Diploma of Legal 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).

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

• Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions within defined legal settings.

GA2: Creativity

• Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of legal studies.

GA3: Ethical practice

• Apply ethical and sustainable values and practices within defined legal study contexts.

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

• Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills within defined contexts in the field of legal studies.
• Exercise judgement to identify problems and contribute to their solutions within defined legal settings.

GA5: Lifelong learning

• Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning and work within defined legal settings.

GA6: Communication and social skills

• Apply academic knowledge and skills to communicate information, concepts, and solutions, individually and/or in a team within defined legal settings.

GA7: Cultural competence

• Demonstrate an awareness of diverse cultural perspectives within defined contexts in the field of legal studies.

The Diploma of Legal Studies is a pathway course that will equip you with foundational knowledge and skills in the areas of legal and justice studies.

You will gain skills in legal research and writing while furthering your understanding of the Australian legal system, criminal process, family law, contract law and ethics.

This course is offered through SCU College, where we understand that students have diverse experiences and ways of learning. At SCU College, we support your success through carefully designed curriculum with embedded support, and additional support material is available through self-access online resources.

Graduates can also use the Diploma as an entry pathway into the Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies) and Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies, providing up to eight (8) units of credit towards these courses.

Award requirements

To be eligible to receive the Diploma of Legal Studies, students must complete 8 units (96 credit points), comprising: 8 core units (96 credit points).

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

Indicative total fee $16,992

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

30

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

35

ATAR of 45 or equivalent.

Language requirements

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

Category Score

• Overall 5.5
• Writing minimum 5.5
• Reading minimum 5.0
• Speaking minimum 5.0
• Listening minimum 5.0.

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.