Legal Studies
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Legal Studies
Length
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent.
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
Application
VTAC or Late Direct Application.
Direct Entry Mid-Year may be available. Contact the Future Students Centre for more information - see contact details below.
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Annual (or Total) Tuition Fee (AUD)
Indicative (2010): CSP student contribution $5,310 (per 120 credit points).
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-undergraduatesThe Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences awards ten academic merit scholarships annually to students with the highest ATAR. See details at: www.latrobe.edu.au/humanities/awards
Other awards and prizes are also available for current students through individual Schools/programs. See details at: www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/current/huss
Middle Band
Re-ranking is based on English (any), Humanities (any), LOTE (any), Drama, Theatre Studies, Legal Studies and Psychology. Consideration is also given to Special Entry and Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria.
Selection
ATAR 80.40 (2011)
Guaranteed Entry (Year 12 applicants only): applicants with ATARs of 85 or above receive a first round offer. Applicants with lower ATARs are considered through normal selection processes.
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, and/or an essay.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Some may also be required to complete an autobiographical essay; for more information call (03) 9479 2023.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 30 in English (ESL) or 25 in any other English.
Semester starts
Semester 1 and 2 (February and July)
Additional information
Mid-year entry may be available.
Career opportunities
Graduates are equipped with knowledge and skills particularly relevant to employment in the government and community sectors. These include law-related roles in research and policy development, criminology and criminal justice, legal administration and education, social welfare and advocacy.