Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal)
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Duration
Full-time 2 years, Part-time may be available -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February, July
Entry score
Not applicable
Duration
Not applicable Location
Not applicable
Overview
Specialised legal knowledge and high level, analytical and practical legal skill development are embedded in all the courses. Graduates are highly sought after within the legal industry.
You will learn from our highly passionate, supportive and experienced legal practitioners, and participate in a range of exciting, special events, including:
- the RMIT Legal Practice firm (simulated legal office)
- visiting guest speakers from the legal profession
- moot court performances
- practical placement in law firms or other legal agencies
- working with community legal services
- engaging in a range of legal practice events connecting with industry
As a student in our Legal Practice program you can join the RMIT Law Students Society, giving you more opportunities to become an integral part of our student community.
Studying legal practice at RMIT is a great way to enhance your career prospects, whether you are looking for pathways into further study or an immediate start in the world of work.
According to leading law firms, graduates from RMIT’s Legal Practice programs are employers’ number one choice in paralegals.
That’s the truth…the whole truth…and nothing but the truth!
Details
Most of your classes will be held in RMIT's Swanston Academic Building which features wireless connection to printers, the web and specialist learning resources, interactive lecture and tutorial spaces, lectorial theatres, small-group rooms and other innovative learning spaces as well as retail and social spaces.
RMIT offers a variety of learning and teaching approaches including lectures, seminars, studios, workshops, presentations, group discussions and syndicate work.
Through RMIT University’s online learning portal, myRMIT, you will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Blackboard, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.
Educational software, the Learning Hub, resources and printers are accessible on campus via the RMIT wireless network using your own laptop, tablet or smart phone or via computer facilities on-campus. You will be able to access the same software from home using myDesktop.
Find out more about student computing at RMIT.
Ongoing assessment throughout the semester includes examinations, essays, reports, oral classes, presentations, group projects, research projects and practical assignments.
In this program you will receive feedback from your supervisor and others when you undertake professional work and tasks while in employment.
Expand your learning experience through the work-integrated learning course, Professional Skills and Responsibility. The course requires you to undertake tasks such as simulated case studies, work relevant role plays, work placement and attend guest lectures from legal industry professionals.
You may choose to participate in an optional work placement in your final year. The Business internship elective 12 credit points) involves taking up a position in industry for one or two days per week for one semester. These positions are normally unpaid and are designed to develop your soft skills and increase your overall employability upon graduation. The placement must be self-sourced.
Guiding the development of the College of Business, both nationally and internationally, is an Industry Advisory Board of high-profile executives chaired by Gerhard Vorster, Chief Strategy Officer, Deloitte. The Board creates a strategic bridge between the latest in technology and design thinking and business.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
The program consists of 16 courses, including specialist courses in law, legal practice and conveyancing and an elective. The prescribed specialist courses and overall program design is focused on meeting contemporary legal practice requirements and the requirements of specific job roles in the legal industry.
By studying the following courses, graduates will possess underpinning knowledge to support lawyers in practice, and effectively perform the diverse range of tasks required of paralegals.
- Business and corporate law
- Civil procedure and dispute resolution
- Criminal law
- Evidence law
- Family law
- Government and the Law
- Intellectual property
- Introduction to legal method
- Land law and conveyancing
- Law of contract
- Legal practice and technology
- Tort Law
- Will, probate and administration
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree in Legal Practice (Paralegal) | City Campus |
2 years full-time
|
2 years full-time
|
AD015 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: AD015
Career
The program will provide an opportunity for entry into a wide range of legal careers. It will also further develop the existing skills of those already employed in the legal industry.
Paralegals are employed in organisations such as law firms, conveyancing firms, community agencies and government departments including the Department of Justice, Court Administration, the Victorian Government Solicitor, Public Prosecutors, Victorian Legal Aid and community legal centres.
Paralegals are also employed in commercial organisations and corporations in the banking, insurance and property sectors. They may also have specialised roles in legal fields like litigation, probate administration, criminal law, property and land law, family law, corporate and commercial law.
Admissions
*ATAR refers to the lowest selection rank to which an offer was made (including consideration of any adjustments) for current and recent year 12 applicants.
RMIT is committed to providing transparency to the admissions process. In line with this commitment, we provide you with information that will help in making informed choices about your undergraduate study options.
RMIT admits students from a range of educational pathways, including Year 12 results, previous higher education or vocational education study, work experience, and for some programs - interviews, auditions or portfolios.
Gain a better understanding of the Admission criteria for this program by viewing RMIT’s Admission information.
The highest level of education you have previously completed will determine which category applies to you.
ATAR and/or complete education history will be considered. All applicants must meet minimum academic entry requirements.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee entry to a course, as there may be more applicants than places available.
Applicants with recent secondary education (current or within the past two years)
Successful completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent in 2016, 2017 or 2018. If applicable, this includes equity access schemes and any other adjustment factors.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible students from SNAP partner schools.
Applicants with Vocational Education and Training study
Successful completion of any Australian Diploma or Advanced Diploma (or equivalent overseas qualification); or
Successful completion of the equivalent of 1 semester of full-time study^ in a Higher Education Diploma program.
^ One semester of full-time study relates to a block of study: 4 out of 4 or 3 out of 3 courses within a semester.
Applicants with Higher Education study
Satisfactory completion of at least two courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or overseas equivalent).
Applicants with Work and Life Experience
Satisfactory completion of an Australian Year 12 senior secondary certificate of education or equivalent more then two years ago.
You must sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) Multiple Choice if:
- You have no prior Year 12, VET qualifications, HE results or relevant work experience that meet the minimum entry requirements for the program; and
- You are 19 years of age or over (as of 1 Jan 2019) and have not enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years.
The STAT Multiple Choice will satisfy Year 12 English and Year 11 Mathematics prerequisites. Applicants must meet all other prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results.
None
Find out about local student entry requirements for bachelor and associate degrees that are equivalent.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program will support your application into RMIT programs through an informal interview process with support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Your relevant life, work, educational and training experience as preparation for study, in addition to any formal qualifications, are all considered.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program (REAP) supports elite athlete and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Pathways
Fees
Entry for this program is through Commonwealth supported places (CSP).
2019 indicative fees
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Entry for this program is through Commonwealth supported places (CSP).
2019 indicative fees
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
Entry for this program is through Commonwealth supported places (CSP).
2019 indicative fees
Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$6,566 to AU$10,958*.
* Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.
Additional expenses
Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$303 maximum fee for 2019.
Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Defer your payment
You may be eligible to apply for a HECS-HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
HECS-HELP
The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to 100% of their student contribution.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.
You will only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying).
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.
For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.
In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.
The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2019 is $303.
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA‑HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.