Where law and media intersect
Acquire the knowledge and ability for two professions in this double degree. The journalism component produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
- Only a full-time option is available to international students on a Student visa. Online programs are not available to Student visa holders.
- * Estimated tuition fees are based on 2024 rates. Refer to international fees for more information.
- Not all majors/minors and elective options are available at every campus. You should refer to the What Can I Study tab, and the proposed study sequence for your chosen campus and intake for further information.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
- ^It is recommended that students planning to study part-time apply for the Bachelor of Laws rather than a double degree.
Acquire the knowledge and ability for two professions in this double degree. The journalism component produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
In this program you will:
- Develop cutting-edge problem-solving and communication skills to work across a range of media platforms.
- Cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
- Research answers to legal problems, prepare advice, present legal argument, observe court proceedings, and take part in simulated court presentations in our new Moot Court venue.
- Develop your skills by working with Legal Service clients under legal supervision in law professional practice and also complete a journalism internship.
- Have the option to complete Law Honours, usually without extending the time required to complete your degree.
Career opportunities:
- Solicitor
- Government Legal Officer
- Journalist
- Digital communications officer
- Communications officer – corporate or government
- Technical writer
Program structure
Bachelor of Laws courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
LAW101 Professional Development
LAW102 Physiological Psychology
LAW103 Introduction to Human Development
LAW104 Social Psychology
Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units
14 required courses (168 units)
LAW201 Research Methods in Education
LAW202 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW203 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW204 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW205 Criminal Law and Procedure B
LAW206 Torts A
LAW301 Torts B
LAW302 Contracts A
LAW303 Contracts B
LAW304 Property A
LAW401 Property B
LAW402 Constitutional Law
LAW403 Equity & Trusts
LAW404 Corporations Law
PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:
LAW307 Civil Procedure
LAW310 Administrative Law
LAW311 Professional Conduct
LAW312 Evidence
LAW313 Regulation
LAW315 Commercial Law
LAW318 Children & the Law
LAW405 Law Professional Practice
LAW406 Competition and Consumer Law
LAW407 Building & Construction Law
LAW408 Indigenous Legal Issues
LAW409 Advocacy
LAW410 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW411 Planning and Environment Law
LAW412 Elder Law and Succession
LAW414 Intellectual Property
LAW415 Sports Law
LAW416
LAW417 Employment Law
LAW418 Health Law
LAW419 Family Law
LAW420
The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into honours in Law:
LAW440 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
LAW441 Law Honours Thesis
Please note: Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependent on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator.
Journalism courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
CMN101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
CMN106 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends
CMN130 News and Reporting
CMN150 Digital Journalism
COR109
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
CMN202 Screen Media Production
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN277 Video production and television journalism
CMN302 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN305
CMN312
CMN313
CMN330 Newsroom
Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.
Total units: 480
Recommended study sequences
Program requirements and notes
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 488 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level courses, including core courses
Program Notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 units per semester (normally 4 courses) and following the recommended study sequence
- The unit value of all courses is 12 units unless otherwise specified
- It is each students responsibility to enrol correctly according to your course requisites, program rules and requirements and be aware of academic calendar dates
- Courses within this program are assessed using a variety of assessment methods which may include essays, seminar presentations, reports, in-class tests and examinations
- As part of your USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Only a full-time study option is available to international students on Student visa
- Refer to the Managing your progression page for help in understanding your program structure, reviewing your progress and planning remaining courses
- Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependant on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator
- Honours in Law is available for high performing students and approval from the Program Coordinator