Legal Studies
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Legal Studies
Length
3 years
Campuses
Melbourne
Course description
Rather than teaching students how to practice law, Legal Studies equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to analyse its impacts - providing a pathway into many fields that intersect with legal matters.
Legal Studies enables students to examine the significance and impact of laws across different social, economic and political contexts - providing deep insights into the operation, nature and impact of law. Students develop capabilities and knowledge which will enable them to formulate and implement policies that address a raft of contemporary legal issues, from terrorism to street violence to human rights protection.
Unlike many other courses, the Bachelor of Legal Studies encompasses both legal Studies and criminology. These are brought to together in core and elective units and can be augmented by subjects in other disciplines such as psychology, sociology, politics, law and the languages. This structure enables students to tailor their Legal Studies degree to suit their particular interests and career aspirations. A work placement subject is also included within the Bachelor of Legal Studies.
Course structure
In first year, students undertake the foundational subjects Legal Practices, Law and Legal Consciousness, and Crime and Criminology, and five other electives. Core (compulsory) second- and third-year subjects focus on legal institutions, the law and social change.
The third-year subject Legal Studies Workplace Practice provides an overview of vocational pathways and applied practices in government and community sectors, and prepares students for life after university.
Contact hours
Approximately 12 contact hours per week if studying full-time.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Crime and criminology, human rights and social justice, legal practices, law and legal consciousness, social policy, research methods.
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Fee type
Fees (Fee-Help available)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
19 860
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesSelection
Successful completion of English for Further Studies Advanced Stage 5B certificate at postgraduate (EFS5 (70%) PG1) level conducted by La Trobe Melbourne; for more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0 with no individual band score less than 6.0; or
TOEFL Paper-based Test: a minimum score of 575 with a score of 5 or better in the Test of Written English; or
TOEFL Computer-based Test: a minimum score of 233 with a score of 5 in essay writing; or
TOEFL Internet-based Test: a minimum score of 88 with no individual score less than 22; or
Approved equivalent.
Academic entry requirements
LTM Foundation Studies - 80
Aust. Yr 12 (ATAR) 2011 (indicative only) - 80.40
International Baccalaureate - 28
GCE A Levels - 8
Hong Kong A Levels - 7
HKDSE - 12, 6
Sri Lankan A Levels - BCC
STPM - 8.33
MICSS (UEC) - 4A 2B
Canada Secondary School (or CPU) - 80
Norway Upper Secondary Certificate - 4
Sweden Slutbetyg - G/VG
All Indian Sen SC (Best 5 Subjects) - 75
Vietnam (Year 12) - 8.2
Thailand (Matayoma 6) - GPA 3.2
GAC Cert. IV - GPA 3.0
GAOKAO - see: the website
If you do not meet these entry requirements you might be interested in La Trobe's Foundation Studies and Diploma Programs, which provide an alternative pathway to La Trobe's undergraduate program. For more information please visit the La Trobe Melbourne website.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Additional information
HASU (Humanities Academic Skills Unit) is a resource for all students of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Students are welcome to consult HASU staff about any aspect of their academic work - for further information please view: www.latrobe.edu.au/learning/lasunits
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills that are particularly relevant to employment in the government and community sectors, in law-related roles ranging from research and policy development, criminology and criminal justice, legal administration and education, to social welfare and advocacy.