Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies

As part of the Bachelor of Legal and Dispute Studies program, you will undertake an internship. The following information outlines examples of the fundamental tasks you will be expected to carry out during on-campus learning activities and internship placement.

These examples are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

There are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to undertake these tasks. Please contact the Equitable Learning Services to discuss any adjustments you may require.

Verbal Expression and Comprehension (understanding)

What do I need to be able to do?

Understand and respond to verbal communication.
This will assist you when participating in tutorial discussions and practicing your professional communication during on-campus learning activities.

Verbally communicate clear instructions and explanations in a time responsive way.

In internship settings, verbal communication is the primary source of communication between you, clients, peers, supervisors and other professionals and will assist you when participating in meetings, discussions, counselling, dispute resolution and mediations.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

Additional time allowances for comprehension and expression may be available to you for on-campus learning activities. 

Internship tasks may require time responsive communication. This should be discussed with your internship coordinator prior to commencement.

Social communication

Social Communication refers to the capacity to understand and use appropriate non-verbal communication such as: eye contact, gestures, facial expression, speaking volume, tone of voice, proximity and verbal turn-taking. 

What do I need to be able to do?

Recognise, interpret, use and respond to non-verbal communication appropriately in both on-campus and internship settings to build relationships, establish trust and assess client needs

In on-campus and internship settings, tasks which require your use of social communication abilities include:

  • recognising and responding appropriately to non-verbal cues from peers and staff such as verbal turn taking in tutorials
  • interpreting  non-verbal communication and body language in negotiation and mediation skill building activities
  • responding to stakeholders by using your own social communication skills, such as open body language, eye contact and facial expressions to display understanding and engagement

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.  

Consideration will be given to the use of non-verbal communication appropriate to your disability or condition for example, if you have a vision or hearing impairment, you may rely more on using either auditory or visual means of social communication.

Reading

What do I need to be able to do?

Read and understand a range of written material in differing forms from a variety of sources such as: on screen material, screen-based and image-based texts

In on-campus learning and internship settings, essential information is communicated in written form.  Tasks which require your use of reading include:  

  • reading and understanding  a range of on-campus learning material from a variety of sources
  • reading and comprehending written documents while on internship, such as induction processes, supervisors’ instructions, policies and occupational health and safety guidelines

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during an internship may vary between settings should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

Writing (Written Language)

N.B. This refers not to the physical act of writing but rather to the written content.

What do I need to be able to do?

Produce coherent written communication appropriate to both on-campus learning activities and internship tasks.

In on-campus and internship settings, tasks which require clear, concise and accurate writing include:

  • demonstrating  your understanding of course content and prescribed written material by completing written assessment tasks, such as essays and reports
  • contributing to case notes, administrative note-taking, preparation of reports or briefs, database entry and email communications

Case notes or records that you prepare on internship can be used as evidence in legal matters.

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use specialised software to support your literacy for on-campus learning activities. The appropriateness and practicality of using such software during internships may vary between settings and should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

What do I need to be able to do?

Correctly use and apply knowledge of theory, research, and practice gained from the on-campus learning setting during your internship 

During on-campus learning activities and in internship settings, tasks which require your use of cognitive skills include:

  • correctly applying the host organisation policies and procedures
  • problem solving and managing competing demands and tasks during your internship  i.e., clarifying task instructions with your supervisor so you can plan and prioritise your work

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you.

You may use assistive technology and strategies such as rest breaks to support your memory, planning and organisation in the on-campus learning environment. The use of these strategies during internships should be discussed with the internship coordinator prior to commencement.

Mental wellness is a state of well-being in which an individual can realise their own abilities or potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life and can work productively and fruitfully.

Behavioural stability refers to an individual’s ability to moderate their own behaviour.
Stable mental health promotes optimal and safe engagement in on-campus learning environments. Many people who live with mental health conditions complete their studies successfully. The following services are available to support students living with mental health conditions at RMIT: 

Equitable Learning Services

Counselling and Psychological Services

What do I need to be able to do?

The on campus learning environment can be challenging and will require you to engage with peers and teaching staff, reflect on your work and respond appropriately to constructive feedback.

Interpreting simulations can present complex and unpredictable human situations which require the following:

  • managing multiple demands with engagement, focus and composure
  • undertaking interpreting assessments when your performance will be recorded either in audio or video format in an enclosed sound proof booth room or a small classroom with specialised equipment
  • managing client content of a sensitive, confronting or traumatic nature with objectivity and accuracy

What adjustments to my study conditions can I access?

A range of adjustments such can be organised through the Equitable Learning Services (ELS). Contact the ELS to discuss what adjustments may be helpful to you. 

Flexible arrangements for your professional experience placement will be considered. The appropriateness and practicality of these arrangements may vary between placements and agencies and should be discussed with your placement coordinator prior to commencement of the placement. 

You may be supported to take time off from your studies if you become unwell or have difficulties with behavioural stability until you are ready to recommence.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.