School of Law and Justice
Australia's leading clinical law school
The School of Law and Justice has some of the highest rates of graduate law employment in the country, excellent teaching staff, and a world-class legal research program. We run our own community legal centre and our students can receive extensive experience assisting real people to solve real legal problems.
Our staff and graduates are world-class professionals, who develop level and regulatory solutions to some of the more pressing social, commercial and environmental challenges facing our community, region and world.
Our graduates are ethically responsible global citizens, who have a strong sense of social justice, understand how technology is reshaping the justice system, uphold the rule of law and are committed to the highest professional standards.
Why study with us
The School of Law and Justice offers an innovative legal education incorporating experimental learning that is interdisciplinary and internationally focused.
Through first class, research-led legal education, we integrate the study and practice of law.
Study Law
The University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice has integrated practical skills components into all its courses. As a result, students and employers alike can be confident that every graduate from the school has been taught and assessed on each skill that exists in a long list of skills and attributes relevant to today’s legal practitioners. This brochure highlights many of those accomplishments.
If you would like to qualify to practise as a lawyer, we offer a number of combined degrees (for undergraduate students) and the Juris Doctor/Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice (for students who already have a university degree). If you want to build your expertise in relation to a particular area of law, you may be interested in one of our master’s degrees.
Learn more about the University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice's combined degree
Undergraduate
- Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
- Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Study Criminology
The University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice has integrated practical skills components into all its courses. As a result, students and employers alike can be confident that every graduate from the school has been taught and assessed on each skill that exists in a long list of skills and attributes relevant to today’s legal practitioners. This brochure highlights many of those accomplishments.
Criminology is the study of the causes of crime, impact on victims and the role of the justice system, using real world cases.
School Research
An international centre for law research, the School of Law and Justice delivers innovative research that builds upon the clinical work undertaken by our University Legal Centre.
We also undertake collaborative research partnerships with business, industry and government in our region, across the nation and internationally.
Our Researchers
Featured research
Student Experience
Scholarships
Study with us and you could be eligible for a scholarship valued up to AU$12,500 towards your studies.
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Law Students Association
The UNSLA is an active student group participating in many legal competitions, including mooting, witness examination and negotiating, and professional and social events.
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Law on the Beach
Law on the Beach is a free legal advice clinic held in the relaxed setting of Newcastle Surf Club each January and February.
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Our Centres
The Justice Centre
Investigate criminal justice cases and law reform.
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Centre for Law and Social Justice
We operate as a dynamic hub to drive Social Justice reform and contribute to law reform and policy making.
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Legal Centre
The University of Newcastle Legal Centre (UNLC) is the centrepiece of the School of Law and Justice's clinical program.
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Impact and Engagement
More than an institution of learning an research, the School of Law and Justice brings together theory and practice for the advancement of our community.
Newcastle as a restorative city
This initiative aims to transform Newcastle into a restorative city by building social cohesion and healthy communities.
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Environmental initiatives
The School of Law and Justice recognises the scientific consensus that an urgent and significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is required to avoid catastrophic environmental, economic and humanitarian consequences.
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Legal innovation and design
Technology has led to massive structural change in the delivery of legal services, in turn creating an urgent need to innovate.
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Alumni
The established and ongoing success of the School of Law and Justice is in no small way down to the contributions and active involvement of our alumni.
Professor Penny Jane Burke delivers University Accord Summit keynote address
UON's Professor Penny Jane Burke, Director of the Centre of Excellence for Equity in Higher Education and UNESCO Chair in Equity, Social Justice and Higher Education, delivered a powerful keynote address titled "Transformative Reimagining: Sustainable Higher Education for Equity and Social Justice" at this year's University Accord Summit.
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ARC Fellowship to Advance Human Rights Research
The Mid-Career Industry Fellowship Program aims to drive research collaboration, translation and commercialisation outcomes across a range of industry settings.
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The policing of LGBTQI+ people casts a ling, dark shadow. Marching at Mardi Gras must be backed up with real change
Public trust and confidence in NSW Police has been sorely tested in the past two weeks. The charging of a police officer with the murders of a Sydney gay couple, Jesse Baird and Luke Davies, has seen shock turn to grief and then anger.
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A lot of Hurt and Anger: How the Queer Community Feels Let Down by NSW Police
Despite a 26-year tradition of officers marching at Mardi Gras, the Paddington alleged murders have brought growing discontent with the force to a head.
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Bodies found in NSW Investigation
There's been a breakthrough in the investigation of the alleged murders of Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird.
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It's here, it's Queer: Sydney's landmark new LGBTQIA+ history museum is now open
Qtopia Sydney has transformed a former police station in Darlinghurst for the world’s largest centre for Queer history and culture.
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Innovative Use of Ed Tech for Active Learning
Explore the educational technology available to increase student engagement through active learning.
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Marking and Feedback
This workshop will focus on Marking and Feedback of Assessments. Participants will learn how to apply best practice in marking coursework assessments.
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Statement on the Right to a Healthy Environment Launch
On Tuesday 8 November 2023, the Centre for Law and Social Justice in collaboration with Australian Lawyers for Human Rights and the Human Rights for New South Wales Alliance, hosted a Youth Forum on the Right to a Healthy Environment.
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Accreditation
The University of Newcastle School of Law and Justice is certified under the Australian Law School Standards Scheme.
Our Bachelor of Laws and Diploma of Legal Practice are accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of New South Wales.
Mission statement
As Australia's leading clinical law and justice school, The University of Newcastle, School of Law and Justice offers an innovative education in law and criminology incorporating experiential learning that is interdisciplinary and internationally focused. Through first class research and research-led legal and criminological education, we contribute to the understanding of law and justice in society and integrate the study and practice of law and criminology. Our staff and graduates are world-class academics and professionals, who develop legal, criminological, social and regulatory solutions to some of the most pressing social, commercial and environmental challenges facing our community, region, and world. Our graduates are ethically responsible global citizens, who have a strong sense of social justice, uphold the rule of law and are committed to the highest professional standards.
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.