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. 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 2020
A$24,000
Estimated total tuition fee *
A$120,000
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 - 75.70 OP - 11 Rank - 77
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 2020
  • 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

Bachelor of Laws courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units

LAW101 Counselling Placement 1
LAW102 Counselling Placement 2
LAW103 Developmental and Family Counselling
LAW104 Ethical Practice in the Helping Professions

Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units

14 required courses (168 units)

LAW201 Introduction to Research Concepts and Design
LAW202 The Literature Review
LAW203 Qualitative Research Methods
LAW204 Applied Quantitative Research Methods
LAW205 Cyber Laws and the Rules of Evidence
LAW206 Digital Forensics 1
LAW301 Network Forensics
LAW302 Digital Forensics 2: Advanced concepts in Digital Forensics
LAW303 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW304 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW401 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW402 Criminal Law and Procedure B
LAW403 Torts A
LAW404 Torts B

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 Contracts A
LAW310 Contracts B
LAW311 Property A
LAW312 Property B
LAW313 Constitutional Law
LAW315 Equity & Trusts
LAW318 Corporations Law
LAW405 Civil Procedure
LAW406 Administrative Law
LAW407 Professional Conduct
LAW408 Evidence
LAW409 Regulation
LAW410 Commercial Law
LAW411 Children & the Law
LAW412 Law Professional Practice
LAW414 Competition and Consumer Law
LAW415 Building & Construction Law
LAW416 Indigenous Legal Issues
LAW417 Advocacy
LAW418 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW419 Family Law
LAW420
LAW421

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

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

Program requirements and notes

In order to graduate you must:

  • Successfully complete 480 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