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. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
New program commencing 2019. Subject to final approval.
- ^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. From the first year you will engage in active learning experiences and gain practical legal skills such as observing volunteer lawyers conduct client interviews at an advice clinic operated by Suncoast Community Legal Service.
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 our new Moot Court venue.
- 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
* New program commencing 2019. Subject to final approval.
Program structure
Bachelor of Laws courses
Introductory courses (4) 48 units
LAW101 Foundations of Australian Law A
LAW102 Foundations of Australian Law B
LAW103 Criminal Law and Procedure A
LAW104 Criminal Law and Procedure B
Developing and Graduate courses (20) 240 units
14 required courses (168 units)
LAW201 Torts A
LAW202 Torts B
LAW203 Contracts A
LAW204 Contracts B
LAW205 Property A
LAW206 Property B
LAW301 Constitutional Law
LAW302 Equity & Trusts
LAW303 Corporations Law
LAW304 Civil Procedure
LAW401 Administrative Law
LAW402 Professional Conduct
LAW403 Evidence
LAW404 Regulation
PLUS select 6 elective courses (72 units) from:
LAW307 Commercial Law
LAW310 Children & the Law
LAW311 Law Professional Practice
LAW312 Competition and Consumer Law
LAW318 Advocacy
LAW319 Special Research Project*
LAW405 Legal Dispute Resolution
LAW406 Planning and Environment Law
LAW407 Elder Law and Succession
LAW408 Intellectual Property
LAW410 Public International Law
LAW411 Private International Law
LAW412 International Human Rights Law
LAW414 Legal Internship
LAW415 Sports Law
LAW416 International Commercial Disputes
LAW417 Employment Law
LAW418 Health Law
LAW419 Family Law
LAW420 Anti-Discrimination Law
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
Please note: Semester offerings for Law elective courses are subject to change and are dependent on student demand. For more information on elective availability please contact your Program Coordinator.
Journalism courses
Introductory courses (5) 60 units
CMN101 Introduction to Creative Entrepreneurship*
CMN106 Contemporary Communication Theory and Trends*
CMN130 Introduction to Journalism
CMN150 Visual Journalism
COR109 Communication and Thought
Developing and Graduate courses (11) 132 units
CMN202 Screen Production and Editing
CMN228 Media Publishing: Law & Ethics
CMN235 News Writing and Reporting
CMN237 Online Journalism
CMN240 Feature Writing
CMN277 Broadcast Journalism
CMN302 Investigative and Data Journalism
CMN305 News Rounds
CMN312 Industry Project 2: Communication
CMN313 Creativity, Design and Communication Project*
CMN330 Newsroom
*New course, subject to final approval
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 488 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