Why Diploma in Legal Studies?
Start building your understanding of the legal system, sources of law and legal reasoning.
If you’re curious about how law can be used as a powerful tool for bringing about social change, our Diploma in Legal Studies is for you.
Be exposed to questions that consider a world without law and justice, so you can really understand the impact of legal systems in communities. Understand how you might one day make an impact as an advocate for societal issues.
Go on to study a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) to further your knowledge and skills. Or, if you decide not to continue studying law, you’ll have a strong foundational knowledge of law to apply in another career.
Overview
Our Diploma in Legal Studies is a one-year pathway program. If you don’t have a competitive ATAR or LSAT to enter the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), you can apply for the Diploma in Legal Studies and study the same courses as the first year of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours).
When you successfully complete the Diploma in Legal Studies, you’ll get credit for the first year of your Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree.
Build a strong foundation in how the law works and how laws change over time as society evolves. Investigate and analyse laws, regulations and court rulings to understand how they apply in different situations.
Research past decisions to learn how precedent works and how you can use it to build a strong supporting argument. Debate landmark cases to examine different viewpoints and explore emerging areas of law, such as responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability and First Nations knowledges.
Key features
Build foundational knowledge in legal studies in this year-long pathway program. - Use this qualification to gain entry into the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and get credit for courses completed.
- Develop an understanding of the legal implications of decisions.
- Understand Australia's regulatory frameworks.
- Learn how you can communicate more effectively with legal professionals.
- Use your foundational legal knowledge in another career or in a legal support role.
What you'll learn
You’ll choose key law courses in:
- How law works
- Ethics and the future of law
- Law, government and community
- Business and the law
- Contract
- Torts.
You’ll be introduced to different legal systems, the sources of law and the role of the courts. Discuss how laws are proposed, debated and passed by legislative bodies. Discover how legal rules are enforced by different institutions, and the way that laws influence social order, public welfare and individual behaviour.
Reflect on concepts such as justice, equity and the rule of law. What would happen if laws didn’t apply to everyone in the same way, and some people were treated differently before the law? Become familiar with the structure and hierarchy of courts. Learn the process of how cases are brought to court, from filing a case to reaching a verdict.
Explore the fundamental principles of reasoning and their application in real-world situations. Challenge the assumptions of your own cultural background and how that has shaped your perspective and experiences. Argue the case with ethical professional behaviour and standards.
In the Diploma in Legal Studies, you’ll build the skills to identify opportunities, propose sustainable solutions and drive positive change.
What courses you'll study
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 48 units for Core courses
Complete 48 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Common core, and
- 36 units for all Program core
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
An Ethically Rich Life
|
Course code
COREX001
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Fact or Fiction: Data for Everyone
|
Course code
COREX002
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Igniting Change: Ideas to Action
|
Course code
COREX003
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Proppa Ways, Future Practice
|
Course code
COREX004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Responsible AI: Bridging Ethics, Education and Industry
|
Course code
COREX005
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ways of Being, Ways of Seeing
|
Course code
COREX006
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
How Law Works
|
Course code
LAWS1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Torts
|
Course code
LAWS1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Business and the Law
|
Course code
LAWS1019
|
Units
6
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
|
Course code
-
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Contract
|
Course code
LAWS1010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Law, Government and Community
|
Course code
LAWS1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Ethics and the Future of Law
|
Course code
LAWS1013
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
You may have a genuine interest in law – or perhaps you’d prefer to pursue a different career path. If that sounds like you, there are many careers where having legal knowledge is a bonus.
You might work in a legal support role as a community legal education officer, developing and delivering legal education programs. Perhaps you’ll be a support worker in case management for vulnerable women who are victims of crime, assisting them to navigate what support they can access. Maybe you’ll use your skills as a compliance officer in business and finance to ensure organisations are adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
As the legal industry becomes more complex, there is increased demand for skilled paralegals and legal assistants with specialised knowledge in areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, cyber law and litigation support.
Industry trends
If you go on to study the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), you’ll be prepared to enter a sector that is showing strong employment growth in Australia. Solicitors are one of the top 20 occupations in demand by shortage, with above average employment rates (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023).
According to the 2023 Graduate Outcomes Survey (QILT), 84.5% of law and paralegal students in 2023 had secured a full-time job within four to six months of graduating. This compared to 79% of students across all study areas.
The National Careers Institute reported in 2023 that employment for legal assistants and paralegals is projected to increase to 12,600 by 2026, representing a growth rate of 8.6% over five years.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
