Course Overview

About This Course

This program is designed for high achieving law students in the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice/ Bachelor of Laws program who wish to undertake an extended level of study and research in Law. The Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice degree is designed for current employees within Corrective Services, as well as students who wish to pursue a career in corrections, probation or parole. The degree will draw upon disciplinary areas such as Criminal Justice, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work and Welfare in order to provide a theoretical framework for those who work with offenders and on issues of rehabilitation, through-care and resettlement. As well as providing a theoretical framework, the program will provide those who complete the degree with the knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate practice with a view to enhancing working with offenders. The Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice can be described as an 'applied degree pathway' insofar as the teaching within the program will link theory to practice. The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program satisfies the academic degree requirements for admission to practice as an Australian lawyer. Students will engage in collaborative face-to-face problem and case-based learning, will be supported by online learning materials, and will participate in authentic assessment to develop knowledge and skills. The program provides students with a broad progressive legal education with a strong practical orientation to the law. Students develop skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration, self-management, and ethical and professional awareness and judgement. Students will have the opportunity to develop skills in legal advocacy, negotiation, and legal technology and extend their professional and learning experiences through work integrated learning, clinical placement and international exchange engagements.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta NSW

Level 4, 255 Elizabeth St, Sydney, NSW 2000

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Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of at least 160 credit points of law study (or 140 credit points if two Summer subjects are undertaken)
Demonstration of the likelihood of graduating with an Honours Weighted Average Mark (HWAM) of at least 70 at the time of graduation; or an Admission Average Mark (AAM) of at least 70 at the time of admission to the Honours program
Demonstration of satisfactory academic writing skills
Availability of a principal supervisor
Students enrolling in certain subjects may need to have a National Police Certificate and consent or prohibited employment declarations as they may be conducting their placement in circumstances where they work with minors (applies to: LAWS 4017 Access to Justice Clinic, LAWS 3074 Judicial Internship, LAWS 3077 Legal Internship, LAWS 4012 First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic, LAWS 3080 Street Law Clinic, JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System)
JUST 3011 Issues in the Criminal Justice System also requires records and identity check
The following subjects require a visa for the relevant country and the ability to travel at specified time: LAWS 3024 Foundations of Chinese Law, LAWS 3025 Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, LAWS 3078 Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan
The Part-time option is not available to International Students on a Student Visa

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice degree is designed for current employees within Corrective Services, as well as students who wish to pursue a career in corrections, probation or parole. Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice / Bachelor of Laws are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice in NSW after undertaking prescribed practical legal training.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB NSW)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

LAWS 4017

Access to Justice Clinic

Practical legal clinic subject; may require National Police Certificate.

LAWS 3074

Judicial Internship

Internship subject; may require National Police Certificate.

LAWS 3077

Legal Internship

Internship subject; may require National Police Certificate.

LAWS 4012

First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic

Clinic subject; may require National Police Certificate.

LAWS 3080

Street Law Clinic

Clinic subject; may require National Police Certificate.

JUST 3011

Issues in the Criminal Justice System

Includes a corrective services field trip requirement and records and identity check.

LAWS 3024

Foundations of Chinese Law

Requires a visa for China and ability to travel at specified time.

LAWS 3025

Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India

Requires a visa for India and ability to travel at specified time.

LAWS 3078

Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan

Requires a visa for Taiwan and ability to travel at specified time.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements for the Honours program?

To be admitted, students must have completed at least 160 credit points of law study (or 140 credit points if two Summer subjects are undertaken), demonstrated the likelihood of graduating with an Honours Weighted Average Mark (HWAM) of at least 70 at the time of graduation or an Admission Average Mark (AAM) of at least 70 at the time of admission, demonstrated satisfactory academic writing skills, and have the availability of a principal supervisor.

Which campuses are the subjects taught at?

Criminology and Community Justice subjects are offered at Bankstown, Penrith and Parramatta campuses, while Law subjects are offered at both Campbelltown and Parramatta campuses. Students will be required to travel between campuses in order to complete their core subjects.

Will this degree allow me to practise as a lawyer in NSW?

Yes. Graduates of the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice / Bachelor of Laws are eligible to apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission to legal practice in NSW after undertaking prescribed practical legal training.

What practical experience opportunities are available in this program?

Students can work with the Western Sydney University Justice Clinic, gaining on-the-ground experience in legal drafting, court advocacy, client advising, oral communication, negotiation and mediation. Students can also learn how to present a case in a moot court setting at the Campbelltown and Parramatta campuses. Additionally, students have access to the fourth largest e-law library in NSW, with over 50,000 titles and links to international resources.

Is this degree suitable for people already working in Corrective Services?

Yes, the Bachelor of Criminal and Community Justice degree is specifically designed for current employees within Corrective Services, as well as students who wish to pursue a career in corrections, probation or parole. However, it is important to note that this degree does not guarantee direct employment into Corrections Services.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $120,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $120,000 to $175,000 per year

Career Paths

Graduate Lawyer / Graduate SolicitorSolicitorBarristerIn-House Counsel / Corporate CounselGeneral Counsel

Key Skills

Legal research and case analysisStatutory interpretation and legal reasoningWritten and oral advocacyContract drafting and document preparationCritical thinking and problem-solving

Full Course Overview

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