Where the law and the media connect.
Our journalism degree produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. Develop cutting-edge problem-solving and communication skills to work across a range of media platforms.
- 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 2023 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.
Our journalism degree produces journalists with a strong sense of ethics and practical skills in print, broadcast and digital media. Develop cutting-edge problem-solving and communication skills to work across a range of media platforms.
You will cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. You will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical skills right from your first year. For example, you will observe volunteer lawyers conducting client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
You will 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. You can further develop your skills by working with Legal Service clients under legal supervision in law professional practice, or undertake a legal internship.
Take advantage of careers for law graduates with especially strong English skills in areas such as parliamentary counsel, contract drafting, corporate writing and legal publishing.
Law Honours is available, usually without extending the time required to complete your degree.
Career opportunities
This double degree offers a wide range of career opportunities including as a solicitor, barrister, government legal officer, journalist, corporate or government communications, technical writing.
Registration
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.
Program structure
USC Law School courses
Introductory courses (5)
COR109
LAW101 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW102 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW103 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW104 Criminal Law and Procedure B
Advanced courses (20)
14 required courses:
LAW201 Torts A
LAW202 Torts B
LAW203 Contracts A
LAW204 Contracts B
LAW205 Property A
LAW206 Property B
LAW301 Constitutional Law
LAW302 Equity & Trusts
LAW303 Corporations Law
LAW304 Civil Procedure
LAW401 Administrative Law
LAW402 Professional Conduct
LAW403 Evidence
LAW404 Regulation
PLUS select 6 elective courses from:
LAW305
LAW306
LAW307 Commercial Law
LAW309
LAW310 Children & the Law
LAW311 Law Professional Practice
LAW316
LAW318 Advocacy
LAW405 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW406
LAW407 Elder Law and Succession
LAW408 Intellectual Property
LAW410 Public International Law
LAW411
LAW412 International Human Rights Law
LAW414 Legal Internship
LAW415 Sports Law
LAW416
The following 2 elective courses 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 (3)
CMN104 Introduction to Screen and Media Industries
CMN130 News and Reporting
CMN150 Digital Journalism
Advanced courses (12)
CMN213
CMN228 Media Law and Ethics
CMN235
CMN237
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN249
CMN277 Video production and television journalism
CMN302 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN305
CMN306
CMN307
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
Program requirements
In order to graduate you must:
- Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
- Complete 5 introductory level (100 coded) required law courses including COR109
- Complete 14 advanced level (200/300/400 coded) required law courses
- Complete 6 law electives
- Complete 3 introductory level (100 coded) required School of Communication and Creative Industries courses
- Complete 12 advanced level (200/300 coded) required journalism courses
- Complete no more than 15 introductory level (100 coded) courses in total, including the core course
Program notes
- Completing this program within the specified (full-time) duration is based on studying 48 unit points per semester (normally 4 courses)
- 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 USC program, you may apply to Study Overseas to undertake courses with an overseas higher education provider
- Refer to the Planning your study page to manage your progression
- 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 Coordinator
- Honours in Law available for high performing students