Course overview
The aim of this course is to enable the students to develop and apply legal knowledge and skills required of social and human service workers and to critically examine legal responses to social issues in contemporary practice. Students will gain an understanding of key pieces of legislation which directly impact the practice environment and the profession. Students will develop an introductory knowledge of the law, including child protection law, family law, youth justice, domestic violence, discrimination and human rights law, criminal law, housing law and the role of the Coroner. As well as the understanding of the relationship between professional ethics and law, students will be able to apply their knowledge to the legal parameters for human service workers, the social justice and ethical issues involved, and confidentiality.
Course learning outcomes
- Interpret the legal rights, obligations and responsibilities of human service workers
- Critically examine the relationship between legal, ethical and other regulation of professional practice
- Compare and contrast human rights and legal issues commonly experienced by clients of human service organisations
- Extract and evaluate relevant information and resources when faced with a legal issue
- Apply legal knowledge to the facts of a human service problem
- Articulate professional judgement in working with evidence, time lines and arguments as required in legal contexts
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.