Diploma of Legal Studies

Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:

1. Analyse and interpret legal materials to identify and assess legal problems.
2. Prepare basic legal advice to achieve solutions appropriate to local and transnational contexts.
3. Work collaboratively and independently to inform the resolution of legal and ethical issues that incorporate diverse perspectives.
4. Implement legal research strategies utilising a variety of digital and other resources to inform legal arguments and advice.
5. Articulate persuasive arguments, in written and spoken form, to a range of audiences.

Higher education via OUA

Successful completion of one OUA open access subject of study at the equivalent AQF level, unless otherwise specified.

Higher education

• Partially completed an undergraduate program at Diploma level or higher (or equivalent). Applicants must have completed at least one subject of study (equivalent to 12.5 UTAS credit points). If an applicant has failed any subjects the application may be subject to further review before an offer is made; or
• Completed the UTAS University Preparation Program (or an equivalent qualification offered by an Australian University).

Secondary education

This course uses ATAR and equivalent ranks as part of the admission process. In 2024, the minimum ATAR required is 50.

Applicants who have recently completed senior secondary studies but have not received an ATAR may still be eligible for admission. We will consider your individual subject results on a case-by-case basis when we assess your application.

VET studies

Successful completion of Certificate IV (or equivalent) in any discipline.

Work and Life

If you have not successfully completed senior secondary, tertiary or TAFE/VET study, but have relevant work and life experience you can complete a personal competency statement. You may be eligible for an offer if you have work and life experiences that demonstrate a capacity to succeed in this program.

The University of Tasmania grants credit and recognition of prior learning that may include formal and/or informal prior learning. More information is available here.

The Diploma of Legal Studies gives you an understanding of the legal system and approaches to legal problem-solving, coupled with the development of legal reasoning, research and communication skills. This understanding and skill-set is valuable across the span of many work and other endeavours, and the Diploma is designed to give you a breadth of exposure in both knowledge and skills development. This includes engaging with legal problems from ethical, social, international and practice perspectives, with scope to choose elective subjects that pique your interests or suit work contexts. 

The assessable tasks are designed to assist you in learning how to work independently and collaboratively, which means you will acquire valued self-management, people and teamwork skills.

Recommended Study Pattern

For students undertaking full-time study the following study pattern is recommended:

Completion of 8 core subjects from the schedule below:

• TAS-LAW102 International Law
• TAS-LAW107 Foundations of Law
• TAS-LAW108 Legal Reasoning and Technological Change
• TAS-LAW181 Ethics, Social Responsibility and the Law

Choose 4 (four) subjects from the schedule below.

• TAS-HGA107 Crime and Criminal Justice
• TAS-HGA108 Crime and Society
• TAS-HIR101 Introduction to International Relations
• TAS-LAW106 Torts
• TAS-LAW182 Indigenous Peoples and the Law
• TAS-LAW185 Law and Social Change
• TAS-LAW191 Law of the Oceans and the Antarctic
• TAS-LAW195 Current Issues in Environmental Law and Policy

Award Requirements

Satisfactory completion of 8 subjects, as required in the schedule, within 1-3 years from commencement.