Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminal Justice

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

1. Demonstrate the cognitive and academic skills, information literacy and attributes necessary to undertake research, comprehend, interpret and evaluate new information, concepts and evidence from a range of sources, and to apply this knowledge to legal and other criminal justice situations
2. Demonstrate the capacity to exercise their own initiative and judgement by analysing complex legal and criminal justice problems, apply problem-solving skills to develop solutions, and communicate these solutions to a variety of audiences.
3. Demonstrate the ability to communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills appropriate for legal and non-legal audiences, in both oral and written form.
4. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of Indigenous culture, experiences, histories and contemporary issues including native title, cultural heritage and collaborative solutions.
5. Demonstrate the ability to interpret and apply domestic and international law in specific contexts.
6. Demonstrate professional skills in traditional aspects of law, including advocacy and alternative dispute resolution, appropriate for regional, rural and remote Australia (RRR).
7. Demonstrate the ability to undertake self-directed and lifelong in a range of environments including online and in the workplace to develop professionally and to thrive in environments of complexity, ambiguity and change.
8. Demonstrate a critical understanding of social justice issues particularly relevant to regional, rural and remote Australia, including social issues, financial constraints, environmental sustainability, and access to justice.
9. Demonstrate professional legal, ethical and personal conduct in the practice of law and criminal justice, including an awareness of ethical obligations and competency.
10. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the nature of international perspectives, as they play out in the legal and criminal justice system.
11. Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills through personal autonomy, well-developed judgement and responsibility, in contexts that require competency and learning.
12. Demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others.

Follow your passion for law and criminal justice and take up diverse careers in the legal and criminal justice sectors with the groundbreaking Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminal Justice double degree from Charles Sturt University.

Equipped with a diverse skill set and specialist expertise, you'll become a change-maker with the ability to make a lasting impact in your community.

Open up a world of opportunity through our Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Criminal Justice. This degree offers you a flexible, streamlined double degree that will equip you with twice the qualifications in less time.

Flexible study

We offer flexible learning in a supported online environment, giving you the opportunity to fit study around work, family and other commitments. You can choose to study just one subject a session or fast-track completion by studying up to four subjects a session. You'll learn with the leader in online teaching, using technologies such as online meetings, webinars and student forums.

Bachelor of Laws

Our three-year Bachelor of Laws is an internationally unique undergraduate law degree. As well as teaching the traditional law curriculum, our Bachelor of Laws incorporates First Nations content, embeds cultural competence and offers a range of specialised regional law topics. You'll be skilled to become a professional who can work at the heart of metropolitan or regional communities, driving advocacy and improving access to legal representation across the country.

Bachelor of Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice equips you with diverse skills as you study a range of subjects, including policing/law enforcement, public safety and security, criminology, sociology, psychology, philosophy, communication and Indigenous studies. Most core subjects include an online intensive school, giving you the opportunity to interact with lecturers and classmates, prepare for assessments, and learn from lawyers, barristers and judges. You can also explore different career paths and choose elective subjects that suit your career plans or current workplace. 

Connect with the legal community

Our staff are highly qualified and experienced legal practitioners, researchers and criminal justice professionals. Many are nationally and internationally recognised for their contributions to their respective fields. Our residential school program also offers contact with leading legal professionals.

Well-rounded skill set

A core element of your law degree involves strengthening your writing, communication and problem-solving skills. Teamed with your studies in cultural competence, these valuable and highly transferable skills will help you stand out among job applicants.

Professional Accreditation

This course is professionally accredited by - Legal Profession Admissions Board of NSW (LPAB).

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

Indicative total fee $84,960

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.

Charles Sturt University is Australia’s most experienced online uni, and has the country’s highest graduate employment rate. From agriculture, arts, healthcare and IT, to business, law, social work and teaching—you’ll get the latest skills in your field, and learn from academics who are connected to industry. Add in 24/7 IT support, scholarships and a vibrant student community, and you can take your next, or first, career step with confidence.

Learn more about CSU.

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QS Ranking 2024:

31

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

37

• Successful completion of 1 year (full time equivalence) of a Bachelor degree or AQF equivalent, OR
• Successful completion of LAW112 and either LAW113 or LAW116 as part of a CSU Bachelor degree or as Single Subject Study.

A completed High School Certificate (or equivalent) with a minimum ATAR required (including adjustment factors)

OR

Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) with a minimum score of 172 following a completed Higher School Certificate and demonstrated paid employment in the legal service field of no less than 2 years (or full time equivalency).

OR

Demonstrated academic/professional achievement for example completion of a Diploma of Conveyancing or Associate Degree in Policing Practice; and paid employment in the legal service field of no less than five years (or full time equivalence), for example a paralegal, Court Officer, Police Officer or Licensed Conveyancer.

• Successful completion of the Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) with a minimum score of 172 following a completed Higher School Certificate and demonstrated paid employment in the legal service field of no less than 2 years (or full time equivalency), OR
• Demonstrated academic/professional achievement for example completion of a Diploma of Conveyancing or Associate Degree in Policing Practice; and paid employment in the legal service field of no less than five years (or full time equivalence), for example a paralegal, Court Officer, Police Officer or Licensed Conveyancer.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit for current competencies will be granted to eligible applicants.

JST321 - Justice Studies Workplace Learning

This subject utilises an integrated workplace learning approach to develop the students' professional knowledge of working in a criminal justice environment whilst expanding on their employability skills and building on their practical experience. The subject is also aimed at developing students' self-reflection and self-monitoring skills to help build their efficacy and confidence in the work place. As part of this subject, students will gain practical experience and apply their academic learning in a professional setting through a 70 hour work placement.

Online students may need to attend an online intensive school for certain subjects. Intensive schools offer virtual lectures, tutorials and practicals to give you a deeper understanding of your subject content.