Bachelor of Laws (Honours), Bachelor of Journalism and Professional Writing

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.

Throughout your journalism studies, you will gain access to our on-campus TV studio that boasts one of South Australia's largest green screens, and a radio station. This means you will graduate with plenty of hands-on experience. You can even be part of the University's own radio studio, which is broadcast live on the internet, our TV show that airs on Channel 44, or be published in our online student publication On the Record.

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

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 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.

Journalism and Professional Writing

You will study courses that provide you with the skills and knowledge to work as a journalist and writer. For example you will:

• learn how to author and edit written and visual texts within news and non-news environments
• develop the production skills required by news and online media, including filming and editing, problem-solving and decision-making
• learn how to use industry-standard hardware and software
• develop research skills
• develop production skills, such as filming and editing

A final year internship at a news or production organisation will synthesise your knowledge and training.

Through your choice of electives you can also 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.

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:

• Court reporter: attending court sessions and recording proceedings related to evidence, objections and rulings; creating a full record of jury arguments; liaising with lawyers, judges or other officials; taking witness depositions, managing commissions and creating of certificates of proceedings
• Industry spokesperson: offering an expert industry opinion, view or insight for a specific purpose or use
• Legal/political commentator: offering expert commentary on a specific topic or subject of interest to mass media
• 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.

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.