Bachelor of Laws / Criminology and Justice
Make a difference in the justice system. You'll study a range of criminology courses, forming an understanding of Australia's criminal justice system and what motivates criminal behaviour. Cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia and learn about social justice, ethics and law reform.
In this program you will:
- Research answers to legal problems, prepare advice, present legal arguments, observe court proceedings, and take part in simulated court presentations
- Understand legal institutions and processes, and examine fair and effective methods of crime prevention
- Choose from specialist courses in criminal profiling and intelligence, youth justice and restorative justice, homicide and forensic science, international justice and more
Location
CRICOS code
Entry threshold
ATAR/RankDuration
Full-time or equivalent part-time Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.Indicative fees
Indicative 2025 fees (A$)
CSP Annual feeQTAC code
Start
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
Career opportunities
- Advocacy
- Corruption
- Crime prevention
- Development
- Law reform research and policy
- Legal research
- Political advising
- Prosecutions
- White collar crime investigations
Accreditation
The degree is an approved academic qualification for admission to the legal profession. Graduates must undertake a further period of practical legal training before being admitted as a legal practitioner.
- Start
-
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Semester 1
- Semester 2
- Delivery mode
-
- Blended Learning
- Online with mandatory onsite requirements
- Total courses
- 40
- Total units
- 480
- Duration
- 5 years 5 years
- CRICOS code
- 088619D
- UniSC program code
- AR396
- Program coordinator
Introductory courses (11) 132 units
LAW100 Introduction to Law
LAW105 Legal Interpretation and Persuasion
LAW106 Torts
LAW107 Criminal Law and Procedure
LAW108 Law and Society
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Developing courses (9) 108 units
LAW205 Property A
LAW206 Property B
LAW207 Constitutional Law
LAW208 Contract Law
LAW209 International Law
LAW210 Civil Procedure
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM206 Professional Development
SCS225 Social Research
Graduate courses (10) 120 units
LAW302 Equity & Trusts
LAW303 Corporations Law
LAW320 Administrative Law
LAW321 Evidence
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution
LAW402 Professional Conduct
LAW423 Community Legal Practice
LAW426 Legal Research Project
Introductory courses (6) 72 units
CRM101 Introduction to Criminology
CRM102 Understanding Crime
CRM103 Punishment and Corrections
CRM105 Policing
SCS101 Foundations of Human Behaviour
SCS110 Australian Society: How does(n't) it work? - An Introduction to Sociology
Developing and Graduate courses (5) 60 units
CRM204 Applied Crime Prevention
CRM206 Professional Development
CRM304 Professional Ethics and Integrity Management
CRM308 Diversity, Crime and Justice
SCS225 Social Research
Required courses from a specified list: (4) 48 units
Select a total of 48 units from:
CRM201 Criminal Profiling & Intelligence
CRM203 Homicide, Investigations & Forensic Science
JST202 International Justice and Human Rights
CRM302 Youth Justice & Restorative Justice
CRM305 Professional Placement
CRM307 Crime Research Methods
CRM309 Working with Victims and Offenders
CRM310 Introduction to Cyber Crime
Law Extended Minor 72 units
Select 1 Law Extended Minor from:
Advocacy and Litigation
Civil Obligations
Specialised Legal
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all UniSC courses are available on every UniSC campus.
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of the academic calendar dates
- Law courses within the extended minor are subject to change and are dependent on student demand and staff capacity. For more information on availability, please contact your Program Coordinator.
- LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution and LAW423 Community Legal Practice should be undertaken at UniSC.
- CRM307 is a recommended course for students wishing to enrol in the Bachelor of Criminology and Justice (Honours) program AR409.
Program notes
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods including essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations. Not all courses will necessarily include all methods
- As part of your UniSC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses.
Online with Mandatory Onsite Requirements
This degree has Mandatory Contact Points (‘MCP’) which requires in-person attendance for all students (including online cohorts) throughout the degree. These Mandatory Contact Points ensure that online students will develop the interpersonal, oral, collaboration, and critical legal skills required of them as accredited legal practitioners.
The Mandatory Contact Points are:
LAW100 Introduction to Law: 1 Day of Orientation Week in first semester of study
LAW105 Legal Interpretation and Persuasion: 1 Day of Orientation Week in first semester of study
- The MCPs in Orientation Week are designed to introduce students to UniSC and the law faculty, foster effective study techniques, facilitate interactions with fellow cohort members, and offer a comprehensive preview of their upcoming journey in the Law Program. Both LAW100 and LAW105 have 3-hour attendance requirements and will be recommended to be scheduled on the same day to reduce the disruption to students.
LAW108 Law and Society: Student-nominated week throughout the LAW108 teaching period
- As part of the assessment, students will be required to physically attend class to orally present their ideas on the relevant tutorial material and engage in discussion with other students about those ideas. This MCP builds confidence in oral presentation skills, interpersonal skills, and communication skills revolving around the respectful and critical dialogue of ideas.
LAW208 Contracts: Exam Period
- As part of the assessment, students will be required to physically attend class to orally present submissions to a simulated court room. This MCP develops student familiarity with the etiquette and formalities of the court, develops oral presentation skills and the ability to respond to questions posed from the bench.
LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution: Weeks 1 and 2
- Students must physically attend classes for Weeks 1 and 2 of LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution. This course is a collaborative law firm simulation that requires extensive group work and coordination. Physical attendance is required for the first few weeks while the groups get acquainted, set goals, and delegate tasks. Following this time, attendance is required as mandated by the mutual agreement negotiated collectively by the group.
LAW423 Community Legal Practice: Entire Course
- LAW423 Community Legal Practice involves a mandatory work-integrated-learning (WIL) element which requires students to shadow legal practitioners and assist them with their work as they deal with real clients. There is no online option for this course.
WIL notes
LAW423 Community Legal Practice involves a mandatory work-integrated-learning (WIL) element which requires students to shadow legal practitioners and assist them with their work as they deal with real clients from the local Community Legal Centres. Throughout this course, students will not only learn practical skills required within a real workplace but also face first-hand some of the challenges of legal ethics and legal professional confidentiality. This is a required course and has mandatory attendance points for all cohorts.
In addition, LAW400 Negotiation and Dispute Resolution is a simulated clinic course which requires students to collaborate in fictional firms to solve the legal issues of hypothetical clients, including communicating on behalf of their clients to the opposing side, engaging in disclosure requirements, and maintaining sufficient professionalism in their communications throughout. This is a required course and has mandatory attendance points for all cohorts.
LAW414 Legal Internship allows for students to complete an unpaid internship at a legal firm or legal workplace of interest, such as the Department of Public Prosecutions. This course requires course coordinator approval and sufficient performance in the other WIL courses.
Refer to Law - Law Professional Practice and Legal Internship or School of Business and Creative Industries Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Program
This study sequence reflects the current program structure. Continuing students must follow their commencing structure, which can be found in the previous student handbooks.
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| Applicant background | No. of students | % of all students |
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Notes
<5 - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
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Adjusted ATARs are a calculation of a student's ATAR + eligible adjustment factors and are used to determine admission. The raw ATAR is the student's rank before any adjustments are applied.
Entry requirements
For entry into most USC undergraduate degree programs, you need to have completed a minimum level of education similar to successful completion of Australian Year 12 with good grades.
Further studies, for example, a semester or more at college or university, can also be considered for entry and may give you credit transfer towards a degree.
Some examples of upper secondary qualifications and a guide to the minimum grades that USC will consider are listed here. These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee entry. Some programs may require higher grades. Alternative qualifications may also be considered on a case by case basis.
If your qualification (grouped by country) is not listed, send the qualification transcripts with your application form to the International Office for assessment.
English language requirements
You will also need to meet the English language requirements for this program. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you may be able to enrol in our English Language Programs to reach the required level for most of UniSC’s programs (exceptions apply to non-standard English requirement programs).
Minimum entry threshold
Applicants must meet the minimum ATAR/Rank.
| Location | ATAR/Rank |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 70.00 |
| Moreton Bay | 70.00 |
| Online | 70.00 |
- Prerequisites
English (Units 3 and 4, C)
Prospective students must consider the Inherent Academic Requirements before applying to study this program.
Refer to Law degrees - Inherent Academic Requirements
UniSC strongly supports the rights of all people to pursue studies. The University embraces diversity and endeavours to accommodate all students.
What are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs)?
The IARs of a program are those fundamental skills, capabilities and knowledge that students must be able to demonstrate in order to achieve the essential learning outcomes of the program, while maintaining the academic integrity of that program.
Students with a disability or chronic health condition may be able to have reasonable adjustments made to enable them to meet these requirements.
UniSC is committed to making reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, placement and other activities to enable students to participate in their program.
Reasonable adjustments must not fundamentally change the nature of the IAR.
Consideration is given to a student's cultural and religious background/beliefs, which may impact on participation in their program or course. For further information contact Student Support.
Why are Inherent Academic Requirements (IARs) important?
IARs ensure the academic integrity of a program is maintained and preserves the University's learning, assessment and accreditation processes. They must be met by all students.
How does this affect you?
To successfully complete a program at UniSC, you need to be able to meet all the Inherent Academic Requirements.
If you are applying for a program, you should read the IAR statement carefully to ensure you are able to meet them.
If you have a disability or chronic health condition, contact a UniSC Disability Advisor to talk about the adjustments that may be put in place so you can meet the requirements.
Headstart Program - Years 10 to 12
The Headstart program lets you study uni subjects while you’re still in high school. If you successfully complete two Headstart courses, you’ll get a selection rank that you could use to get into uni.
Early Offer Guarantee scheme - Year 12
The Early Offer Guarantee scheme enables Year 12 students to be offered a place at UniSC on the basis of their Principal's recommendation.
Prior study or work experience
If you:
- have completed Year 12 (no matter how long ago)
- have a TAFE/VET qualification
- have relevant work experience, or
- have studied at university before (even if you didn’t complete your studies)
You may be eligible for a selection rank, which can help you get into uni. For more detailed information selection ranks and how applications are assessed, visit Admissions explained.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway
If you don’t have qualifications or experience that will give you a selection rank, you can complete the Tertiary Preparation Pathway as a stepping stone into most degrees. You can also use TPP to complete subject prerequisites.
If you haven’t studied in a while, TPP is also a great way to brush up on essential study skills like critical reading, assignment writing and referencing.
It can also build your knowledge and confidence in the subject areas you’ll need for your degree, like science or maths. TPP courses are fee-free for eligible domestic students.
Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS)
You may be eligible for direct entry into a UniSC degree based on your potential to succeed, under UniSC’s Indigenous Direct Entry and Access Scheme (IDEAS). All you have to do is complete an online application through our website.
High-school leavers completing year 12 are not eligible, and must apply through QTAC.
- CSP estimate
- A$16,992 - 2025 Fees
- Annual tuition fee (A$, 2025)
- A$32,420
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth supported places are substantially subsidised by the Australian Government so that students only pay 'student contribution" amounts. The student contribution amount will vary depending on the course you are studying and how much funding the Government provides.
If you accept a Commonwealth supported place you are a Commonwealth supported student. As a Commonwealth supported student you must make a contribution towards the cost of your education (unless you are enrolled in Enabling or Tertiary Preparation Pathway courses) with the majority of the cost met by the Commonwealth Government.
Commonwealth supported places are only available to domestic students. As a domestic student you are entitled to a Commonwealth supported place in an eligible program if you:
- meet the citizenship and residency requirements
- complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)
- meet the University's entry requirements for your chosen program.
International fee-paying places
Annual tuition fees are based on 2025 rates and the equivalent full-time student load as per the recommended study sequence in the relevant program.
Actual fees payable are based on the actual enrolment load in a teaching period (excluding Study Abroad and Postgraduate Qualifying Pathway).
All prices quoted are in Australian Dollars (A$).
Domestic applicants apply for admission through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Some applicants may be eligible to apply direct to UniSC if they meet certain criteria.
Find out about how to apply and key application closing dates.
No matter what kind of future you’re looking for, you can find it at UniSC. Our programs offer the choice and flexibility you need to get started on any career goal.
Visit How to apply for simple steps to submit your international student application and start your UniSC experience today.
Need help with submitting your application?
UniSC has appointed representatives to assist you with submitting your application and provide information about the steps you need to complete to begin your studies. You can contact a UniSC Representative in your area.
Any questions? Contact us.
QTAC code
| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Sunshine Coast | 018311 |
| Moreton Bay | 014813 |
| Online | 015065 |
Student story
“I love being in court, working on different cases every day and learning from experienced legal professionals. Obtaining my law degree in 2019 and my admission as a legal practitioner was extremely beneficial to my career, as it allowed me to progress from an administration role to a legal role with carriage of my own files.”
Need advice on what to study or how to apply?
Our Student Central team can help.
Call us +61 7 5430 2890
Email us information@usc.edu.au
For locations and opening hours, visit Student Central.