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 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.

Study location
  • Sippy Downs
Refer to the program footnotes
CRICOS code
098467K
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Program length (full-time)
5 years
Annual tuition fee 2019
$23,200
Estimated total tuition fee *
$116,000
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
OP - 9 Rank - 82
UniSC program code
AR316
Commence
Semester 1, Semester 2
Duration
5 years full time or equivalent part time ^
Study mode
Blended Learning
Prerequisites
English (4,SA)
Fee type 2019
  • 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. 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 Practice of Psychology
LAW102 Ethical and Professional Issues In Psychology
LAW103 Research Dissertation A
LAW104 Research Dissertation B

Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units

14 required courses (168 units)

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

PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:

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

The following 2 elective courses (24 units) are only available to students who have been accepted into honours in Law:
LAW440
LAW441

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
CMN106
CMN130 Honours Research Methods, Design and Confirmation
CMN150 Law Honours Thesis
COR109

Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units

CMN202
CMN228 Introduction to Journalism
CMN235 Visual Journalism
CMN237 Communication and Thought
CMN240 Digital Video Editing
CMN277 The Writer and the Law
CMN302 News Writing and Reporting
CMN305 Online Journalism
CMN312 Feature Writing
CMN313 Radio Journalism
CMN330

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 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