Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies)

Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
2. Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts.
3. Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts.
4. Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
5. Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams.
6. Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams.
7. Develop the ability to recognise and reflect on Australian indigenous perspectives in law, justice and the legal environment.

Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.

This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.

Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.

Recommended study pattern

As a guide, core subjects in this degree can include: 

• Australian Legal System

• Criminal Process

• Legal Research and Writing

• Interviewing, Negotiation and Ethics

As part of your application, you’ll be guided through how to get the right degree structure in place for you.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:

• 8 core units (96 credit points); and
• Conveyancing Major (96 credit points); or
• 6 Law electives (72 credit points) and 2 Law or University-wide electives (24 credit points).

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $33,984

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Southern Cross University believes in the power of change. Their graduates stride the global stage at the frontline of healthcare, transforming education in the classroom, and tackling the world’s wicked problems with scientific and engineering solutions. Students enjoy award winning support, teaching quality, and online delivery. Ranked among the best for many years, they will help you make the change you seek to transform your tomorrow.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 55 or equivalent.

Applicants or students that can provide supporting documents to verify they already know, understand and can perform the learning outcomes for one or more units within a Southern Cross course, are eligible to have their prior learning assessed for credit by submitting an application for Advanced Standing. 

You may undertake voluntary legal experience and para-professional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.

Some elective units, when studied online, require students to attend on-campus workshops.