Bachelor of Laws
Quick facts
Student type:
Quick facts
-
Entry score
Not available
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Duration
Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years -
Location
Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
February Entry score
Duration
Location
Fees
Next intake
Overview
In three years, the RMIT Bachelor of Law (LLB) 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 we call ‘bringing 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/applied learning incorporates law and technology to prepare you for an evolving legal system and society.
Details
By completing the Bachelor of Laws program 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.
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.
You will learn from experienced professionals and academics who share their knowledge, research, experience and contacts to help you prepare for a varied and exciting global career.
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 of this program. You’ll draw upon knowledge and skills gained in the program and apply these in court room 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.
The program will align with our two major research centres, the Centre for Innovative Justice via the core course ‘Justice Innovation’ and Business and Human Rights with the core course ‘Law, Business and Human Rights’.
LLB students will have integrated, industry-engaged experiences within substantive core law courses. Students 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 courses (each 12 credit points). Your 17 core courses contain all the academic areas of knowledge you will need to be accredited to legal practice.
The LLB program structure is shaped around the mission of the university. RMIT is known as a global university of technology, design and enterprise. The LLB will address each of the aspects of RMIT’s ambitions by including:
- an introductory course that deals with global legal systems as well as the Australian context (Becoming a Lawyer in a Globalised World);
- a technology and law course that is combined with legal ethics and lawyers’ practice (Technology, Ethics and the Law); and
- a mid-level problem-based learning course 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 course 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) courses in the Bachelor of Law 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. The course Enterprise Law: Designing Legal Solutions includes a law firm simulation advising technology start-ups on their legal issues. These courses will provide you with opportunities to apply your academic skills to a work-based context. Our capstone course in Evidence includes a major court-room simulation that teaches you about advocacy and legal argument.
In addition, you will be able to access a range of elective courses. Choose 7 elective courses 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 and a number of practical internship and clinical education courses.
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
There are diverse career options including the within the commercial legal sector, government sector/legal aid, community law/NGOs, in-house (with corporations, unions, etc), academia, the media, politics and business.
As a Bachelor of Laws graduate you will have the foundational legal knowledge required for a career as a legal practitioner or legal/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.
You will have an understanding of the application of ethical standards; be able to demonstrate judgment and strategic reasoning; and be effective in self-management. Possessing strong self-management skills, you will be able to work well individually and as member of teams. You will have sound commercial judgment and an awareness of the ethical and justice issues affecting all stakeholders in the Australian legal system.
To be eligible to be admitted to practise law in Australia, graduates must additionally complete the Practical Legal Training (PLT) requirements, either: 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
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 meet the minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee you entry due to the competitive nature of this program. Overseas qualifications will be assessed for Australian equivalence.
*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.
RIMT’s selection criteria, outlined below according to your highest completed level of education, will provide you with a better understanding of the minimum admissions requirements needed for this program.
Selection criteria
This information is for applicants who are currently undertaking an Australian Year 12 or equivalent or whose highest qualification is a completed secondary education within the last two years (2018, 2019).
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
ATAR profile
This is a new program commencing in Semester 1, 2021 therefore no ATAR profile data is available.
This information is for applicants who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Selection criteria
Applicants will not be admitted to this course on the basis of a VET qualification.
You may satisfy the required academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for appliants whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education program.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of at least four courses (subjects) at 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
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. You can find more information under the heading 'Additional information'.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Selection criteria
You are required to meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- successful completion of an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent) including units 3 and 4 with a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.
You may satisfy the academic requirements by completing the STAT multiple choice. For more details see 'Additional Information' below.
Work and life experience does not provide any additional consideration for entry to this program.
You may be eligible for adjustment factors which will be applied to your selection rank. You can find more information under the heading 'Adjustment factors'.
Available only to recent Year 12 applicants
Subject adjustments
A study score of 25 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 Year 12 applicants from a low socio-economic status area for all certificate IV, diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree and degree level 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.
School Network Access Program (SNAP)
The SNAP access scheme is designed to increase tertiary access and participation of eligible applicants by giving them priority access to RMIT diploma and degree programs to applicants currently studying Year 12 at a SNAP partner school.
Available to all applicants
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.
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.
Elite Athlete Program
The RMIT Elite Athlete Program supports eligible elite and emerging athletes to achieve sporting and academic excellence.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
The Indigenous Access Program supports you through an informal interview process where you will receive support from the Ngarara Willim Centre. Special consideration will be given if you have relevant life, work, educational and training experience, in addition to formal qualifications.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you are applying to RMIT as an applicant with vocational education training, higher education study or 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
- have not been enrolled in secondary studies for at least two years
- have no prior secondary school (Year 12), vocational education training studies, higher education studies or relevant work experience that meets the minimum academic requirements for the program
The STAT overall score will be competitively ranked for selection.
STAT results are valid for two years prior to the commencement of study and can be used to meet Year 12 English and Year 11 mathematics prerequisites.
You must meet all other program prerequisites or equivalents. Learn more about RMIT STAT results including minimum STAT scores required to meet prerequisites.
You must have successfully completed an Australian Year 12 (or equivalent senior secondary school qualification) with a minimum 70% average (check 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 (Paper Based Test): minimum score of 580 (TWE 4.5)
- 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
2020 indicative fees
In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155*.
Additional expenses
- Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$308 maximum fee for 2020.
- 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.
All undergraduate and honours degrees have Commonwealth supported places (CSP) available. In 2020, the annual student contribution amount (tuition fee) you will pay for a standard year of full-time study is between AU$6,684 to AU$11,155.
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?
Courses (subjects) fall into one of three bands. 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 2020
Student contribution band by course (subject) |
Maximum annual student contribution amount in 2020 |
Band 1: humanities, behavioural science, social studies, clinical psychology, foreign languages, visual and performing arts, education, nursing |
$6,684 per standard year $835 per standard (12 credit point) course |
Band 2: mathematics, statistics, computing, built environment, other health, allied health, science, engineering, surveying, agriculture |
$9,527 per standard year |
|
$11,155 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 HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to the full amount 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 2020 is $308.
For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.
You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.
The annual tuition fee for 2020 is AU$XX,XXX.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2020 commencement is AU$XXX,XXX.
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.