete 80 units of core program LAWS courses consisting of Legal System and Method, Torts, Criminal Law and Procedure, and Contracts. Once students have completed these core program courses, the LLB (Hons) program diverges into two streams: the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (the LLB(Hons) Program), in which students undertake traditional law studies; and the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice, (the Professional Program), which merges traditional undergraduate law teaching with practical legal training and experience.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) students who wish to practise law need to complete a postgraduate professional program approved by the Legal Profession Admission Board. Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice graduates are eligible to apply for admission to practise as a legal practitioner without further study.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Additional documents


Transition arrangements

Please note that Directed course lists are now referred to as Course Lists.

Changes to Law Core Courses - 2020

From 2020, the following Law core courses have been replaced as listed below:

  • LAWS1001A and B replaced with LAWS1010 Legal System and Method I and LAWS1020 Torts I
  • LAWS2001A and B replaced with LAWS2030 Criminal Law and Procedure and LAWS4001 Consitutional Law
  • LAWS3001A and B replaced with LAWS3040 Contracts I and LAWS3041 Contracts II

Changes to Directed Courses - 2021

Some 5000 Level LAWS Directed courses have been replaced with 6000 Level LAWS Directed courses in 2021. All 5000 and 6000 Level LAWS Directed courses completed prior to 2021 will continue to count toward completion of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program.

Changes to Program Requirements - 2022

Students who commence from 2022 onward will be required to complete:

  • 220 units of Core courses (due to the addition of LAWS6888 Workplace Experience 1 to the Core course requirements); and
  • 60 units of Directed courses

 


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core Courses

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
LAWS1010Legal System and Method I
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS1011Legal System and Method II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS1020Torts I
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS1021Torts II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS2030Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS3040Contracts I
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS3041Contracts II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4001Constitutional Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4002Administrative Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4003Civil Dispute Resolution
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4004Evidence
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4005Company Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4007Professional Conduct
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4010Equity and Trusts
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4011Property
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4012Public International Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4054ALegal Practice 1 - Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4054BLegal Practice 1 - Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4055ALegal Practice 2 - Part A
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS4055BLegal Practice 2 - Part B
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6118Final-Year Workplace Experience
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6888Workplace Experience 1
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units

Course List

Choose 60 units from the following course list.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
LAWS5016Law Review
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS5034Crime and Australian SocietyNot currently offered10 units
LAWS5036International Clinical Legal Externship
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Winter - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS5040Financial Services RegulationNot currently offered10 units
LAWS5043International Study ExperienceNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6016Taxation Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6017Family Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6018Commercial Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6019International Human Rights LawNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6020Environmental Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6021Advanced Criminal Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6023JurisprudenceNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6024Employment Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6028Criminal Law Practice & Procedure
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6029Social Justice/Public Interest ClinicNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6032Advocacy Skills
  • Summer 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6035Competition Law and PolicyNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6037International Environment Law and PolicyNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6038Law and Economics of Climate Change
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
LAWS6043Advanced Legal Research Project
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
LAWS6050Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • Winter - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6085International Trade LawNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6086Intellectual Property Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6087Internet Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
LAWS6090Health Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6091Special Interest Topic
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6094Indigenous Peoples, Issues and the Law
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6095Law and ReligionNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6096Child Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6097Competitive Mooting
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6098Equal Opportunity Law
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6099Sport and the LawNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6100Workplace Health and Safety LawNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6102Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6103International Arbitration
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
LAWS6104Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6105Expert Evidence
  • Summer 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6106Advanced Communication Skills
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6107Mediation Skills and Theory
  • Trimester 1 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6108Corporate Power and Corporate Accountability: Pathways to Socially Responsible BusinessNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6111Dispute Resolution
  • Winter - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6112Food and Wine LawNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6113Law for StartupsNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6114Negotiation in a Legal Context
  • Trimester 3 - 2024 (Newcastle City Precinct)
10 units
LAWS6116Legal Innovation and DesignNot currently offered10 units
LAWS6119Renewable Energy Law ClinicNot currently offered10 units

Honours

Honours is embedded in the program. All students who successfully complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Students who excel in their studies will have access to graded Honours, which will be calculated according to the University's policy. The policy is available at: http://www.newcastle.edu.au/policy/000990.html . See the Program Convenor for further information regarding eligibility for Graded Honours.

 


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice

UAC Code , Program Code 12347

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 12347

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 12347

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 12347

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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