Bachelor of Laws

The Bachelor of Laws degree is offered as a three year full-time graduate program or as a five year full-time program offered in combination with other degree programs: Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Communication, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Social Science. The Bachelor of Laws degree meets the academic requirements needed to gain admission to the practice of law in New South Wales. As well as providing the academic basis for admission to legal practice, law is now regarded as a useful general education, fostering understanding of how society functions, and developing skills of analytical and logical reasoning.

During the first three years, combined degree students enrol in the courses offered by the Faculty of Business and Law as part of the Bachelor of Laws (LLB program), as well as courses within other Faculties to complete one of the seven degrees taken in combination with the LLB. During the final two years they enrol in LAWS courses only. For information about the non-Law degrees and patterns of study for the combined degrees, refer to the relevant program entries.

Students who already hold a Bachelor's degree undertake the graduate LLB program over three years full-time study.

The University of Newcastle Legal Centre, functioning as both a legal practice and a teaching facility, provides an intensive clinical placement site for students. By working with the Centre's solicitors and dealing with real clients' actual legal problems, students gain skills and experience in the practice of law.

The Bachelor of Laws degree meets the academic requirements needed to gain admission to the practice of law in New South Wales and provides a broad understanding of how Australian society functions.

For those graduates who do not practise law, their qualifications provide an understanding of how our society functions and their skills in analytical and logical reasoning will enhance their employment opportunities in areas of business, government and administration. Graduates may also secure employment in legal branches of large corporate organisations.

More information regarding career opportunities is available at:http://newcastle.edu.au//students/degrees-to-careers/

Admission to this program is available to Australian students, residents and international students. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/what-can-i-study/undergraduate-programs/how-to-get-in/ for information on how to gain entry.

Applicants for the three-year graduate program must have successfully completed a tertiary qualification at Bachelor level at a recognised institution or other tertiary qualification assessed by the PVC to be equivalent. Applications for admission are processed through UAC.

Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor degree should apply for one of the five-year combined law degree programs through UAC.

There is no assumed knowledge for Law.

Credit in the Bachelor of Laws is only considered from another law degreee.

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 go to https://intraweb.newcastle.edu.au/catso/pages/credittransferhome.aspx to apply online.

Students undertaking the Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice (the Professional Program) are expected to complete a professional placement.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws/Diploma of Legal Practice are eligible to apply for admission to practise as a legal practitioner without further study. Bachelor of Laws graduates who wish to practice Law must also complete postgraduate professional training approved by the Legal Profession Admission Board.

Entry based on overseas qualifications at Bachelor level at a recognised institution.

International students must comply with the University of Newcastle's English language proficiency requirements. There is a requirement of a minimum of 7.0 IELTS result (with a minimum of 6.0 in each subtest) or equivalent for this program. 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 http://www.newcastle.edu.au/students/international/student-support/ to find out more about the support services available to international students.

Students with disabilities who require reasonable adjustments to undertake their program should contact the Disability Support Service before semester commences or early in the semester. Some adjustments need up to 4 weeks lead time to organise, so it is imperative that early contact is made. The Disability Support Service and relevant Faculty and School Officers will work together to ensure reasonable adjustments are provided 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 medial condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. Please visit http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/disability/ for more information.