Diploma in Legal Studies

Our Diploma in Legal Studies is a one-year pathway program. If you don't have a competitive ATAR or LSAT to enter the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), you can apply for the Diploma in Legal Studies and study the same courses as the first year of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

When you successfully complete the Diploma in Legal Studies, you'll get credit for the first year of your Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree.

Build a strong foundation in how the law works and how laws change over time as society evolves. Investigate and analyse laws, regulations and court rulings to understand how they apply in different situations.

Research past decisions to learn how precedent works and how you can use it to build a strong supporting argument. Debate landmark cases to examine different viewpoints and explore emerging areas of law, such as responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and First Nations knowledges.

What you'll learn

You'll choose key law courses in:

• How law works

• Ethics and the future of law

• Law, government and community

• Business and the law

• Contract

• Torts.

You'll be introduced to different legal systems, the sources of law and the role of the courts. Discuss how laws are proposed, debated and passed by legislative bodies. Discover how legal rules are enforced by different institutions, and the way that laws influence social order, public welfare and individual behaviour.

Reflect on concepts such as justice, equity and the rule of law. What would happen if laws didn't apply to everyone in the same way, and some people were treated differently before the law? Become familiar with the structure and hierarchy of courts. Learn the process of how cases are brought to court, from filing a case to reaching a verdict.

Explore the fundamental principles of reasoning and their application in real-world situations. Challenge the assumptions of your own cultural background and how that has shaped your perspective and experiences. Argue the case with ethical professional behaviour and standards.

In the Diploma in Legal Studies, you'll build the skills to identify opportunities, propose sustainable solutions and drive positive change.