Associate Degree of 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 (GA):

1. GA1: Intellectual rigour: Apply legal 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. GA2: Creativity: Identify and examine how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts.
3. GA3: Ethical practice: Identify and examine how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts.
4. GA4: Knowledge of a discipline: Apply legal 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. GA5: Lifelong learning: Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams.
6. GA6: Communication and social skills: Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams.
7. GA7: Cultural competence: Identify and examine 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: 

• Legal Research and Writing
• Legal Process
• Criminal Procedure
• 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).

Choose your subjects

Majors

This course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in conveyancing.

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Indicative total fee $36,048

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.

Revolutionary learning for strong employment outcomes

At Southern Cross University, online study is designed to fit around your life without compromising on quality. Through the Southern Cross Model, you learn in focused six-week terms, usually studying one or two units at a time.

This immersive approach helps you stay motivated, build momentum and balance study with work, family and other commitments.

You'll be supported by innovative teaching, practical learning experiences and a university community committed to your success - whether you're interested in business, education, healthcare, law, engineering, IT, science or other career-focused study areas.

Your flexible online study comes with the support, connections and confidence to help you achieve your goals and take the next step in your career.

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ATAR: 55 or equivalent.

Southern Cross Uni's Early Offer program also allows Year 12 students to secure a place in most Southern Cross University undergraduate degrees before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results. Excludes Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (Honours). 

English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows. Don’t meet the English language requirements? View our English language programs.

• Overall: 6.0
• Reading: minimum 5.5
• Writing minimum 5.5
• Listening: minimum 5.5
• Speaking: minimum 5.5.

Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.

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.