Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies)

Southern Cross University

Australia, Lismore

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Southern Cross University

Australia , Lismore

Key Facts

Program Level

Associate Diploma

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

016182B

Credit point

192 Points

Campuses

Gold Coast

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesJune-2024

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 2 year(s)

Tuition Fee

AUD 30,832 / year

Next Intake June-2024

Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies)

About

Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.

This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.

Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.

Course Learning Outcome
GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
GA2: Creativity Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts
GA3: Ethical practice Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.
GA5: Lifelong learning Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams
GA6: Communication and social skills Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams
GA7: Cultural competence Develop the ability to recognise and reflect on Australian indigenous perspectives in law, justice and the legal environment.

Course Learning Outcome

GA1: Intellectual rigour

Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts.

GA2: Creativity

Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts

GA3: Ethical practice

Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts

GA4: Knowledge of a discipline

GA5: Lifelong learning

Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams

GA6: Communication and social skills

Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams

GA7: Cultural competence

Develop the ability to recognise and reflect on Australian indigenous perspectives in law, justice and the legal environment.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Middle Eastern Secondary School Leaving Certificate

Career

Potential occupations

In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.

Paralegals perform substantive legal work in legal practices, banks, insurance companies, or other public and private organisations with in-house legal departments. A paralegal's tasks may include legal research, drafting wills, preparing legal arguments, preparing agreements, compiling court documentation, legal record keeping, legal communication and client services.

The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) when studied with the Conveyancing major is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW.

Students may receive advanced standing for eligible units in the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies during or on completion of the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies). Students who graduate with the Associate Degree in Law may choose to apply for admission into the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies and may graduate with a Bachelor degree after just one additional year of study.

Students wanting to become lawyers may receive advanced standing for eligible units in the Bachelor of Laws, during or on completion of the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), subject to approval by the Course Coordinator. Students intending to apply for advanced standing into the Bachelor of Laws are advised to contact SCU Law Enquiry at their earliest convenience.

Professional accreditation

When taken with the conveyancing major, the Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies), fulfils the academic requirements necessary to obtain a conveyancer's licence in NSW, and is accredited by NSW Fair Trading. For licensing requirements, and details of mandatory additional work experience required to enable registration, enquiries should be made to NSW Fair Trading.

Note that each Australian state or territory has its own legislation regulating conveyancing practice.

The subject 'LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure', meets the training and assessment threshold requirements as specified in the National Mediator Accreditation System. As such, Southern Cross University is recognised as an Education and Training Provider Member of the Mediation Standards Board. Upon successful completion of the unit, students may apply to a Registered Mediation Accreditation Body (RMAB) to finalise their accreditation.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

AUD 30,832 / year

How to Apply

Choose

International students can choose from the list of courses available to students wanting to apply for a visa to study in Australia. Consider:

Major areas of study
Location and teaching sessions
Professional placements and internships
Academic and English language requirements

Online courses are not available to international students wanting to study full-time in Australia.

Apply

Where your application is sent will depend on the country you are from and the campus you choose.

Education Agents - View the list of countries that require the help of an Education Agent to apply.
Apply Online - Use our Online Application and complete the required details, and where required, attached documentation.

Direct Application

Apply online and attach all supporting documents to avoid delays, including:

Certified copy of academic transcripts (including grading system).
English language test results (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or other).
Academic or employer references (if required).
Advanced Standing application (if relevant).

Advanced Standing refers to previous study or work experience, which may reduce time off the duration of the degree. Please remember to apply for advanced standing at the time you apply, as the credit will determine the study plan.

Southern Cross University recommends your application is received at least three months before you intend to start your study.

Assessing your application

Your application will be acknowledged by Southern Cross University or an approved Education Agent upon receipt (and you will be notified of the outcome within ten days directly)*.

If you are successful, an International Offer Package will be emailed, giving details of what is required to accept your offer. If you are not successful, alternatives may be offered.

The International Offer Package includes the Offer of Admission, Information for Accepting Your Offer, and Offer Acceptance Agreement.

* This time period relates to complete applications for the immediate study period.