Bachelor of Legal and Justice 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. Apply critical judgement including analysis, reasoning, and appropriate directed research to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional social and political contexts.
2. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics.
3. Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and political contexts.
4. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks.
6. Understanding the relationship between law and sustainability.
7. Apply these skills to a broad and diverse range of legal topics
8. Demonstrate an understanding of a broad and coherent body of knowledge relating to the paralegal, professional and social contexts of the fundamental areas of law, the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts.
9. Learn and work independently within broad parameters.
10. Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance.
11. Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal issues in social and political contexts.
12. Communicate appropriately and effectively, both orally and in writing.
13. Collaborate effectively and constructively with others.
14. Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.

In the fight for justice, you need knowledge, integrity and perseverance. This degree embraces all these qualities as you learn how the law works, why specific laws exist, and how our laws impact on others.

The Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies is an excellent degree for those wanting to work in policy development, paralegal positions, conveyancing, and in the justice sector. It provides a thorough practical grounding in legal knowledge and a strong understanding of Australian and international politics and society. If you have already been working professionally in the fields of law and justice, this course will extend your knowledge, skills and expertise. The conveyancing major, which is accredited by New South Wales Fair Trading, enables you to become a licenced conveyancer in NSW.

Our graduates can envisage career roles across the justice and social policy sector, as well as the public service. Students who want to become lawyers may apply for admission to the Bachelor of Laws during or at the completion of their studies.

Recommended study pattern

TBA

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies students must complete the equivalent of 24 units (288 credit points), comprising:

• 12 core units (144 credit points),
• the Conveyancing Major (96 credit points) and 4 Law electives (48 credit points), or
• 10 Law electives (120 credit points) and 2 Law or University-wide electives (24 credit points), or
• 4 Law electives (48 credit points) and a Shared Major (96 credit points), excluding the Law and Justice Major.

Exit points

Students may be eligible to exit with an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) after completing the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising 8 core units and 8 elective or major units.

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

Indicative total fee $43,800

The amount shown here is 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.

Learn more about SCU.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR: 60 or equivalent

If your ATAR is not high enough for the course you desire, you can complete one of our fee-free pathway programs – Preparing for Success Program (three-month course) or Transition to Uni (six-week intensive course over summer). These provide excellent preparation for university, equipping you with the academic and study skills you need to succeed. 

If you successfully complete a pathway course – delivered through SCU College – you may then apply for entry to a range of Bachelor degrees.

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:

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

Candidates who have completed an Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) may be granted advanced standing for up to sixteen (16) units towards the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies.

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.

Students can 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.