Overview
Build on your existing academic experience to move into the field of law with a Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Victoria University.
This course is available to bachelor degree graduates from any discipline. Study with VU to get the comprehensive training and hands-on experience needed to launch your legal career.
As well as exploring legal practice and ethics, this course covers all major areas of law, including:
- contract
- torts
- property
- constitutional
- criminal
- corporate.
Through your studies and many practical opportunities available, you’ll develop valuable legal skills in:
- negotiation
- mediation
- legal drafting
- statutory interpretation
- preparing for court appearances.
This degree includes the compulsory ‘Priestly Eleven’ subjects. So when you graduate, you'll have satisfied the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria.
We also offer Honours in Law.
Partnerships & placements
Our partnerships with industry mean you’ll learn from experienced professionals in the legal sector – working on cases that have a real impact on people.
VU law students have provided over 1000 young people with free legal advice and referrals through a program at WEstjustice Sunshine Youth Office.
You could gain invaluable experience with our Supreme Court and County Court internship programs, as well as legal placement opportunities at:
- State Trustees Program
- Victoria Police (Prosecutions Division)
- Victoria Legal Aid:
- Magistrate’s Courts program
- Family Law Clinic
- Infringements Clinic
- WEstjustice:
- Sunshine Youth Clinic
- Family Law Clinic
- Refugee Clinic
World-class moot program
At VU, we make sure you graduate with plenty of practical experience under your belt. That’s why we encourage students to take advantage of our renowned moot program.
A moot court is a mock court which simulates the proceedings of a live court room. By participating, you’ll develop your legal skills and be work-ready to practise law in the real world.
Study in the heart of the legal precinct
Our City Campus Queen Street law hub is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.
Our dedicated law building features:
- specialised law library
- legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
- mooting court
- computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call backCareers
A law degree is the first step towards becoming a barrister or solicitor. Upon graduation, you will meet the academic requirements as required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board. Admission as an Australian lawyer can be obtained after successful completion of the practical legal training requirements.
VU’s Bachelor of Laws will give you a broad range of skills and knowledge that prepare you for work in the legal sector and beyond.
You could go on to work in government, non-government and private sectors in roles such as:
- legal practitioner (barrister or solicitor)
- in-house legal counsel
- lawyer
- policy adviser
- business manager/company administrator
- public administrator
- teacher
- law reform research officer
- legal adviser
- human rights advocate.
Salary
Use Labour Market Insights to find average salaries for various law-related professions in Australia.
See the average salary for solicitors in Australia via Labour Market Insights.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
228 credit points of Core Law studies
60 credit points of Law Elective studies.
To be awarded a Bachelor of Laws with Honours:
Students who enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws prior to 31 Dec 2014 may apply to undertake the unit Advanced Legal Research Dissertation in their later years in this degree based on the aggregate of points attributed to the top two thirds of units so listed shall then be calculated and a grade point average determined. Students will be further assessed on an outline of a proposed thesis topic and availability of a college based or college affiliated supervisor. Students will be awarded a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (Class H1, H2A, H2B or H3) based on their aggregate of points and overall mark in Advanced Legal Research Dissertation.
To be awarded a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (For students enrolled post 1 January 2015):
Students in any Bachelor of Laws course may apply to transfer into any Bachelor of Laws (Honours) course if the selection criteria is met.
Course structure and units
First Year
-
- Unit code
- BLB1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1114
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1115
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW1004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW1001
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW1002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW1003
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
-
- Unit code
- BLB2125
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW2004
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW2005
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3009
- Credits
- 12
24 credit points of Law Elective studies
Year 3
-
- Unit code
- LLW2008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW4000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW4007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW4008
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW4009
- Credits
- 12
36 credit points of Law Elective studies
Law Electives
-
- Unit code
- LLW2002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB3129
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB3134
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB3136
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB4135
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB4145
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB4146
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3002
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB4143
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW2009
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW2010
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3007
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW3010
- Credits
- 12
Honours units available on application only:
-
- Unit code
- LLW5900
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW5901
- Credits
- 12
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate conceptual understandings of the Australian legal system, fundamental areas of legal knowledge and relevant advanced specialist bodies of knowledge within the discipline of law; | ||
| 2. | Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge of law and underlying principles and concepts in diverse contemporary local and international and comparative contexts; | ||
| 3. | Identify, articulate and respond to legal issues by critically analysing and applying information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems and promote justice in authentic/contemporary professional, community and global settings; | ||
| 4. | Exhibit professional accountabilities and ethical judgement, by evaluating, synthesising and adapting knowledge, skills legal reasoning and research to make appropriate responses to legal issues that reflect the social, political and contextual factors; | ||
| 5. | Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills appropriate for legal and non-legal audiences, in both oral and written form; | ||
| 6. | Reflect on personal learning and skills in relation to career goals and implement effective, creative strategies to promote lifelong learning and pathways to further learning including a commitment to ongoing professional development; | ||
| 7. | Apply personal and interpersonal competencies including organisational and collaborative skills necessary to operate within broad parameters in the immensely divergent and complex global and Australian cultures; | ||
| 8. | Contribute effectively, with personal accountability for outcomes in a dynamic 21st century work team, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Bachelor degree (or equivalent).
Applicants with work & life experience
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.
Admission criteria
Find out if you meet the admission criteria for a bachelor degree at VU.
Additional information
All applicants are encouraged to complete the law supplementary form which may be used to adjust an applicant's Selection Rank.
The form will be available at: https://www.vu.edu.au/current-students/your-course/forms/supplementary-a...
Students in any Bachelor of Laws may apply to transfer into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree once they have completed a minimum 192 credit points and have attained an average mark of Distinction or above i.e. 70–100%. Applicants will be assessed on the highest grades achieved in the top 12 Law units. Students will be further assessed on an outline of a proposed thesis topic and availability of a college based or college affiliated supervisor. Successful applicants will enrol in both Advanced Research Legal Methods and Advanced Legal Research Dissertation instead of 24 credit points of law electives.
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Pathways from other institutions
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
Victoria Police, Australia
You will be credited for up to 96 credit points of study.
Victoria Police, Australia
You will be credited for up to 132 credit points of study.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
Pathways to further study
On completion of this course you will be guaranteed entry into the following degree and in some cases receive credit for your study:
You will be credited for up to 72 credit points of study.
Find out more about our study pathways to VU
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 19 February 2024
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 11 February 2024 for our next intake which starts on 19 February 2024.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
