For more information about studying the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice
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 at | Apr 24, 2024 7:06 am | |||||
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Program code | 12347 | |||||
AQF level | Level 8 Bachelor Honours Degree | |||||
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Term type | Semesters | |||||
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CRICOS Code | 032798C |
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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.
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
- Diploma of Legal Practice Admission Information 79.3 KB
- Priestley 11 Prescribed Subjects.pdf 85.2 KB
Transition arrangements
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.
Advanced course filters
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Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. | |||
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Code | Title | Term / Location | 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 |
LAWS2030 | Criminal Law and Procedure |
| 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 |
LAWS4054A | Legal Practice 1 - Part A |
| 10 units |
LAWS4054B | Legal Practice 1 - Part B |
| 10 units |
LAWS4055A | Legal Practice 2 - Part A |
| 10 units |
LAWS4055B | Legal Practice 2 - Part B |
| 10 units |
LAWS6118 | Final-Year Workplace Experience |
| 10 units |
LAWS6888 | Workplace Experience 1 |
| 10 units |
Course List
Choose 60 units from the following course list. | |||
---|---|---|---|
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 |
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
CRICOS Code , Program Code 12347
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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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