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University of South Australia

  • 17% international / 83% domestic

Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor (Honours)

With our Law degree ranked No.1 in South Australia1, in the top 100 in the world1, and our research in the area of law recognised as world-class2, you will be learning from experts.

Key details

Degree Type
Bachelor (Honours)
Duration
5 years full-time
Course Code
DHLD, 089093K
Study Mode
In person
Intake Months
Feb, Aug
International Fees
$34,300 per year / $171,500 total
ATAR
90

About this course

With our Law degree ranked No.1 in South Australia1, in the top 100 in the world1, and our research in the area of law recognised as world-class2, you will be learning from experts. Learn from those at the forefront of the legal profession with our teaching staff committed to developing not only your knowledge, but your confidence.

Our innovative combination of smaller class sizes, practice-based learning and courtroom-like facilities deliver a learning experience that takes you beyond the theory of law.

You will graduate with professional honours and an advanced understanding of legal principles, including the opportunity to experience an industry or clinic placement, undertake a law reform project or conduct high level research in your final year. In our Legal Advice Clinic you'll gain valuable experience, solving the legal problems of clients under the guidance of a managing solicitor.

In your arts studies you can benefit from our on-campus facilities including the industry standard digital radio and TV studios, Hartley Playhouse and the Multimedia Languages Lab. Make a positive difference to your life and career prospects, and also the lives of others, via the Hawke Ambassador International Volunteer Experience Program. By volunteering your time and skills with an international non-government organisation (NGO), you can earn credit towards your degree.

Study locations

City West

What you will learn

This degree is made up of 40 courses. You will do 24 courses in law and 16 courses in arts.

Laws (Honours)

From your first few weeks as a law student you'll do practical courses and see what it's like to argue a case and provide legal advice. You'll gain valuable skills that you can apply in reasoning, reporting, analysis, negotiation, communication and advocacy to resolve complex legal problems.

Throughout your degree you will study core courses that teach you the fundamental legal concepts that underpin the Australian legal system. Courses such as torts, contracts, criminal law and constitutional law will give you a good understanding of basic legal principles.

Through practical learning experiences including mooting, negotiation and witness examination, you will be prepared for legal practice upon graduation.

You'll also be able to choose from an industry or clinic placement, a law reform project or high-level research in your final year.

Arts

In this unique arts degree you can select two majors, further developing skills and knowledge in two distinct - but potentially complementary - disciplines. Studying a double major increases your employment prospects. You will also graduate with writing, presentation, digital, communication, research and problem solving skills that can be transferred across a range of roles and are highly regarded by prospective employers.

You will choose your two arts majors from one of these specialisations:

  • Applied Linguistics: develop an in-depth understanding of human language through the integration of theoretical and applied perspectives, with a strong practical, community and industry focus.

  • Creative Writing and Literature: combine critical engagement with literary theory in a complementary exploration of creative writing techniques across a range of genres.

  • Cultural Studies: explore the complex and diverse economic, cultural, social, historical and political legacies that influence modern-day society.

  • English Language*: develop advanced level English skills and gain intercultural expertise to work in a variety of countries and contexts.

  • History and Global Politics: explore the patterns and processes that have shaped our societies over time and help you analyse and predict events in our contemporary world.

  • Languages (French, Italian, Japanese, English as an Additional Language): develop the knowledge and skills to express yourself in a major world language in the context of linguistic and cultural diversity.

  • Performing Arts: engage with theatre studies theory through the exploration of composition techniques across genres (such as songs, plays, cabaret, musical theatre, film scripts, film music, animation music, and music for mass media).

  • Psychology: develop a broad knowledge of psychological science including psychology, mental health, social services and human resources.

  • Screen Studies: develop critical analysis, writing, research, communication and production skills that can be applied to a range of media and professional work within the creative industries.

  • Social Media: develop the skills and knowledge to manage social media in a variety of professional settings.

  • Sociology: develop the skills to identify trends and structures in society as they relate to social problems that emerge from cultural, political and economic change.

Please note: students completing this double degree cannot select Law, Policy and Politics as one of their Arts majors.

Through your choice of electives you can expand your knowledge in an area of professional interest such as health law, sports law, family law and human rights law.

You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.

Career pathways

Careers in law, along with jobs in social welfare, are predicted to increase 12.9% by 20221.

Our quality teaching, focus on developing your practical skills and opportunities to connect with industry beyond the classroom will ensure you graduate career-ready.

You will hold a desired skillset for a diverse range of careers including:

  • Diplomat: an official appointed by a country to conduct diplomacy with one or more other countries or international organisations
  • Foreign correspondent: gathering and analysing events of international importance, and preparing reports for public release
  • Foreign policy adviser: researching issues such as trade, energy and human rights, and providing the government with findings to inform decision-making
  • International environmental lawyer: specialising in legal matters concerning air, land and water; lobbying for balanced regulations regarding pollution and materials handling; working to protect biodiversity, agriculture and ecosystems, and dealing with waste management issues
  • International relations specialist: providing high level policy advice on current legislation and coordinating policy projects of national and international scale
  • Project manager: ensuring projects are delivered on time and according to project plans; managing project team resources; scheduling, preparation and resource forecasting; managing vendors and suppliers; managing budgets
  • Solicitor: commercial solicitor: focusing on business-specific legal practice such as: corporate, contract, competition, communications, commercial property, finance, employment, intellectual property, transport, sports and media lawpersonal solicitor: focusing on areas such as personal injury, family and tort law, criminal litigation, succession and inheritance, residential property, taxation and trusts

You can also consider other legal careers such as lawyer, judge's associate, mediator and more.

Admission to practice

If you wish to seek admission to practice law in South Australia you must satisfy a number of specified course requirements in your degree, followed by the completion of Practical Legal Training.

1Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business, 2017 Occupational Projections.