Bachelor of Laws (4 Years)

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Why study the Bachelor of Laws (4 Years) at UNE?

The University of New England offers a flexible approach to the study of law. UNE boasts one of Australia's largest law schools outside a capital city, as well as being an early adopter of innovative technology in the delivery of its law programs. The Bachelor of Laws (4 year) is designed for people who are new to university study or to the study of law, including school leavers or people who want to change careers or get a qualification.

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admission Board of NSW for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and mutual recognition legislation extends admission to other Australian jurisdictions. After completion of academic qualifications in law, there are a range of employment options from which to choose. Graduates who wish to be admitted to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal practitioner anywhere in Australia will also have to undertake a course of professional legal training (PLT). This can consist of approximately half a year's full-time training undertaken internally or externally, or of equivalent part-time training. In some jurisdictions, it may be possible to do articles of clerkship instead. Because the system adopted varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, enquiries should be made to the admission authority in the state or territory in which you intend to practice; this is usually a committee of the Supreme Court of that State or Territory or a special body set up to administer admissions to the legal profession. Additional information can be found on the School of Law page.

To qualify for the award of the degree with Honours, students must have successfully completed the Honours Pathway made up of LAW490 and LLM500. There are three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours. Honours result will be calculated as follows: 60% LAW490 plus 40% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admission Board (LPAB) of NSW. Upon completion of the LLB, graduates may complete a period of practical legal training and be qualified to apply for admission as an Australian Lawyer. After admission you are then eligible to apply for a practising certificate as a solicitor from the Law Society of NSW or undertake further studies to obtain a practising certificate as a barrister from the Bar Association of NSW.

Additionally, a law degree is relevant to a large range of careers including: working in legal aid agencies, advocacy organisations, commercial firms, government departments, banking, commerce, management and a wide range of businesses.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

4 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

2015 ATAR / OP

84.40 / 8

2016 STUDY OPTIONS

Armidale

Trimester 1, Off Campus
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Off Campus
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Off Campus

Official Abbreviation

LLB

Course Type

Undergraduate

CRICOS Code

069338D

Commencing

Location	Admission Period	Mode of Study
Armidale	Trimester 1	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 1	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	Off Campus
Armidale	Trimester 2	On Campus
Armidale	Trimester 3	Off Campus

Course Duration

4 Years Full-time
Up to 10 years Part-time

2015 ATAR

84.40

2015 OP

Fees

CSP / International

Total Credit Points

192

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in the Elective Units component of this course. There are no mandatory intensive schools in the Bachelor of Laws Core or Listed Units component of this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures; or

(b) have at least four years' of relevant documented paid employment within the last seven years*; or

(c) hold the AQF Level 5 Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) and the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Public Safety (Police Prosecution) obtained through the Victoria Police Department under the Articulation Program.

*Relevant employment includes: professional administration, law practice, court house, police officer, government departments, or related area as approved by the Course Coordinator.

Applicants applying under Rule (b) must submit:

(i) Two referee reports from employers or senior colleagues (on employer's letter or company letterhead); and

(ii) A resume.

Assumed knowledge in English.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) and (b) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted 72 credit point of Block and Unspecified Advanced Standing according to the program of study under the Articulation Program.

It is not possible to award advanced standing to law units on the basis of work experience due to professional accreditation rules or to studies that were completed in a course other than one leading to admission as a legal practitioner or to a unit that is not listed in a course leading to admission as a legal practitioner.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Ultramarine (BCC 148)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Laws (4 Years) in 2016.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures; or
(b) have at least four years' of relevant documented paid employment within the last seven years*; or
(c) hold the AQF Level 5 Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) and the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Public Safety (Police Prosecution) obtained through the Victoria Police Department under the Articulation Program.

*Relevant employment includes: professional administration, law practice, court house, police officer, government departments, or related area as approved by the Course Coordinator.
Applicants applying under rule (b) must submit:
(i) Two referee reports from employers or senior colleagues (on employer's letter or company letterhead); and
(ii) A resume.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) and (b) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted 72 credit points of Block and Unspecified Advanced Standing according to the program of study under the Articulation Program.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) four years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to ten years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

(a) To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level.

(b) To qualify for the award with Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 192 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100 level; at least 36 credit points at 300 level; and at least 36 credit points at 400 level or higher including LAW490 and LLM500.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure	Credit Points
Core Units	108 cps
Listed Units OR Honours	18-36 cps OR 0-18 cps
Elective Units	48 cps
Total	192 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Laws (4 Years).

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the Bachelor of Laws may be eligible to exit with the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies on completion of 72 credit points of law units (LAW, LS or LLM).

Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Laws. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Articulation Program

This program is articulated with the AQF Level 5 Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) and the AQF Level 8 Graduate Certificate in Public Safety (Police Prosecution) through the Victoria Police Department. Candidates are granted Block and Unspecified Advanced Standing of 72 credit points and must pass units to the value of 120 credit points.

To view complete Program of Study click here

Pathway to Honours

Students may be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours on the basis of an academic record including the Honours stream deemed by the Head of School to be of sufficient merit. To be admitted to the Honours stream candidates must have completed 72 credit points of law units at UNE with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better.

Where students have completed 72 credit points of law units with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better, but not all units have been completed at UNE, with the exception of LAW400, LAW455, LAW480, then the students may be admitted to the Honours stream at the discretion of the Head of School.

Award of Honours

To qualify for the award of the degree with Honours, candidates must have successfully completed the Honours stream made up of LAW490 and LLM500.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours. Honours result will be calculated as follows: 33.33% LAW490 plus 66.67% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
An exceptionally distinguished student who has been awarded First Class Honours with a GPA of 6.5 or above in Law units may be awarded a University Medal.

Quality in Bachelor Honours Degrees

All students as well as all individuals undertaking a supervisory role for bachelor honours students will be familiar with the responsibilities associated with research supervisors and students, the research examination procedures and procedures for handling any difficulties that might arise during supervision, and the consequences of failing in their obligations. These responsibilities are outlined in School of Law Honours Handbook and available on the School website.

Appointment of Supervisor

In negotiation with the coordinator, students are appointed a research supervisor who is an academic member of the School of Law that can appropriately supervise the topic chosen by the student. Students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly and continue these meetings, where appropriate, for the duration of the unit. Although it is expected that the frequency of the meetings will tend to follow the outlined Formative Assessment Milestones e.g., submitting a proposed topic, research proposal, draft chapters and oral presentation. Meetings may be in person, online, videoconference or telephone conference. From time to time students may be requested to attend supervision meetings in person.

Thesis

(a) In order to complete LAW490, the student shall submit a thesis, embodying an independent investigation on a topic approved by the course coordinator, in a form approved by the course coordinator. The results of the student's work shall make a sound contribution to the discipline of law.
(b) Depending on the topic under investigation, the approval of the relevant Ethics Committee must be sought if required.
(c) Except with the permission of the course coordinator, on the recommendation of the supervisor, the thesis shall not exceed 10,000 words of text, excluding appendices.
(d) Students will be required to enrol in and complete the year long thesis LAW490.

Submission of Thesis

(a) The submission and presentation of the thesis must follow the guidelines set out in the Essential Guide for Studying Law.
(b) Students must comply with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. The student may not present, as the thesis, any work that has been the basis of the award of a degree at this or another university.

Examination of Thesis

(a) The thesis is examined by two internal examiners. The examiners are selected by the unit coordinator, who will take the recommendation of the supervisor into account.
(b) The thesis supervisor shall not be one of the internal examiners.
(c) The names of the examiners will not be released to the student until after the examination process is complete and may be withheld at the request of the examiners.
(d) Examiners are normally expected to complete and return their report to the unit coordinator within FOUR (4) weeks of the thesis being delivered.
(e) The examiners may write a joint report or separate reports and are expected to recommend that the thesis (LAW490) be given a percentage mark.
(f) If the examiners are unable to reach an agreement, the unit coordinator will appoint an additional examiner to review the reports and recommendations. The unit coordinator will then recommend a percentage mark, taking into account the examiners’ reports.
(g) The unit coordinator will make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners regarding the percentage grade to be awarded for the thesis.
(h) The unit coordinator will advise the supervisor of the recommended percentage grade and provide them with a copy of the examiners' report(s). If the supervisor disputes this outcome, the supervisor should provide a report to the Board of Examiners outlining the reason for the dispute and their own recommended percentage grade.
(i) The Board of Examiners will make the final determination as to the outcome of the examination of the thesis, based on the recommendation of the examiners or, where the examiners had not been able to reach agreement, the unit coordinator.

Honours Result

Honours grades will be awarded in accordance with the University assessment policy.
Honours result will be calculated as follows: 60% for LAW490 plus 40% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours.

Suspensions and Extensions

The school may grant an extension or suspension of candidature, or a combination of both, to full-time candidates for up to three months or to part-time candidates for up to 6 months as follows:
(a) to compensate by way of extension of candidature, a candidate for time lost by ill-health or unforeseeable and unavoidable difficulties; or
(b) to compensate by way of suspension of candidature, a candidate who produces evidence that he/she shall not be in a position to pursue work towards the Honours thesis unit, LAW490.

Re-enrolment

A student, who has previously withdrawn from enrolment in the honours program, must meet the admission requirements at the time of an application for re-enrolment.

Transfer from another Award

Students in another award may apply for admission into this course on successful completion of at least 6 units of study with a minimum GPA of 4.5.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism Rules and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism Rules - Plagiarism Investigation and Penalty Guidelines.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Laws aims to graduate students who can demonstrate:

1. understanding and knowledge of Australian law and awareness of indigenous, international and theoretical perspectives;

2. competence in using legal research and analytical skills that equip them to work in the legal profession or in a broad range of law related occupations;

3. the ability to take a strategic approach to problem solving by applying critical and innovative thinking to complex legal issues and situations;

4. competence in oral and written communication;

5. the ability to work independently and in groups; and

6. professional judgment and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with having completed a law degree.

7. LLB with Honours students: a comprehensive understanding of theoretical, comparative or interdisciplinary research to examine law's effect on society and the effectiveness of the Australian Legal System; and

8. the non-law component of this course aims to equip students with additional knowledge and skills drawn from a broad range of units offered by the different disciplines from across the University. Studying law in conjunction with units from other disciplines provides students with the opportunity to consider topics and issues from an interdisciplinary perspective and may well enhance the employment opportunities of the students.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

LLB students: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues;
communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing;
demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political, and social perspectives;
demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated;
demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge;
demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses;
demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts;
demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved; and
demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's eaffect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform.
LLB with Honours students: will also conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach;
will also develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and
will also produce a written dissertation that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline

LLB students: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practised and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, law units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis.

Communication Skills

LLB students: Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts. LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research.

Problem Solving

LLB students: This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects. LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions.

Information Literacy

LLB students: Students will be required to identify, access and navigate complex databases to retrieve primary and secondary material. This requires them to obtain a high level of information literacy. Students will also be required to critically evaluate this information to complete assessment tasks. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society.

Lifelong Learning

This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline.

Independence and Collaboration

Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.