You can still enrol for classes starting in July
This subject is accepting enrolments until 1 Aug
Legal History
UndergraduateUND-LAWS10202025
Enrol today with instant approval and no entry requirements
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 13 weeks
- Start dates
- 21 July 2025
- Price from
- $2,280
- Upfront cost
- $0
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Legal History
About this subject
On completion of this subject, the student should be able to:
Explain the historical foundations of the current legal system
Describe fundamental elements of Australia’s current legal system within its historical context
Critically discuss the origins of English law upon which the Australian system is based
Use relevant legal and historical research resources appropriately and effectively
Critically appraise historical factors that have impacted on the development of law in Australia
- The common law and equity
- The contribution of Christianity in general to the development of the law
- Legal aspects of the British settlement of Australia
- History of Australia’s legal system
The aim of this subject is to give the student an appreciation of the sources and development of the common law, equity and our legal institutions. The way in which the law has developed as society has changed and has adapted to differing demands and circumstances provides the key to a proper understanding of the law in its modern environment. It will trace the development of legal ideas and disciplines from English history around 1066 to modern day Australia. Historical development of the law will be examined through such topics as the on-going relationship between the common law and equity, the contribution of Christianity in general to the development of the law and the legal aspects of British settlement of Australia, Legal History gives us an insight into how and why our legal system today is what it is. It gives us the opportunity to trace our origins and developments to obtain a better understanding of what the legal profession is and how we are a part of it.
- Class Presentation (10%)
- Research Essay (30%)
- Examination. (60%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
The University of Notre Dame Australia is committed to delivering an excellent student experience, alongside a high standard of teaching, research, and training. As a leader in ethical education, Notre Dame aims to develop students’ critical reasoning and their ability to make ethical decisions—crucial skills to progressing their careers and leading purposeful lives. At Notre Dame, students navigate their future with an ethical education online.
Learn more about UNDA.
Explore UNDA courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 38
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
Why study a single subject?
Bite sized study
Try studying a particular area to see if online study suits you, or upskill in just a few months with a single subject that you’re interested in.
Pursue a dream
With thousands of single subjects to choose from, you can find topics that get you on the path to your higher education goals fast.
Gain Uni credit
Most single subjects are part of a full degree. That means if you’re keen to keep learning, you can gain credit for the subjects you’ve successfully completed.
Single subject FAQs
What’s a single subject?
Single subjects are the individual components that make up a degree. With Open Universities Australia, you’re able to study many of them as stand-alone subjects, including postgraduate single subjects, without having to commit to a degree.
Each of your subjects will be held over the course of a study term, and they’ll usually require 10 to 12 hours of study each week. Subjects are identified by a title and a code, for example, Developmental Psychology, PSY20007.
How can I use single subjects to get into a full degree?
First, find the degree that you would like to study on our website.
If that degree allows entry via undergraduate subjects, there will be information about this under the Entry Requirements section. You will find a list of 2-4 open enrolment subjects you need to successfully complete to qualify for admission into that qualification.
Once you pass those subjects, you will satisfy the academic requirements for the degree, and you can apply for entry.
Our student advisors are here to help you take that next step, so don’t hesitate to reach out when you’re ready! We’ve also made it easier to figure out the right way to get started on our pathways page.
Can anyone help me choose a subject?
Our student advisors are more than happy to help you plan your online study. Get in touch with an advisor by:
How do I pay for my subjects?
You can pay up front with your credit card, or you may be eligible for a HELP loan from the Australian government depending on your citizenship status and where you’ll live during your studies.
For more information about how to pay for your studies visit our fees page or contact a student advisor.
How do I enrol?
When you’ve made your choice, click ‘Enrol now’ on the relevant course page and follow the prompts to begin your enrolment. We’ll ask you to supply some supporting documentation, including proof of your identity, your tax file number, and a unique student identifier (USI) during this process.
Your university will get in touch with you via email to confirm whether or not your application has been successful.
If you get stuck at any time, reach out to us and we’ll talk you through it.
You can also take a look at our online self-service enrolling instructions.
When is the cut-off date for enrolling?
Close of enrolment times vary between universities and subjects. You can check the cut-off dates for upcoming study terms by visiting key dates.