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CG98 - Bachelor of Laws

Overview

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Laws is a three-year full-time or four-year part-time undergraduate degree. The course covers all the areas of law required to satisfy professional accreditation through the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board. The course enables graduates to proceed to practice as a legal practitioner after completing the required professional legal training. During your studies, you will learn about legal procedures and key legislation, and be given the opportunity to develop skills necessary to identify, analyse and evaluate facts in relation to legal frameworks. The core areas of law covered in the course match those required for admission to the legal profession (Priestley 11) and other requirements of the Law Admissions Consultative Committee including statutory interpretation, criminal law and procedure, contracts, torts, federal and state constitutional law, equity (including trusts), administrative law, property, company law, evidence, ethics and professional responsibility and civil dispute resolution. The course also offers elective choices from a diverse range of electives including animal law, resolving civil disputes (ADR), drafting, legal advocacy, commercial law, family law, succession, revenue law, jurisprudence, Australian employment law, environmental law, international and human rights law, Indigenous legal issues, law of startups, legal automation, legal practicum, etc. The course is taught at the Australian Qualifications Framework level 7 Bachelor degree (see www.aqf.edu.au/aqf-levels). Graduates at this level will have broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional work and/or further learning.

Career Information

The Bachelor of Laws prepares graduates for a career as a legal professional. Aside from the traditional roles as a solicitor, barrister or in-house counsel, a law degree is useful for careers in academia, business, the public service and politics.

Course Details
Duration 3 years full-time or 4 years part-time
Credit Points that Must be Earned 144
Number of Units Required CQUniversity uses the concept of credits to express the amount of study required for a particular course and individual units. The number of units varies between courses. Units in undergraduate courses normally consist of 6 points of credit or multiples thereof (e.g. 12, 18, 24).
Expected Hours of Study One point of credit is equivalent to an expectation of approximately two hours of student work per week in a term.
Course Type Undergraduate Award
Qualification (post nominal) LLB
AQF Level Level 7: Bachelor Degree
Course Fees
Indicative Year - 2025
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $16,992
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $18,288
Indicative Year - 2024
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $16,320
  • Domestic Full Fee Paying – Indicative First Year Fee - $17,556
  • International Indicative First Term Fee - $17,520
  • International Indicative First Year Fee - $35,040
Indicative Year - 2023
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $15,136
Indicative Year - 2022
  • Commonwealth Supported Place – Indicative First Year Fee - $14,624

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes
International Students
CRICOS Codes
Not Applicable
Where and when can I start?
Units offered internally at the below campuses may be delivered using a combination of face-to-face and video conferencing style teaching.
Units offered via MIX mode are delivered online and require compulsory attendance of site-specific learning activities such as on-campus residential schools, placements and/or work integrated learning. See Course Features tab for further information. Online units are delivered using online resources only.
Please Click Here for more information.
The following tables list the courses availabilities by location and term. Directing your pointer over your preferred location will provide further information if this course is not available for the full duration. Please be sure to also check individual unit availability by location and term prior to enrolling.

Domestic Availability

Term 3 - 2026

Online

Term 2 - 2026

Online

Term 1 - 2026

Online

Term 3 - 2025

Online

Term 2 - 2025

Online

Term 1 - 2025

Online

Term 3 - 2024

Online

Term 2 - 2024

Online

Term 1 - 2024

Online

Term 3 - 2023

Online

Term 2 - 2023

Online

Term 1 - 2023

Online

Term 3 - 2022

Online

Term 2 - 2022

Online

Term 1 - 2022

Online

Term 3 - 2021

Online

Term 2 - 2021

Online

Term 1 - 2021

Online

Term 3 - 2020

Online

Term 2 - 2020

Online

Term 1 - 2020

Online

Term 3 - 2019

Online

Term 2 - 2019

Online

Term 1 - 2019

Online

Term 3 - 2018

Distance

Term 2 - 2018

Distance

Term 1 - 2018

Distance

Term 3 - 2017

Distance

Term 2 - 2017

Distance

Term 1 - 2017

Distance

Term 3 - 2016

Distance

Term 2 - 2016

Distance

Term 1 - 2016

Distance

Term 3 - 2015

Distance

Term 2 - 2015

Distance

Term 1 - 2015

Distance

Term 3 - 2014

Distance

Term 2 - 2014

Distance

Term 1 - 2014

Distance
Show All

International Availability

Term 3 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2026

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2025

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2024

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2023

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2022

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2021

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2020

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2019

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2018

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2017

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2016

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2015

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 3 - 2014

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 2 - 2014

Sorry, no international availabilities found.

Term 1 - 2014

Sorry, no international availabilities found.
Show All
For any problems regarding admissions availability for the selected course please contact 13 CQUni (13 27 86) or send us an email at http://contactus.cqu.edu.au/
What do I need to start?
Entry Scores
Rank Threshold SR 74 | ATAR 74
Entry Requirements

English (Units 3 & 4, C) or equivalent

English Language Proficiency Requirements

If you were not born in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Africa or United States of America, you are required to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements set by the University. Applicants are required to provide evidence of completion of:

  • A secondary qualification (Year 11 and 12, or equivalent), or
  • An Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma level qualification, or
  • Bachelor level qualification study for a period of at least 2 years fulltime with a minimum overall GPA 4.0

completed within Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, South Africa, Ireland or United States of America, which will meet the English proficiency.

If you do not satisfy any of the above, you will need to undertake an English language proficiency test and achieve the following scores:

  • An International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic) overall band score of at least 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each subset; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - Requires 550 or better overall and minimum TWE score of 4.5 (Paper Based Test), or 75 or better overall and no score less than 17 (Internet Based Test); or
  • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - Requires an overall score of 54 with no sub-score less than 46; or
  • An Occupational English Test with Grades A or B only in each of the four components.

English test results remain valid for no more than two years between final examination date and the date of commencement of study, and must appear on a single result certificate.

International Students should visit http://www.cqu.edu.au/international for further information.

Each student will be assessed individually.

Assumed Knowledge

A high standard of English is required to study for a law degree.

Security Requirements
The capstone unit LAWS12073 Legal Practicum may have security requirements if students choose an overseas placement. Legal Practicum students will be given orientation with regards to applied ethics in the workplace; professional obligations.
Health Requirements
There are no health requirements.
Fees and Charges
Course Features

Awards and Accreditation

Interim Awards Not applicable
Exit Awards CL95 - Associate Degree of Paralegal Studies CL96 - Diploma of Legal Studies
Accreditation
  • Professional Practice: Core
    Legal Practitioners Admissions Board (Queensland)

    Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of Queensland

    The degree is an approved academic qualification for admission to the legal profession. Graduates are also required to undertake a further period of practical legal training before being admitted as a legal practitioner.

Residential School Requirements

No Residential School for this course.

Practicum/Work Placement

LAWS12073 - Students will be able to undertake at their option an overseas or domestic practicum placement or engagement with a complex work simulation.

Previous and Current Enrolments

Year Number of Students
2024 464
2023 508
2022 560
2021 652
2020 647
Inherent Requirements
There are Inherent Requirements (IRs) that you need to be aware of, and fulfil, to achieve the core learning outcomes of the units and course. IRs are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a unit or course.

Please note that in some instances there may be similarities between course, entry and inherent requirements.

If you experience difficulties meeting these requirements, reasonable adjustments may be made upon contacting accessibility@cqu.edu.au. Adjustment must not compromise the academic integrity of the degree or course chosen at CQUniversity or the legal requirements of field education.

Ethical Behaviour

Examples are:

  • Complying with academic and non-academic misconduct policies and procedures such as CQUniversity's Student Charter, Student Misconduct Policy and Student Behavioural Misconduct Procedures, and Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
  • Demonstrating honesty and integrity in academic and professional practice.
  • Maintaining strict client confidentiality if accepted for a work placement with a law firm.
Behavioural Stability

Examples are:

  • Demonstrating respectful and courteous behaviour in your dealings with colleagues and staff at the University and with clients and support staff if involved in a work placement.
  • Being reflective with personal behaviours appropriate for professional performance and being positive and receptive to processing constructive supervisor/lecturer feedback or criticism.
  • Successfully processing and coping with your own emotions and behaviour when faced with challenging and confronting individuals and/or cases in the professional environment.
Legal Compliance

Examples are:

  • Complying with the policies and practices of organisations in which you may be placed or find employment.
  • Complying with the requirements for student registration with the Law Society or Bar Association in your state of territory.
  • Maintaining a reputation as a fit and proper person for registration as a solicitor or barrister in accordance with the rules for admission in your state or territory.

 

Communication Skills (Verbal, Non-verbal, Written and Technology)

Examples are:

  • Verbally communicating in the English language with accuracy, appropriateness and effectiveness.
  • Actively participating in discussion activities related to the course.
  • Using legal language that is appropriate to the context of the individual or group.
  • Establishing rapport with clients in the delivery of Law practice and respond appropriately to clients, supervisors and other professionals.
  • Communicating in a courteous and professional manner with colleagues and staff.
  • Using appropriate facial expressions: eye contact, being mindful of space boundaries, and a range of body movements and gestures.
  • Recognising and interpreting non-verbal cues of others and respond appropriately during activities related to the course, as well as during professional placement.
  • Competently and appropriately producing written assessment while implementing academic conventions.
  • Constructing written text in a scholarly manner that includes accurate grammar, punctuation, clear and logical written expression, and correct referencing to the required academic standards.
  • Expressing complex and detailed legal information and knowledge into logical, legible and coherent legal documents that meet professional standards and clearly communicates the required content or message.
  • Accurately conveying and documenting information in written form, and in a timely manner that meets legal and professional practice requirements.
Cognitive Abilities (Knowledge and Cognitive Skills, Literacy and Numeracy)

Examples are:

  • Conceptualising and using appropriate knowledge in response to academic assessment items.
  • Applying theoretical knowledge, research evidence, policies and procedures in professional practice.
  • Demonstrating active listening skills while on work placement.
  • Competently and accurately receiving communication from another person and processing that legal and/or client information and circumstances, and be able to repeat those communication messages with precision.
  • Paraphrasing and summarising received verbal communications effectively.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of complex commercial transactions that involve numeracy skills.
  • Applying numeracy skills to interpret and solve a range of legal matters that involve (but are not limited to) damages, compensation, interest and other monetary payments in litigation.
Sensory Abilities (Visual, Auditory, Tactile)

Examples are:

  • Engaging in active listening in a client interview, reacting and responding appropriately to information provided by a client, and providing legal advice verbally.
  • Responding verbally in an appropriate manner to a judge’s questions and the submissions of opponents in live mock court hearings.
  • Engaging in active listening and reacting and responding appropriately during live negotiations with an opponent.
Relational Skills

Examples are:

  • Development of active listening skills to facilitate effective communication, avoid miscommunication and arrive at accurate conclusions.
  • Patience and avoiding or diffusing interpersonal conflict.
  • Trustworthiness and confidentiality.
  • Approachability and warmth to facilitate communication and encourage innovation and mutual cooperation.
Reflective Skills

Examples are:

  • Development of an 'active, dynamic action-based and ethical set of skills, placed in real time and dealing with real, complex and difficult situations' (Moon, J. (1999), Reflection in Learning and Professional Development: Theory and Practice, Kogan Page, London).
  • Implement a six step process: read, ask, watch, feel, talk and think. (see Neil Thomson, People Skills, Palgrave MacMillan 2015).
  • Enhancing the ability to mirror, paraphrase and restate feelings, emotions and words of others to fully understand the communication.
Sustainable Performance

Examples are:

  • Reading and comprehension of vast amounts of text and oral information as the basis of formal decision making.
  • Breaking down information into a context that can be understood within a team.
  • Managing lengthy complex meetings.
  • Planning time and workload effectively including the ability to self-manage competing commitments and take responsibility for own wellbeing.
  • Responding to assessment tasks under time pressure and/or invigilated or exam conditions as required by the accrediting authorities.
  • Responding in an efficient, effective and professional manner to deadlines and urgent tasks set by legal practitioners, line managers, or tutors in work-integrated learning contexts.
Interpersonal Engagement

Examples are:

  • Active listening to others with the purpose of gathering information and engaging with the speaker.
  • Being a dependable person that can be relied upon in any given situation.
  • Having emotional intelligence to understand the needs and feelings of others.
  • Being an effective leader using interpersonal skills to make decisions.
  • Having the ability to work in a team.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities

Examples are:

  • Competently using a desktop operating system such as Microsoft Windows or Mac OS X.
  • Accessing a computer for your studies, and possessing sufficient computer knowledge and skills to engage in the on-line learning environment that may include completing relevant on-line assessments and participating in on-line forums or responding to emails.
  • Regularly accessing the Internet for research, and email for communication with peers and lecturers.
  • Using a variety of computer programs suitable to your course of study.
  • Students must have reliable access to both the Internet and to a computer capable of internet-based video conferencing, e.g. Zoom. under Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Abilities.
Core Learning Outcomes
  • 1. Knowledge. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will demonstrate an understanding of a coherent body of knowledge that includes: (a) the fundamental areas of legal knowledge (including those expressed in the Priestley 11 and Statutory Interpretation), the Australian legal system, and underlying principles and concepts, including international and comparative contexts, (b) the broader contexts within which legal issues arise, and (c) the principles and values of justice and of ethical practice in lawyers’ roles.
  • 2. Ethics and professional responsibility. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will demonstrate: (a) an understanding of approaches to ethical decision-making, (b) an ability to recognise and reflect upon, and a developing ability to respond to, ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts, (c) an ability to recognise and reflect upon the professional responsibilities of lawyers in promoting justice and in service to the community, and (d) a developing ability to exercise professional judgement.
  • 3. Thinking skills. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will be able to: (a) identify and articulate legal issues, (b) apply legal reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses to legal issues, (c) engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives, and (d) think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses.
  • 4. Research skills. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues.
  • 5. Communication and collaboration. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will be able to: (a) communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences, and (b) collaborate effectively.
  • 6. Self-management. Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws will be able to: (a) learn and work independently, and (b) reflect on and assess their own capabilities and performance, and make use of feedback as appropriate, to support personal and professional development.
  Course Learning Outcomes
Australian Qualifications Framework Descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
1. KNOWLEDGE Have a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more disciplines as a basis for independent lifelong learning
2. SKILLS Have cognitive skills to review critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
3. SKILLS Have cognitive and technical skills to demonstrate a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in some areas
4. SKILLS Have cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
5. SKILLS Have communication skills to present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and ideas
6. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Demonstrate initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making in professional practice and/or scholarship
7. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts
8. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILL Be responsible and accountable for own learning and professional practice and in collaboration with others within broad parameters
KNOWLEDGE Develop an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and culture in contemporary and historical context using the respectful and appropriate protocols and terminology
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Engage in reflective self-evaluation of own cultural values and perspectives to proactively create an inclusive workplace that affirms and celebrates cultural diversity
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS Display leadership by creating inclusive work environments and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in a culturally respectful manner
Extension Units Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Commercial Law 4 Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Liberal Law 4 Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes
Liberal Law 8 Learning Outcomes
Please refer to the Core Structure Learning Outcomes

Extension Units Elective

Number of units: 8 Total credit points: 48


Students must complete 8 units selected from Law packs ensuring that at least one unit is a Level 3 unit. Students may choose one 8 pack or two 4 packs. The packs are as follows:

Liberal law (4/8 pack)

Legal practice (4/8 pack)

Commercial law (4 pack)

More Details

Study Schedule 
For students commencing in Term 3: due to unit availability, students may only be able to complete a part-time study load of two units in Term 3 in their first year/term.  However, students can then increase their study load to up to four units from Term 1 of the following year onwards.

 

A recommended study schedule for this course can be obtained from your Student Advisor (Courses and Careers) by contacting http://programadvice.cqu.edu.au. 

Students may determine their own schedule based upon credit transfers and personal study requirements. It is important to note that full-time students usually enrol in four units per term and part-time students usually enrol in two units per term. 

Students are not permitted to enrol in more than four units per term and must not complete their course in less than three academic years. 

For Course Planners please refer to the following website: http://www.cqu.edu.au/student-life/new-students/planners-and-profiles

Please note: Students must also check to see when and where a unit is offered before enrolling. See the unit availability section in this handbook for details. 

Computing Requirements 
As a student, it is necessary to have access to a computer or equivalent device to complete your coursework. You should have a good understanding of technology and the ability to navigate the online environment, which may involve completing online assessments, participating in online forums and groupwork, and responding to emails. There may be instances where you need to use a computer or equivalent device for in-class tasks or assessments. It is important that you have dependable access to the internet and a computer or equivalent device capable of video conferencing, including a working microphone and video camera, for online classes and assessments. Make sure to review your unit profiles to learn about any specific technology requirements for your coursework. 

Credit Transfer & Exemptions
Credit will not be granted towards the CQUniversity Bachelor of Laws course for law units studied at this or other institutions that are not part of an accredited law degree course. In order for students to receive professional accreditation upon completion of the course, all law units must meet the content requirements of the accrediting bodies as specified by legislation. Law units completed outside of a law degree course will not meet these requirements. Even where law units have addressed content similar to that in the CQUniversity Bachelor of Laws course, the assessment will be different in focus to that required in a law degree. 

Students who have completed a law unit at an accredited Australian Law School, for which there is no equivalent law unit at Central Queensland University, may at the discretion of the Head of Course, be granted credit for an unspecified law elective in the LLB degree. The maximum allowable credit will not exceed four unspecified elective units. 

Refer to the Credit Transfer website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/credittransfer for further details on the guidelines and application process.

Practising as a Solicitor in Australia
Queensland
To practise as a solicitor in Queensland, you must first complete an approved law degree such as the CQUniversity Bachelor of Laws. Graduates wishing to be admitted as a solicitor must also undertake additional legal training through either successful completion of a Practical Legal Training (PLT) course, or by serving as a Supervised Trainee.

Upon completion of the above, you can apply for admission as a Lawyer to the Roll of Lawyers in Queensland, providing you are able to satisfy the Admission Board and the Supreme Court of your fitness to practise. You can apply for a Practising Certificate through the Queensland Law Society. 

Graduates admitted to practise in Queensland may apply for recognition of their practising certificate throughout the States and Territories due to mutual recognition principles. 

For more detailed information on admission, please refer to the following websites: 

Legal Practitioners Admissions Board: http://www.qls.com.au/Legal-Practitioners-Admissions-Board

Queensland Law Society: http://www.qls.com.au/

The Bar Association of Queensland: http://www.qldbar.asn.au/

For admission in other States and Territories, please refer to the following websites:
New South Wales

Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB): https://www.lpab.justice.nsw.gov.au/

Law Society of NSW: https://www.lawsociety.com.au/

NSW Bar Association: https://nswbar.asn.au/

Victoria 
Victoria Legal Admissions Board: https://www.lawadmissions.vic.gov.au/

Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner: https://lsbc.vic.gov.au/

Law Institute of Victoria: https://www.liv.asn.au/

Victorian Bar: https://www.vicbar.com.au/

Western Australia
Legal Practice Board of Western Australia: https://www.lpbwa.org.au/

Law Society of Western Australia: https://lawsocietywa.asn.au/

Western Australian Bar Association: https;//wabar.asn.au/

South Australia
Law Society of South Australia: http://www.lawsocietysa.asn.au/

South Australian Bar Association: https://sabar.org.au/

Tasmania
The Supreme Court of Tasmania: https://www.supremecourt.tas.gov.au/practitioners/admission/ 

Law Society of Tasmania: https://www.lst.org.au/

Tasmanian Bar Association: https://tasbar.com.au/

Australian Capital Territory 
The Supreme Court of the ACT website: https://www.courts.act.gov.au/supreme/law-and-practice/admission-as-a-legal-pracitioner

ACT Law Society: https://www.actlawsociety.asn.au/

ACT Bar Association: https://www.actbar.com.au/

Northern Territory
The Supreme Court of the Northern Territory: https://supremecourt.nt.gov.au/

Law Society Northern Territory website: http://www.lawsocietynt.asn.au/ 

Northern Territory Bar Association: https://ntbar.asn.au/