Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) | UniSC | University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia

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Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communication (Journalism)

Where law and media connect

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. At the same time, you will cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. From first year, you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills.

Study location
  • Sunshine Coast
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
098467K
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
5 years
Annual tuition fee 2021
A$24,400
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$122,000
Footnotes
  • 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 2025 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.
Study location QTAC code
  • Sunshine Coast 018271
Minimum selection threshold
ATAR - 76.00 OP - - Rank - 76
UniSC program code
AR316
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Duration
5 years full time or equivalent part time ^
Study mode
Blended Learning
Prerequisites
English (Units 3 and 4, C)
Fee type 2021
  • Commonwealth supported places
Total courses
40
Total units
480 units
Footnotes
  • ^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. At the same time, you will cover all the academic courses required for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. From first year, you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills.

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 USC's Moot Court.
  • 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

Law courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units

LAW101 Green Justice: Environment and Social Issues
LAW102 Health, Society and Culture
LAW103 Disability: Culture, Community and Change
LAW104 Foundations of Australian Law A

Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units

14 required courses (168 units)

LAW201 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW202 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW203 Criminal Law and Procedure B
LAW204 Torts A
LAW205 Torts B
LAW206 Contracts A
LAW301 Contracts B
LAW302 Property A
LAW303 Property B
LAW304 Constitutional Law
LAW401 Equity & Trusts
LAW402 Corporations Law
LAW403 Civil Procedure
LAW404 Administrative Law

PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:

Not all electives are offered every year. For a list of current Law elective courses click HERE.

LAW307 Professional Conduct
LAW310 Evidence
LAW311 Regulation
LAW312 Commercial Law
LAW313 Children & the Law
LAW315 Law Professional Practice
LAW318 Competition and Consumer Law
LAW405 Building & Construction Law #
LAW406 Indigenous Legal Issues #
LAW407 Advocacy
LAW408 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW409 Planning and Environment Law
LAW410 Elder Law and Succession
LAW411 Intellectual Property
LAW412 Taxation #
LAW414 Public International Law
LAW415 Private International Law
LAW416 International Human Rights Law
LAW417 Legal Internship
LAW418 Sports Law
LAW419 International Commercial Disputes
LAW420 Employment Law
LAW421 Health Law
LAW422 Family Law

The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into honours in Law:
LAW440 Anti-Discrimination Law
LAW441 Cyber Laws and the Rules of Evidence

Journalism courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units

CMN101 Cultural Legal Studies
CMN106 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
CMN107 Law Honours Thesis
CMN130 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship
CMN150 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends

Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units

CMN202 Communication for the Creative Professional
CMN207 Introduction to Journalism
CMN228 Visual Journalism
CMN237 Screen Production
CMN240 Podcasting and Radio News
CMN277 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
CMN302 Online Journalism
CMN305 Feature Writing
CMN312 Broadcast Journalism
CMN313 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN330 News Rounds

Note: Program structures are subject to change. Not all USC courses are available on every USC campus.

Total units: 480

Program requirements and notes

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 480 units as outlined in the Program Structure
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