Bachelor of Laws

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Integrate conceptual understandings of the Australian legal system, fundamental areas of legal knowledge and relevant advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the discipline of law;
2. Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of law and underlying principles and concepts in diverse contemporary local and international and comparative contexts;
3. Identify, articulate and respond to legal issues by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems and promote justice in authentic/contemporary professional, community and global settings;
4. Exhibit professional accountabilities and ethical judgement, by evaluating, synthesising and adapting knowledge, skills legal reasoning and research to make appropriate responses to legal issues that reflect the social, political and contextual factors;
5. Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills appropriate for legal and non-legal audiences, in both oral and written form;
6. Reflect on personal learning and skills in relation to career goals and implement effective, creative strategies to promote lifelong learning and pathways to further learning including a commitment to ongoing professional development;
7. Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures;
8. Contribute effectively, with personal accountability for outcomes in a dynamic 21st century work team, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner.

During your study, you'll benefit from the wisdom and experience of our adjunct professors who include:

• the Hon. Michael Kirby AC, CMG former High Court Judge
• the Hon. Justice Chris Maxwell, former President of the Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal
• Professor Robert Richter KC, Barrister
• the Hon Robert Stary, Magistrate at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court
• Ian Gray AM, former Victorian Chief Magistrate
• David Denton KC, Barrister
• Picha Djohan, Barrister and member of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal
• David S Thomson OAM, FACE, fellow at Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
• Melissa Kirby, Legal Director at Sharpe and Able.

With 150 hours of legal work placement embedded in your Bachelor of Laws, you’ll benefit from VU’s commitment to connecting you with experiences that will get you work-ready before you graduate.

Take advantage of our extensive connections in the legal sector, including internship programs with the Supreme Court and County Court and other legal placement opportunities including:

• State Trustees Program
• Victoria Police (Prosecutions Division)
• Victoria Legal Aid
• Magistrate’s Courts program
• Family Law Clinic
• Infringements Clinic
• Sunshine Youth Clinic
• Family Law Clinic
• Refugee Clinic.

Undertaking a work experience legal placement in the final years of your degree means you’ll work under the supervision of experienced legal professionals on cases that have a real impact on people – preparing you to enter the workforce with confidence.

As a Victoria Law School student, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in our renowned moot program in our new state-of-the-art moot court facilities in the Victoria Law School Heritage Building. Mooting involves you and your team participating in advocacy skills, simulating the proceedings of a live courtroom.

Give yourself a professional edge by sharpening your legal skills ready for the real world by taking part in mooting competitions both locally and internationally.

Our Queen Street law hub on our City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.

Our dedicated law building features:

• specialised law library
• legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
• mooting court
• computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.

You’ll gain real insight into legal practice and start building networks for your future career.

Meeting the minimum entry criteria does not guarantee entry into this course.

Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English (or equivalent).
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in one of Economics, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics, Global Politics or Psychology.
OR:
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
PLUS:
IELTS (or equivalent): Overall score or 6.5 (with no band less than 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
OR:
Completion of a Foundation course or equivalent.

Special entry programs

If you are from a disadvantaged or underrepresented social, economic or cultural background, you may be eligible for one of our special admission programs. These programs are designed to help you access education more easily.

Learn more about special admission programs

Additional information

---

All applicants are encouraged to complete the law supplementary form which may be used to adjust an applicant’s Selection Rank.

The form will be available at: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/your-course/forms/supplementary-admission-forms

Students in any Bachelor of Laws may apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree once they have completed a minimum 192 credit points and have attained an average mark of Distinction or above i.e. 70–100%. Applicants will be assessed on the highest grades achieved in the top 12 Law units. Students will be further assessed on an outline of a proposed thesis topic and availability of a college based or college affiliated supervisor. Successful applicants will enrol in both Advanced Research Legal Methods and Advanced Legal Research Dissertation instead of 24 credit points of law electives.