Bachelor of Laws
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not available
-
Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
FebruaryEntry score
Not available
Duration
Full-time 3 yearsLocation
Melbourne CityFees
AU$36,480 (2021 annual)
Next intake
February, July
Overview
Law Students' Society
Join the LSS for mentoring opportunities, moot competitions, career advice sessions, and a range of initiatives from the Graduate School of Business and Law and our external sponsors.
In three years, the Bachelor of Law will shape you into a legal professional.
With detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the Australian legal framework and fundamental legal principles we will develop your practical and theoretical capabilities through a unique approach that brings law to life.
Through our deep industry connections, you will gain valuable legal experiences that prepare you to contribute in a rapidly changing world.
Our practical and applied learning format incorporates law and technology to prepare you for an evolving legal system and society.
As a graduate of this degree, you will possess an understanding of the fundamental areas of legal knowledge, the Australian legal system and its underlying principles and concepts (including international and comparative contexts), the broad theoretical basis of the law and its social context, the principles and values of justice and ethical practice in a technology impacted, evolving legal system.
Study in the heart of Melbourne
Explore law in the historic Emily McPherson building, the home of the Graduate School of Business and Law, right in the bustling Melbourne city centre.
Details
Explore Law with Professor Anthony Forsyth
Explore the Bachelor of Laws, the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business (Information Systems), and the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Business (Economics & Finance) at RMIT University.
In the Bachelor of Laws, you will develop the foundational legal knowledge required for a career as a legal practitioner or with legal or non-legal roles in a variety of law-related fields. You will also possess the ability to analyse a problem involving a question or questions of law and, through research, to provide a solution to it. You will possess the skills needed to practise law in a variety of fields, industry sectors and locations and you will develop skills in effective writing, drafting, advocacy, interviewing and advising, negotiation, team work and presentations.
Through your studies, you will develop an understanding of the application of ethical standards and be able to demonstrate judgment and strategic reasoning. Upon graduation, you will have sound commercial judgment and an awareness of the ethical and justice issues affecting all stakeholders in the Australian legal system.
Learning activities and experiences in this program include case-based learning where you will be encouraged to engage in critical discussion in seminars and online forums, supplemented by industry engaged, authentic experiential learning opportunities in various simulations that will develop your legal skills. These simulations include writing briefs and other legal documents, mooting, and negotiation/mediation and technology skills. All legal skills are integrated into core law courses to ensure that students develop the requisite skills in close connection with the legal knowledge.
Clinical legal education and industry placement opportunities are also on offer.
A capstone experience is provided which will give you the opportunity to critically reflect on the curriculum. You’ll draw upon knowledge and skills gained throughout your studies and apply these in courtroom scenario.
Take part in legal skills experiences throughout the program which provide you with opportunities to demonstrate advocacy, negotiation, problem solving, legal reasoning, technology and communications skills.
Career development learning is scaffolded across all stages of the program. This degree is designed to prepare you to be admitted to legal practice in Victoria.
This degree aligns with our two major research centres, the Centre for Innovative Justice and Business and Human Rights through core subjects.
Students in this degree will have integrated, industry-engaged experiences within substantive core law course, and will be able to take clinical electives, study tours and industry placement/internships.
The Centre for Innovative Justice at RMIT offers study tours that visit specialist therapeutic courts in various locations including New York and New Zealand. There are also opportunities to study at our campus in Vietnam.
RMIT has global work, exchange and study experiences to suit every student at every stage of study and life. The Global Experience Office (GEO) can help you find out what funding is available, where to go and how to get credited for your overseas studies.
RMIT’s Global Experience Office (GEO) supports students to undertake exchange or short-term mobility activities with over 165 partner universities worldwide.
Can’t make it overseas? Develop your leadership style and enhance your Cultural Intelligence (CQ) skills with a range of programs on your campus or online.
This degree consists of 24 subjects (each 12 credit points). Your 17 core subjects contain all the academic areas of knowledge you will need to be accredited to legal practice.
The curriculum for this degree is shaped around the mission of the university, and addresses each of the aspects of RMIT’s ambitions by including:
- an introductory subject that deals with global legal systems as well as the Australian context (Becoming a Lawyer in a Globalised World)
- a technology and law subject that is combined with legal ethics and lawyers’ practice (Technology, Ethics and the Law)
- a mid-level problem-based learning subject dealing with setting up new start-ups that includes a “design thinking in law” approach to solving legal problems (Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions).
- a mid-level subject that explores global business in the context of human rights and focuses on international justice (Law, Business and Human Rights).
The designated Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects in this degree are Justice Innovation and Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions.
In Justice Innovation, you will work in partnership with industry and with your peers to develop an innovative justice solution to a current social problem.
Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions includes a law firm simulation advising technology start-ups on their legal issues.
These subjects will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context.
Our capstone subject, Evidence, includes a major courtroom simulation that teaches you about advocacy and legal argument.
You will also be able to access a range of elective subjects. You will choose 7 elective subjects from practice areas such as:
- intellectual property law
- international commercial law
- insolvency law
- acquisitions and mergers
- law of investments
- employment law
- tax
- public international law
- law of climate change
- wills
- family law.
You will also have the opportunity to undertake a number of practical internship and clinical education subjects.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Laws | City Campus |
3 years full-time or part-time equivalent
|
3 years full-time
|
BP335 |
Choose a program structure
Program code: BP335
Career
As a graduate of this degree, you will have diverse career options including the within the commercial legal sector, government sector/legal aid, community law/NGOs, in-house with corporations and unions, academia, the media, politics and business.
To be eligible to be admitted to practise law in Australia, graduates must additionally complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements, either through one year of Supervised Workplace Training with a law firm or an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee-paying basis through Leo Cussen Centre for Law or The College of Law.
Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.
Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.
Statutory accreditation
This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.
Membership
Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.
Bachelor of Laws
To be eligible to be admitted to practice law in Australia, graduates must additionally complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements, either a one year of Supervised Workplace Training with a law firm or an approved PLT course. The PLT course can be undertaken on a fee paying basis through Leo Cussen Centre for Law or The College of Law.
Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB)
Course satisfies the academic requirements for graduates admission to the Australian Legal Profession.
Visit the Victorian Legal Admissions Board website.
Council of Australian Law Deans (CALD)
The School is compliant with the standards for Australian Law Schools adopted by the Council of Australian Law Deans and assessed by the Australian Law Schools Standards Committee (ALSSC).
Visit the Council of Australian Law Deans website.
Admissions
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification).
Prerequisites
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
Rankings and adjustment factors
Entry to this program is competitive. Eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement plus any adjustment factors.
Adjustment factors include equity access schemes and/or subject adjustments.
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. The highest level of education you have previously completed will usually determine how you are ranked.
Selection criteria by applicant type
Please select the highest level of education you have or will be completing in order to find out the selection criteria that applies to you, in addition to meeting the above entry requirements.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
- The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary participation by giving priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to eligible applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Adjustment factors available only to applicants currently studying Year 12 or whose highest qualification is a completed Year 12.
Subject adjustments
- A study score of 25 in Legal Studies, equals 1 aggregate point per study.
- A study score of 35 in any English equals 2 aggregate points per study.
- Overall maximum of 3 points.
Regional adjustments
- RMIT automatically allocates adjustment factors to applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all programs that select primarily on ATAR. Low socio-economic status areas are determined by applying the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Socio-Economic Index for Areas (SEIFA) Index of Education and Occupation.
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., GPA (including any adjustment factors).
We will consider your entire academic record to determine your eligibility for entry. Previous fail grades in similar courses may affect your eligibility.
- successful completion of an Australian associate degree (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at an Australian undergraduate level (or equivalent) and no double-fail in any required course of the receiving degree; or
- successful completion of four Open Universities Australia higher education units. Scored or graded results are required.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with higher education study, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Entry to this program is competitive. Applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement, e.g., Special Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) score (including any adjustment factors).
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent qualification) and meet the stated prerequisites. Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program. You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with work or life experience, you may sit the STAT multiple choice if you:
- are 19 years of age or over as of 1 January in the year in which you will start your studies and
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years and
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), VET studies, HE studies or relevant work experience that can be considered for entry, or these do not meet the minimum academic requirements for the program
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English prerequisites. You are still required to meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents.
Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You may be eligible for the following adjustment factors:
Equity access schemes
- Equity access schemes take into account personal information and location, difficult circumstances, disadvantaged financial background and disability or medical condition that may have impacted on an applicant’s most recent academic performance.
- This program has been recognised as being under-represented by female applicants. Additional adjustment factors may apply to those applying to category 1 of the Special Entry Access Scheme or RMIT access application.
- Find out more about the eligibility requirements for each Special Entry Access Scheme and RMIT access categories.
- If you are applying through VTAC you should apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme.
- If you are applying directly to RMIT you should apply for RMIT Access. The system will prompt you to do this during your application.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- The Indigenous Access Program supports your application to RMIT through an informal interview process where you will receive help from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Additional consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, education or training experience.
Additional information
*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. Find out more about RMIT’s commitment to admissions transparency.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or an equivalent senior secondary school qualification with a minimum average of 85% (see calculator below).
Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.
Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Even though there are no formal pathways into the Bachelor of Laws, there are often other ways you can gain entry.
Depending on the course, this may include completing a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree or undertaking recognised professional experience.
For more information, use our Pathways finder or contact Study@RMIT to discuss your options.
Credit and recognition of prior learning
Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience. Find out if you might be eligible.
Fees
2021 indicative fees
In 2021, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$3,700 to AU$14,500*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$313 maximum fee for 2021.
- Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.
Annual fee adjustment
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.
Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.
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.
Learn more about fees for undergraduate study.
Paying your fees and applying for refunds
For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available.
In a CSP, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set each year by the Australian Government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of the courses in which you enrol, not the overall program.
How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?
The Australian Government has announced amendments to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package.
The fees in the table below apply to students commencing their program in 2021 and are subject to the passage of legislation. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.
Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.
You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at fees for Commonwealth supported students.
Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2021
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2021 |
Agriculture, english, languages, mathematics, nursing, postgraduate clinical psychology, teaching |
$3,700 per standard year $462 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Architecture, creative arts, engineering, environmental studies, health, information technology, science |
$7,700 per standard year |
Dental, medical and veterinary science |
$11,300 per standard year |
Arts, commerce, communications, economics, humanities (excluding languages), law, management |
$14,500 per standard year |
HECS-HELP Loans
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 the full amount of their student contribution.
SA-HELP Loans
You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.
How does a HELP loan work?
If your FEE-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 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 2021 is $313.
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.
The annual tuition fee for 2021 is AU$36,480.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2021 commencement is AU$117,120.
In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) in each calendar year.
- Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) - Student visa holders must have cover for the total duration of their visa.
- Some programs incur additional expenses.
You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.
Looking for answers or more general infomation?
For frequently asked questions or how to find more information regarding applications and enrolments, fees, student support services, university policies and more, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.