Course Overview

About This Course

The Bachelor of Laws with Honours is an additional year of study designed for high-achieving law students interested in research and in bolstering their undergraduate law degree. An Honours year offers an opportunity to work on a piece of specialised scholarship that accords with a student's particular interest in law reform. Students are encouraged to take an explicit doctrinal or theoretical position on their topic. It is a thorough preparation for the demands of a career in law, and the basis for a career in academia and research. It may enhance career prospects, be a pathway to a PhD or further study at the postgraduate level. Eligible graduates may be considered for a University Medal. Southern Cross is home to a dynamic and supportive community of legal scholars with a strong interdisciplinary focus in research. Under the supervision of a qualified legal scholar, students will undertake an extensive project and produce an original thesis which may lie in the exploration and deeper understanding of research methodologies, legal theories and legal scholarship, or in the wide gamut of legal practice from family and civil law to criminal and specialist legal practice.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

QLD - Gold Coast Airport Development Park, Bilinga, QueenslandOnlineBILINGA

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Completion of an Australian Bachelor of Laws Degree (AQF level 7) with, unless otherwise approved by the Law Honours Coordinator, a minimum GPA of 5.50 on 20 of the highest 12-credit point law units (or equivalent) that are credited toward the LLB degree
Permission from the Law Honours Coordinator
Applicants are required, subject to approval of the Law Honours Coordinator, to have a research project topic and supervisor who has agreed to supervise the student and project before admission is approved
English language requirements: IELTS Overall Score 6.5 (Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Listening 6.0, Speaking 6.0) — applies to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Studying law prepares graduates as critical thinkers, strong negotiators and complex problem solvers, and therefore for a wide range of careers including practice as barristers or solicitors. Graduates find work in the government sector, community sector and legal aid, academia as well as in courts and tribunals. Law graduates with honours generally have high success rates in finding post-university employment across a range of sectors.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (QLD)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

State Legal Admission Authority

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units5 units

LAWS4005

Law Honours Research and Methodology

Double-weighted unit. Available Dual Term 2.

LAWS4003

Advanced Legal Research and Writing

Available Term 1.

LAWS4004

Advanced Law in Context

Available Term 2.

LAWS4006

Law Honours Thesis I

Double-weighted unit. Available Dual Term 3. Pre-requisite: LAWS4005 Law Honours Research and Methodology.

LAWS4007

Law Honours Thesis II

Double-weighted unit. Available Dual Term 3. Pre-requisite: LAWS4005 Law Honours Research and Methodology.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA do I need to be eligible for the Bachelor of Laws with Honours?

To be eligible for Honours, you must have completed an Australian Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Degree (AQF level 7) with a minimum GPA of 5.50 on 20 of the highest 12-credit point law units (or equivalent) that are credited toward the LLB degree, unless otherwise approved by the Law Honours Coordinator.

Do I need a supervisor before applying for the Honours program?

Yes. Applicants are required to contact a prospective Academic Supervisor to discuss a potential research project before applying. Once the Supervisor has agreed to supervise you and the research project, you must then contact the Law Honours Coordinator to confirm your enrolment. Admission is not approved until a supervisor and research project topic are confirmed.

What classes of Honours can I receive upon completing this degree?

The Bachelor of Laws with Honours may be awarded in the following classes: First Class; Second Class (Division 1); or Second Class (Division 2). Eligible graduates may also be considered for a University Medal.

How many credit points are required to complete the Bachelor of Laws with Honours?

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Laws with Honours, students must complete the equivalent of 8 units (96 credit points).

Can the Bachelor of Laws with Honours lead to further postgraduate study?

Yes. The Bachelor of Laws with Honours may enhance career prospects and serves as a pathway to a PhD or further study at the postgraduate level. The program is designed to develop the research skills necessary to undertake a Doctor of Philosophy or further postgraduate study.

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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