Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws

Why study the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws at UNE?

This double degree provides students with the opportunity to combine their study of law with an area of interest drawn from a wide variety of the arts, humanities and social sciences. It thereby gives students a larger variety of career options. Studying law in conjunction with another discipline gives you the potential to take an interdisciplinary approach in both your studies and in your future employment.

Students can study an arts major or extended major of their choice. The degree combines excellent communication and analytical skills with a solid foundation in law and has been developed in response to increasing student demand and employer preference for recruitment of double degree graduates.

The University of New England delivers a flexible approach to the study of law. UNE boasts one of Australia's largest law schools outside a capital city, as well as being an early adopter of innovative technology in the delivery of its law programs.

Arts component: Students who have successfully completed the Bachelor of Arts may, on the recommendation of the head of school concerned, continue to an honours year. The honours program shall include advanced coursework and a dissertation.

Law component: There are a range of employment options from which to choose. Graduates who wish to be admitted to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal practitioner anywhere in Australia will also have to undertake a course of professional legal training (PLT). This can consist of approximately half a year's full-time training, undertaken internally or externally, or of equivalent part-time training. In some jurisdictions, it may be possible to do articles of clerkship instead. Because the system adopted varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, enquiries should be made to the admission authority in the state or territory in which you intend to practice; this is usually a committee of the Supreme Court of that State or Territory or a special body set up to administer admissions to the legal profession. Additional information can be found on the School of Law page.

Students who complete the Honours Pathway may be awarded the Bachelor of Laws with Honours. To be admitted to the Honours stream, candidates must have completed 72 credit points of law units at UNE with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better.

Career Opportunities

A Bachelor of Arts component is, in many ways, the most valuable degree of all. This is because Arts graduates are not as restricted in what they can undertake relative to those with highly specialised degrees. Examples of career paths include management, public relations, foreign affairs, education, business, human resources, research, psychology and archaeology. The employability of Arts graduates is a reflection of the skills they acquire during their study and this is becoming widely acknowledged.

The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW. Upon completion of the LLB, graduates may complete a period of practical legal training and be qualified to apply for admission as an Australian Lawyer. After admission you are then eligible to apply for a practising certificate as a solicitor from the Law Society of NSW or undertake further studies to obtain a practising certificate as a barrister from the Bar Association of NSW.

At the completion of the five years you will have a range of employment options from which to choose.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

5 Years Full-time
Up to 12 years Part-time

FEES

CSP
International

Guaranteed ATAR Selection Rank

84.40

2019 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 1, Online
Trimester 1, On Campus
Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation BA/LLB
Course Type Undergraduate
CRICOS Code 016020J
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 1 Online
Armidale Trimester 1 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 12 years Part-time
Guaranteed ATAR Selection Rank 84.40
Fees CSP / International
For fee information, click here
Total Credit Points 240
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in the Bachelor of Arts component of this course. There are no mandatory intensive schools in the Bachelor of Laws component of this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall:

(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); or

(b) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Arts from UNE; or

(c) hold an AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Arts from UNE.

Assumed knowledge is any two units of English.

Recommended studies: Mathematics.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing based on their Admission to Candidature.

Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 72 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing based on their Admission to Candidature.

It is not possible to award advanced standing to law units on the basis of work experience due to professional accreditation rules or to studies that were completed in a course other than one leading to admission as a legal practitioner or to a unit that is not listed in a course leading to admission as a legal practitioner.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

White (BCC 1) and Ultramarine (BCC 148)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws in 2019.

Admission to Candidature

A candidate shall:
(a) be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures); or
(b) hold an AQF Level 5 Diploma in Arts from UNE; or
(c) hold an AQF Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Arts from UNE.

Advanced Standing

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.
Candidates admitted under Rule (b) shall be granted a maximum of 48 credit points of Specified or Unspecified Advanced Standing based on their Admission to Candidature.
Candidates admitted under Rule (c) shall be granted a maximum of 72 credit points of Specified of Unspecified Advanced Standing based on their Admission to Candidature.

It is not possible to award advanced standing on the basis of work experience due to professional accreditation rules or to studies that were completed in a course other than one leading to admission as a legal practitioner or to a unit that is not listed in a course leading to admission as a legal practitioner.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) five years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to twelve years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the two awards a candidate must pass units to the value of 240 credit points comprising:
Bachelor of Arts component: 96 credit points including 12 credit points of Core Units and either one Minor and one Major, or one Extended Major. The Bachelor of Arts component shall include not more than 36 credit points at 100-level, at least 36 credit points at 300-level and not more than 12 credit points at 400-level.
To continue in the course a candidate must successfully complete 12 credit points of Core Units in the Arts component within the first 48 credit points of attempted units, excluding advanced standing. Candidates who fail to meet this course progression requirement will be asked to show cause as to why they should not have conditions placed on their continued enrolment or be discontinued from the course; and
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level or higher.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points Credit Points
Bachelor of Arts component: 96 cps
Core Units 12 cps
ONE Minor and ONE Major
OR
ONE Extended Major
72 or 84 cps
OR
72 cps
Elective Units
The number of credit points will vary depending on whether candidates undertake ONE Minor and ONE Major, or ONE Extended Major
0 or 12 cps
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 cps
Core Units 108 cps
Listed Units
OR
Honours
18-36 cps
OR
0-18 cps
Total 240 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Approved Majors

Bachelor of Arts component:
Ancient History
Archaeology
Australian History
Chinese
Classical Languages
Criminology
English
French
German
History
Human Geography
Indigenous Studies
Indonesian
International History
Islamic Studies
Italian
Japanese
Linguistics
Music
Peace Studies
Philosophy
Physical Geography
Political and International Studies
Psychology
Screen and Media Studies
Sociology
Spanish
Studies in Religion
Theatre and Performance
Writing

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Laws.

Pathway to Honours

Students may be awarded the degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours on the basis of an academic record including the Honours stream deemed by the School to be of sufficient merit. To be admitted to the Honours stream candidates must have completed 72 credit points towards the degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better.

Where students have completed 72 credit points of law units with a grade point average (GPA) of 5.5 or better, but not all units have been completed at UNE, with the exception of LAW400, LAW455, LAW480 then the student may be admitted to the Honours stream at the discretion of the Head of School.

Award of Honours

To qualify for the award of the degree with Honours, candidates must have successfully completed the Honours stream made up of LAW490 and LLM500.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours. Honours result will be calculated as follows: 33.3% LAW490 plus 66.67% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
An exceptionally distinguished student who has been awarded First Class Honours with a GPA of 6.5 or above in Law units may be awarded a University Medal.

Quality in Bachelor Honours Degrees

All students as well as all individuals undertaking a supervisory role for bachelor honours students will be familiar with the responsibilities associated with research supervisors and students, the research examination procedures and procedures for handling any difficulties that might arise during supervision, and the consequences of failing in their obligations. These responsibilities are outlined in School of Law Honours Handbook and available on the School website.

Appointment of Supervisor

In negotiation with the coordinator, students are appointed a research supervisor who is an academic member of the School of Law that can appropriately supervise the topic chosen by the student. Students are encouraged to meet with their supervisor regularly and continue these meetings, where appropriate, for the duration of the unit. Although it is expected that the frequency of the meetings will tend to follow the outlined Formative Assessment Milestones e.g., submitting a proposed topic, research proposal, draft chapters and oral presentation. Meetings may be in person, online, videoconference or telephone conference. From time to time students may be requested to attend supervision meetings in person.

Thesis

(a) In order to complete LAW490, the student shall submit a thesis, embodying an independent investigation on a topic approved by the course coordinator, in a form approved by the course coordinator. The results of the student's work shall make a sound contribution to the discipline of law.
(b) Depending on the topic under investigation, the approval of the relevant Ethics Committee must be sought if required.
(c) Except with the permission of the course coordinator, on the recommendation of the supervisor, the thesis shall not exceed 10,000 words of text, excluding appendices.
(d) Students will be required to enrol in and complete the year long thesis LAW490.

Submission of Thesis

(a) The submission and presentation of the thesis must follow the guidelines set out in the Essential Guide for Studying Law.
(b) Students must comply with the Australian Guide to Legal Citation. The student may not present, as the thesis, any work that has been the basis of the award of a degree at this or another university.

Examination of Thesis

(a) The thesis is examined by two internal examiners. The examiners are selected by the unit coordinator, who will take the recommendation of the supervisor into account.
(b) The thesis supervisor shall not be one of the internal examiners.
(c) The names of the examiners will not be released to the student until after the examination process is complete and may be withheld at the request of the examiners.
(d) Examiners are normally expected to complete and return their report to the unit coordinator within FOUR (4) weeks of the thesis being delivered.
(e) The examiners may write a joint report or separate reports and are expected to recommend that the thesis (LAW490) be given a percentage mark.
(f) If the examiners are unable to reach an agreement, the unit coordinator will appoint an additional examiner to review the reports and recommendations. The unit coordinator will then recommend a percentage mark, taking into account the examiners’ reports.
(g) The unit coordinator will make a recommendation to the Board of Examiners regarding the percentage grade to be awarded for the thesis.
(h) The unit coordinator will advise the supervisor of the recommended percentage grade and provide them with a copy of the examiners' report(s). If the supervisor disputes this outcome, the supervisor should provide a report to the Board of Examiners outlining the reason for the dispute and their own recommended percentage grade.
(i) The Board of Examiners will make the final determination as to the outcome of the examination of the thesis, based on the recommendation of the examiners or, where the examiners had not been able to reach agreement, the unit coordinator.

Honours Result

Honours grades will be awarded in accordance with the University assessment policy.
Honours result will be calculated as follows: 60% for LAW490 plus 40% of the GPA of LLM500, LAW400, LAW480, LAW455.
There will be three levels of Honours: First Class Honours, Second Class Honours and Third Class Honours.

Suspensions and Extensions

The school may grant an extension or suspension of candidature, or a combination of both, to full-time candidates for up to three months or to part-time candidates for up to 6 months as follows:
(a) to compensate by way of extension of candidature, a candidate for time lost by ill-health or unforeseeable and unavoidable difficulties; or
(b) to compensate by way of suspension of candidature, a candidate who produces evidence that he/she shall not be in a position to pursue work towards the Honours thesis unit, LAW490.

Re-enrolment

A student, who has previously withdrawn from enrolment in the honours program, must meet the admission requirements at the time of an application for re-enrolment.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with either:

The Diploma in Arts on completion of 48 credit points including 12 credit points of Core Units or the Advanced Diploma in Arts on completion of 72 credit points including 12 credit points of Core Units and a 24 credit points minor towards the Arts component. Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies and exit with the Advanced Diploma in Arts must reapply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University or external accreditation body requirements.
Subject to meeting Advanced Standing Rules, candidates admitted under Rule (b) who apply to discontinue their studies in the course may be eligible to exit with the Advanced Diploma in Arts on completion of 24 credit points including a Minor.

OR

the Diploma in Legal Studies on completion of 48 credit points of Law units (LS or LAW) or the Advanced Diploma in Legal Studies on completion of 72 credit points of Law units (LS, LAW or LLM). Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Bachelor of Laws. This may mean that students may not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Transfer from another Award

Students in another award may apply for admission into this course on successful completion of at least 4 units of study with a minimum GPA of 4.2.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Bachelor of Arts component provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a strong focus on aspects of human culture and achievement. The Bachelor of Arts can also be undertaken in conjunction with a range of other degrees in the University.

The course aims to provide students with:

(i) depth and breadth of knowledge in their chosen areas of study;

(ii) the ability to apply the knowledge they have acquired;

(iii) skills in critical analysis, critical thinking and critical enquiry;

(iv) self-reliance, especially in regards to the acquisition of information, the ability to assess evidence, convey complex ideas and answer complex questions;

(v) the ability to communicate effectively in a range of ways;

(vi) the ability to work both independently and collaboratively; (vii) the diverse skills to connect across geographical, disciplinary, social and cultural boundaries; and

(viii) an understanding of the value of ethical behaviour; and

(ix) the essential skills demanded by employers in a global jobs market enabling them to achieve exciting and rewarding career outcomes.

The Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Law provides students with a broad range of disciplinary and interdisciplinary studies from across the University, with a strong focus on aspects of human culture and achievement. The degree also provides graduates with a professionally accredited Law degree with a critical and progressive approach to the existing law and legal system quipped with the necessary technical and specialist skills.

The course aims to provide students with:

1. understanding and knowledge of Australian law and awareness of indigenous, international and theoretical perspectives;

2. competence in using legal research and analytical skills that equip them to work in the legal profession or in a broad range of law related occupations;

3. the ability to take a strategic approach to problem solving by applying critical and innovative thinking to complex legal issues and situations;

4. competence in oral and written communication;

5. the ability to work independently and in groups; and

6. professional judgement and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with having completed a law degree.

7. LLB with Honours students:

a comprehensive understanding of theoretical, comparative or interdisciplinary research to examine law's effect on society and the effectiveness of the Australian Legal System.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. BA component: demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of selected fields of study in core disciplines in the humanities, social sciences and languages and apply that knowledge in diverse contexts;
  2. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of theories, factual content and research procedures and practice in their major and other fields of study;
  3. analyse, critically evaluate and communicate ideas and solve problems with intellectual independence in their major and other fields of study;
  4. act as informed and critically discriminating participants within the community of scholars; and
  5. display highly developed communication skills and, in the case of those students undertaking a language major, read, write and speak another language with fluency and understand its cultural context.
  6. BLaws component: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues;
  7. communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing;
  8. demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
  9. demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated;
  10. demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge;
  11. demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses;
  12. demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts;
  13. demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved;
  14. demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
  15. LLB with Honours students: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues;
  16. communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing;
  17. demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
  18. demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated;
  19. demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge;
  20. demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses;
  21. demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts;
  22. demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved;
  23. demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
  24. conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach;
  25. develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and
  26. produce a written thesis that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

BA component: Students will possess a depth and breadth of knowledge relevant to their fields of study, and have a well developed understanding of the key principles, practices, and boundaries of their discipline. They will also understand the need to adopt transnational and multicultural approaches to the understanding of issues in these fields. LLB component: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practised and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, Law units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis.

Communication Skills

BA component: Graduates will have skills that enable them to investigate, synthesise and communicate the ideas and information acquired from their areas of study, including, where applicable, the possession of these skills in languages other than English. Graduates will recognise the importance of continuing to develop their communication skills, and be able to use appropriate communication technologies. LLB component: Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts. LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research.

Problem Solving

BA component: Graduates will have a sound understanding of key problem solving strategies in their fields of study and be able to apply these skills to develop their own responses to particular problems on diverse topics and issues in a range of different environments. LLB component: Students are taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law, and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects. LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions.

Information Literacy

BA component: Graduates will be taught how to recognise relevant information and to use appropriate media, tools and methodologies to locate, access and use information. They will learn how to critically evaluate the sources, values, and validity of information, as well as to use information in critical and creative thinking. LLB component: Students will be required to use complex databases to obtain relevant information about previous legal cases which will require a high level of information literacy and students will be required to use this information in assessment tasks. LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

BA component: Graduates will be taught to understand and practise the highest standards of ethical behaviour associated with their discipline or profession. They will understand and be open-minded about social, cultural and linguistic diversity in Australia and the world, and appreciate their ethical responsibilities towards colleagues, research subjects, the wider community, and the environment. LLB component: Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society.

Lifelong Learning

BA component: Graduates will have the skills to continue to research, critically evaluate and discuss issues and as well as acquire further learning. The development of intellectual capacity and critical thinking skills will enable students to be able to research, write about and discuss a range of issues. These skills are transferable and essential lifelong skills. LLB component: This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline.

Independence and Collaboration

BA component: Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner. LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International

For more information, click here

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