For more information about studying the Bachelor of Media and Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Program handbook
Description
Within this combined degree program, students study a combination of Bachelor of Media and Communication and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) courses over a period of five years full-time. On completion of the first three years students will have completed all the courses required for the Bachelor of Media and Communication degree. In the final two years of the combined degree program students complete the requirements of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and may enrol in these two years on a less than full time basis.
After completing the Bachelor of Media and Communication, students are automatically transferred into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Diploma of Legal Practice Program for their fourth and fifth years of study. To opt out of this automatic transfer, students are required to contact programadvice@newcastle.edu.au.
Students in the accredited Diploma of Legal Practice Program complete legal practice modules and practical legal training at the University of Newcastle Legal Centre and in placements with external organisations.
Domestic students who commence full time in Semester 2 should expect to complete the program in a minimum of 5.5 years.
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.
Details
| Information correct as at | May 12, 2024 9:28 pm |
|---|---|
| Program code | 50005 |
| AQF level | Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree |
| Locations and UAC codes |
|
| Mode of delivery |
|
| Duration |
|
| Selection Rank | |
| Term type | Semesters |
| Fees |
|
| Relevant University rules and policies |
|
| CRICOS Code | 113055A |
Click on the headings to show/hide sections of content. Hidden information will not be printed. Show all sectionsHide all sections
Admission information
Admission requirements
Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.
The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.
For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:
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.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
400 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
The Bachelor of Media and Communication/Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is undertaken over five years of full-time study. The combined degree program requires the successful completion of 400 units, which is comprised of:
- 70 units Media and Communication core courses;
- 10 units from the Career-ready placement course list;
- 160 units Laws (Honours) core courses;
- 80 units Laws (Honours) courses from the course list;
- One 80 unit Media and Communication major.
Students must only complete courses that form part of the program and must not complete more than 400 units.
Credit towards the Bachelor of Media and Communication is granted for the 80 units of Bachelor of Laws (Honours) courses completed in the first three years, taking the total Bachelor of Media and Communication units to 240 units. To meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree you must complete 240 units in the pattern indicated.
The two final years of the combined degree program comprise study of LAWS courses only.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using 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.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
Courses that are currently unavailable are hidden by default. You can show them by adjusting the advanced course filters above, or clicking the 'show all' links below each section.
Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CIND1004 | Creative Collaborations |
| 10 units |
| CMNS1100 | Foundations of Media Production |
| 10 units |
| CMNS1234 | Media and Communication Concepts |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1010 | Legal System and Method I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1011 | Legal System and Method II |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1020 | Torts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS1021 | Torts II |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2000 | Digital Media Engagement |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2510 | Global Media Industries |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2600 | Audience Participation and Interaction |
| 10 units |
| LAWS2030 | Criminal Law and Procedure |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3310 | Communication, Creativity and Cultural Production |
| 10 units |
| LAWS3040 | Contracts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS3041 | Contracts II |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4001 | Constitutional Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4002 | Administrative Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4003 | Civil Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4004 | Evidence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4005 | Company Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4007 | Professional Conduct |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4010 | Equity and Trusts |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4011 | Property |
| 10 units |
| LAWS4012 | Public International Law |
| 10 units |
Career-ready placement Course List
Choose 10 units from the following course list to fulfil the requirements of the program. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CIND3500 | Professional Placement |
| 10 units |
| CIND3510 | Studio Q |
| 10 units |
Course List
Choose 80 units from the following course list across Years 4 and 5. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LAWS5016 | Law Review |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5034 | Crime and Australian Society | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5036 | International Clinical Legal Externship |
| 10 units |
| LAWS5040 | Financial Services Regulation | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS5043 | International Study Experience | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6016 | Taxation Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6017 | Family Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6018 | Commercial Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6019 | International Human Rights Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6020 | Environmental Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6021 | Advanced Criminal Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6023 | Jurisprudence | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6024 | Employment Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6028 | Criminal Law Practice & Procedure |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6029 | Social Justice/Public Interest Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6032 | Advocacy Skills |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6035 | Competition Law and Policy | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6037 | International Environment Law and Policy | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6038 | Law and Economics of Climate Change |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6043 | Advanced Legal Research Project |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6050 | Commercial Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6085 | International Trade Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6086 | Intellectual Property Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6087 | Internet Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6090 | Health Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6091 | Special Interest Topic |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6094 | Indigenous Peoples, Issues and the Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6095 | Law and Religion | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6096 | Child Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6097 | Competitive Mooting |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6098 | Equal Opportunity Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6099 | Sport and the Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6100 | Workplace Health and Safety Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6102 | Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6103 | International Arbitration |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6104 | Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6105 | Expert Evidence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6106 | Advanced Communication Skills |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6107 | Mediation Skills and Theory |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6108 | Corporate Power and Corporate Accountability: Pathways to Socially Responsible Business | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6111 | Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6112 | Food and Wine Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6113 | Law for Startups | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6114 | Negotiation in a Legal Context |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6116 | Legal Innovation and Design | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6119 | Renewable Energy Law Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Media and Communication Majors
Choose one major from the following to complete the requirements of this program.
Media Production
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS1090 | Media Storytelling |
| 10 units |
| CMNS1240 | Commercial Social Media Production |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS2016 | Interactive Storytelling |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2035 | Cinematography |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2130 | Sound Production |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2180 | Screenwriting |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2900 | Documentary Film Making |
| 10 units |
| CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
| CMNS3440 | Short Film Production |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3490 | Experimental Media |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3560 | Gamified Media |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3620 | Virtual Drama and Documentary | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| CMNS3999 | Advanced Media Production |
| 10 units |
News Media
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS1090 | Media Storytelling |
| 10 units |
| CMNS1240 | Commercial Social Media Production |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS2280 | Feature Writing |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2320 | News Media |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2700 | Create Your Own Business |
| 10 units |
| CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
| CMNS3150 | Podcasting and Radio |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3333 | Multiplatform Journalism |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3470 | Data Visualisation in Journalism |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3666 | Contemporary Journalism |
| 10 units |
Public Relations
| Compulsory | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Complete the following 20 units of compulsory courses | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS1090 | Media Storytelling |
| 10 units |
| CMNS1240 | Commercial Social Media Production |
| 10 units |
| Course List | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Choose 60 units from the following directed course list; 20 units at 2000 level and 40 units at 3000 level. | |||
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| CMNS2140 | Principles of Public Relations |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2530 | Strategic Communication |
| 10 units |
| CMNS2700 | Create Your Own Business |
| 10 units |
| CIND3003 | Creative Industries Professional Project |
| 20 units |
| CMNS3520 | Public Affairs |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3540 | Public Relations Campaigns |
| 10 units |
| CMNS3737 | Social Media Listening and Monitoring |
| 10 units |
Honours
Honours is embedded in the Law component of this 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 Bachelor Honours Policy. See 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.
Students in combined degree programs are advised to consult with the relevant Program Officers for the Faculty of Science and Information Technology and the Faculty of Business and Law regarding their academic program.
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 Media and Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
UAC Code , Program Code 50005
CRICOS Code , Program Code 50005
Select your study options
Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info
Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date
UAC Code
Program Code 50005
This criteria is based on a domestic student attending campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
English proficiency requirements
IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -
CRICOS Code
Program Code 50005
This criteria is based on a international student attending campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.