Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies)

Associate Degree

Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box. This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression.

Key details

Degree Type

Associate Degree

Duration

2 years full-time, 4 years part-time

Course Code

2206351, 016182B

Study Mode

In person, Online

Intake Months

Mar, Jul, Oct

International Fees

$28,000 per year / $56,000 total

ATAR

55

About this course

Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.

This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.

Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.

Study locations

Gold Coast

Online

What you will learn

Apply critical judgement including analysis, reasoning, and appropriate directed research to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
Apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate and creative responses to legal problems in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
Demonstrate an understanding and evaluate issues with reference to principles of social justice and legal ethical frameworks.
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.
Learn and work independently within broad parameters.
Reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance.
Access, manage and evaluate sources of information relevant to legal research and practice.
Communicate appropriately and effectively, both orally and in writing.
Collaborate effectively and constructively with others.
Apply an understanding of Australian Indigenous perspectives to all aspects of legal professional practice.

Career pathways

In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Paralegals perform substantive legal work in legal practices, banks, insurance companies, or other public and private organisations with in-house legal departments. A paralegal's tasks may include legal research, drafting wills, preparing legal arguments, preparing agreements, compiling court documentation, legal record keeping, legal communication and client services.

Students who achieve the required grade point average during or on completion of this degree may apply for admission into the

Bachelor of Laws.

Graduates may also choose to transfer into the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies and graduate with a Bachelor degree after just one additional year of study.

The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) when studied with the Conveyancing major is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW.

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Law & Paralegal Studies courses at Southern Cross University (SCU).

80.5%

Overall satisfaction

79.7%

Skill scale

63.4%

Teaching scale

75.5%

Employed full-time

$65.2k

Average salary

Data source