Undergraduate Certificate in Law

During this course, students will:

1. Build job-ready legal skills: Develop sustained legal arguments, both orally and in writing, and sharpen your legal research, writing and analysis from day one.
2. Gain foundational research and analysis skills: Build introductory skills in legal research, case analysis, and statute analysis.
3. Develop core legal capabilities: Strengthen your skills in statutory interpretation and legal writing, applying them to areas such as negligence, contract formation and Australian Consumer Law.

What is the Undergraduate Certificate in Law?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law is a fully online, four-unit qualification introducing you to the Australian legal system, its institutions and core principles.

You’ll learn how laws are created, interpreted, and applied — while developing essential skills in legal research, writing, and analysis.

Pathway to a Bachelor of Laws

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law includes four foundation law units that align with the Bachelor of Laws.

Students who achieve a minimum 60% average across the four units on their first attempt, and meet all other entry requirements, will be guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Laws. These students will also receive credit for the four units completed in the Undergraduate Certificate in Law.

Who is this course for?

• Aspiring law students: Build Foundational legal knowledge and earn credit toward a Bachelor of Laws before you commit to a longer qualification.
• Career changers: Move toward legal, policy, or justice-sector roles with a recognised starting qualification.
• Working professionals: Strengthen your understanding of law to support roles in government, compliance, or administration.

How you’ll study

• The Undergraduate Certificate in Law runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
• Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week per unit.
• Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
• Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
• 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.

Recommended study pattern

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law consists of 4 units, and will see you undertake the following studies:

• 3 Core units
• 1 Elective unit

Core Units

Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation (LAW10010)

Torts 1 (LAW10014)

Contract Law 1 (LAW10028)

Elective Units

You must complete one (1) of the following:

Criminal Law & Procedure (LAW10015)

Torts 2 (LAW10025)

Legal Writing (LAW10026)

Contract Law 2 (LAW10029)

Award requirements

Successful completion of the course requirements of 4 units as described in the Recommended Study Pattern.

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

Indicative total fee $8,699

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.

Study on your own terms with this forward-thinking university.

It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

15

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

• A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
• 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
• Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score

This course is not available to international students.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.