Key details
Duration
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
160Course code
Overview
The Associate Degree of Legal Studies is for anyone who is interested in broadening their understanding of the legal system without committing to a full law degree.
This course will give you a broad understanding of the law, legal processes and legal principles and introduce you to practical areas of the law such as torts, contracts, criminal law and transnational law.
It caters for two groups of students: those who have a general interest in legal issues without wishing to complete a full law degree, and those who wish to gauge their interest in legal studies and perhaps later seek to undertake a full law degree program.
Upon completion of the first year of the Associate Degree program, students may seek admission to the Bachelor of Laws degree and apply for credit transfer on the units completed under the Associate Degree program.
This course does not lead to professional accreditation, though students can transfer to the Bachelor of Laws degree, which is accredited with the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of the Northern Territory, with up to 140 credit points of credit transfer depending on the units completed under the Associate Degree of Legal Studies.
Career opportunities
Completing the Associate Degree of Legal Studies may lead to career opportunities in administrative, secretarial or paralegal roles in government, corporate and private legal environment.
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Pathways
Pathways for VET to Higher Education
Credit transfer arrangements are available to students commencing a bachelor degree at Charles Darwin University with completed Certificate IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree qualifications in the same field or discipline, subject to meeting criteria. Students who hold completed qualifications should refer to the additional information provided about Advanced Standing and Credit Transfer and Pathways using the links below:
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Credit transfer
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
Fees
Commonwealth supported places
Commonwealth Supported places are available in this course to students who meet one of the following residency requirements:
(a) be an Australian citizen, who will complete some of your course of study while resident in Australia; or
(b) a New Zealand citizen; or an Australian permanent visa holder; or an eligible former permanent humanitarian visa holder; who studies the entire course while living in Australia.
Further information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study in 2025 is AUD $28,848.00. This equates to $ $3,606.00 per 10 credit point unit (0.125 EFTSL).
These fees are subject to increases annually, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.
Why study law at CDU?
Study law with the experts in online legal education at CDU. Learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Fast-track your law degree and qualify in 3 years
- #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Law and Legal Studies at CDU?
Study law at CDU to learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.
- #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study law at CDU?
Study law with the experts in online legal education at CDU. Learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.
- Choose to study online, on campus, part-time or full-time as it suits you
- Fast-track your law degree and qualify in 3 years
- #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
Why study Law and Legal Studies at CDU?
Study law at CDU to learn from a leader in transnational, human rights, cyber and customary law to become a first-class legal practitioner. You'll be prepared for a multitude of career opportunities, from Australia's legal systems and public service to business, government, industrial relations, and more.
- #4 in Australia for law and paralegal employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
- Five-star Australian university for graduate employment outcomes (GUG 2024)
What will I study?
The course will introduce students to the fundamental concepts and processes of law including criminal law, torts, contracts and constitutional law. Specialist elective units provide students the opportunity to pursue further study into special interest topics such as transnational law, property law, human rights and criminology.
Course structure
External students have access to live online tutorials as well as online access to the recordings of all lectures, enabling them to complete the course from anywhere in the world.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 160 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (5 units) | 50cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 50 credit points as detailed below. LWZ114 Criminal Law LWZ115 Legal Process LWZ116 Torts LWZ118 Contracts LWZ204 Constitutional Law |
| Specialist Elective (8 units) | 80cp | Units totalling 80 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence (unit title change 2023) (offered each year) |
| Electives (3 units) | 30cp | Units totalling 30 credit points selected from undergraduate units offered by the University. LWA/LWZ coded units are included in the WLAW02 Bachelor of Laws course structure. Students planning to continue their study of law with the WLAW02 Bachelor of Laws should note only credit for the LWZ/LWZ units can be applied and select units from the specialist elective list above. |
| 160cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (160cp)
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 200 level, or higher.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 10 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in an Associate Degree or Advanced Diploma AQF Level 6 course award.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2022
Students who completed one or both of the common units (CUC100/CUC106 or CUC107) prior to 2022 may count them as specialist electives in this course.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
The required core units have reduced from 7 units (70cp) to 5 units (50cp). The required specialist elective units have increased from 4 units (40cp) to 6 units (60cp).
- LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems has been recoded to LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems and changed from a Law Core Unit to a Law Specialist Elective unit. Students who have already completed LWZ112 will have it counted as a Law Specialist Elective.
- LWZ212 Transnational Law has been discontinued. Students who have already completed LWZ212 will have it counted as a Law Specialist Elective.
- LWA114 Law, Justice and the State has been discontinued.
- LWA120 Law in Context added as a Law Specialist Elective unit.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2016
The unit LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems has been added to the course structure as an introductory unit, in addition to LWZ115 Legal Process. LWZ212 Transnational Law has also been made a core unit and LWZ223 Property Law moved to a Specialist Elective.
- Students who began their studies in 2015 and completed LWZ111 Introduction to Law will be exempt from completing LWZ115 Legal Process. However, they will still be required to complete LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems and LWZ212 Transnational Law.
- Students who have already completed LWZ223 Property Law will be able to count this unit as a Specialist Elective.
- Students will be given credit for all units accredited under the past course codes of BLAW, BLAWG and ADLS.
In 2015 LWZ100A and LWZ100B were replaced by one introductory unit - LWZ111.
- Students who have completed either LWZ100A or LWZ100B will be exempt from completing LWZ115. However they will still be required to complete LWZ112 and LWZ212.
- Students who have completed both LWZ100A and LWZ100B will be exempt from doing LWZ115 and they will still have to complete LWZ112 and LWZ212. However, they will not be disadvantaged and will receive 10cp to be credited towards their degree as a specialist elective at 100 level.
Please see the same information below in a table format:
| Student has completed before 2016 | Student Exempt in 2016 | Student has to complete in 2016 |
| LWZ111 | LWZ115 Legal Process | LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems LWZ212 Transnational Law |
| LWZ100A and LWZ100B | LWZ115 Legal Process plus Receive 10cp as a specialist elective unit at 100 level | LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems LWZ212 Transnational Law |
| LWZ100A | LWZ115 Legal Process | LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems LWZ212 Transnational Law |
| LWZ100B | LWZ115 Legal Process | LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems LWZ212 Transnational Law |
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - PRE 2015
LWZ202 was a core unit which was being discontinued and its outcomes were incorporated into the core units LWZ203 Constitutional Law and LWZ312 Administrative Law.
Their new unit codes are LWZ204 Constitutional Law and LWZ304 Administrative Law
Proposed rules:
- Students who have done LWZ202 and LWZ203 are not required to do LWZ204 however they still have to complete the core unit LWZ304
- Students who have done LWZ202 and LWZ312 are not required to do LWZ304. However they still have to complete the core unit LWZ204
- Students who have done LWZ203 will have to do LWZ204. However they will receive 10cp towards their Bachelor of Laws degree so they will not be disadvantaged.
- Students who have done LWZ312 will have to do LWZ304. However they will receive 10cp towards their Bachelor of Laws degree so they will not be disadvantaged.
Table format:
| Student has completed before 2015 | Student Exempt from completing | Student has to complete |
| LWZ202 and LWZ203 and LWZ312 | LWZ204 LWZ304 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | |
| LWZ202 and LWZ203 | LWZ204 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | LWZ304 |
| LWZ202 and LWZ312 | LWZ304 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | LWZ204 |
| LWZ202 (but not LWZ203 or LWZ312) | 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | LWZ204 LWZ304 |
| LWZ203 (but not LWZ202 or LWZ312) | 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | LWZ204 LWZ304 |
| LWZ312 (but not LWZ202 or LWZ203) | 1 x Specialist Elective at 200 level | LWZ204 LWZ304 |
Study plan
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 1
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | LWZ116 Torts | CO |
| Law specialist elective 1 | SE | LWZ118 Contracts | CO |
| Law specialist elective 2 | SE | Law specialist elective 4 | SE |
| Law specialist elective 3 | SE | Law specialist elective 5 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | CO | LWZ204 Constitutional Law | CO |
| Law specialist elective 6 | SE | Law specialist elective 9/ Elective | SE/E |
| Law specialist elective 7 | SE | Law specialist elective 10/ Elective | SE/E |
| Law specialist elective 8 | SE | Law specialist elective 11/ Elective | SE/E |
Specialist Elective Availability for 2025
Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Specialist Electives Available in 2025 | |||
| LWA120 Law in Context LWA317 Research Paper LWA319 Private International Law LWA325 Succession LWZ210 Equity LWZ223 Property Law LWZ304 Administrative Law LWZ315 Corporations Law LWZ316 Evidence | LWA110 Legal History LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems LWA213 Family Law LWA219 Criminology LWA298 Legal Clinic LWA317 Research Paper LWA322 Moot Court LWA328 Competition and Consumer Law LWZ211 Trusts LWZ317 Civil Procedure LWZ320 Professional Responsibility | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) LWA207 Dispute Resolution (INT-4) LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues LWA317 Research Paper LWA321 Public International Law |
| Specialist Electives Next Offered in 2026 | |||
| LWA316 Intellectual Property Law LWA329 Conveyancing Law | LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law LWA332 Science and Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law |
_____________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SEMESTER 2
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | ||
| Law specialist elective 1 | SE | ||
| Law specialist elective 2 | SE | ||
| Law specialist elective 3 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | CO | LWZ116 Torts | CO |
| Law specialist elective 4 | SE | LWZ118 Contracts | CO |
| Law specialist elective 5 | SE | LWZ204 Constitutional Law | CO |
| Law specialist elective 6 | SE | Law specialist elective 7 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| Law specialist elective 8 | SE | ||
| Law specialist elective 9/ Elective | SE/E | ||
| Law specialist elective 10/ Elective | SE/E | ||
| Law specialist elective 11/ Elective | SE/E | ||
Specialist Elective Availability for 2025
Law Specialist Elective (SE) units may be selected from the following:
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Intensive Periods (INT) | Summer Semester |
| Specialist Electives Available in 2025 | |||
| LWA120 Law in Context LWA317 Research Paper LWA319 Private International Law LWA325 Succession LWZ210 Equity LWZ223 Property Law LWZ304 Administrative Law LWZ315 Corporations Law LWZ316 Evidence | LWA110 Legal History LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems LWA213 Family Law LWA219 Criminology LWA298 Legal Clinic LWA317 Research Paper LWA322 Moot Court LWA328 Competition and Consumer Law LWZ211 Trusts LWZ317 Civil Procedure LWZ320 Professional Responsibility | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) LWA207 Dispute Resolution (INT-4) LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues LWA317 Research Paper LWA321 Public International Law |
| Specialist Electives Next Offered in 2026 | |||
| LWA316 Intellectual Property Law LWA329 Conveyancing Law | LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law LWA332 Science and Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law |
___________________________________________
STUDENTS COMMENCING IN SUMMER SEMESTER
The Recommended Study Plan provided below is suitable for a student enrolling in a full-time study load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use the table as a guide to create an individual study plan.
When designing an individual study plan:
- maintain the basic order in which units are to be attempted; and
- check the prerequisite and assumed knowledge for each unit as some units assume you have completed foundation unit/s in the unit area at a lower level.
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit | SE = Specialist Elective | E = General Elective |
Note: All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Summer Semester | |||
| Year 1 | |||||
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | ||||
| Law specialist elective 1 | SE | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
| Year 2 | |||||
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | CO | LWZ116 Torts | CO | ||
| Law specialist elective 2 | SE | LWZ118 Contracts | CO | ||
| Law specialist elective 3 | SE | LWZ204 Constitutional Law | CO | ||
| Law specialist elective 4 | SE | Law specialist elective 5 | SE | ||
| Year 3 | |||||
| Law specialist elective 6 | SE | ||||
| Law specialist elective 7 | SE | ||||
| Law specialist elective 8 | SE | ||||
| Elective | E | ||||
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
Admission requirements are met by one of the following:
- Successful completion of the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (or equivalent) and the awarding of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of at least 60*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Certificate III level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 140.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses, or other recognised tertiary preparation course.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
- Defence members with service of 1 year or more at the following ranks (or higher) meet the academic entry requirement for this course:
- Navy: Seaman, Able Seaman, Leading Seaman
- Air Force: Aircraftmen/Aircraftwoman, Leading Aircraftman/Aircraftwoman, Corporal
- Army: Private, Lance Corporal, Corporal
* After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency requirements for their chosen course of study. From 2025 ALL applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application. For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - Domestic students
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
English language proficiency requirements - International students
Course specific English language proficiency requirements for International students are included below.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education from an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| CDU English for Academic Purposes 3 (ZEAP30) | Successful completion of EAP003 English for Academic Purposes 3 |
| IELTS Academic Module (including One Skill Retake) | A minimum overall score of 6.0 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 169, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of B2. |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 50 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 60 and a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
ATAR profile
The following table represents the ATAR and selection rank profile for applicants offered a place on the basis of their ATAR in semester 1, 2024
| ATAR based offers only | ATAR (excluding adjustment factors) | Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | <5 | <5 |
Notes
"<5" indicates less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
CDU offered an amazing fast track option for law. I could complete my law degree in three years, as opposed to the usual four. Finishing my law degree in a shorter amount of time will mean I reach the workplace faster and there's no compromise on how many different areas of the law I study.
Ade
CDU student
Thanks to the Law school we had the chance in the past to participate in professional development days attended by lawyers, judges, and legal officers which gave us a clear idea of how the law works in practice.
Adele
CDU student
CDU offered an amazing fast track option for law. I could complete my law degree in three years, as opposed to the usual four. Finishing my law degree in a shorter amount of time will mean I reach the workplace faster and there's no compromise on how many different areas of the law I study.
Ade
CDU student
Thanks to the Law school we had the chance in the past to participate in professional development days attended by lawyers, judges, and legal officers which gave us a clear idea of how the law works in practice.
Adele
CDU student
Course details
Accreditation
This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
Inherent Requirements
There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.
Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 6.
Student profile
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students that commenced this course and passed the census date in Semester 1, 2024.
| Applicant background (Semester one intake 2024) | No. of Students | % of all Students |
|---|---|---|
| A. Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 9 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | N/P |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | <5 | N/P |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. portfolio, audition, extra offer conditional on minimum ATAR) | <5 | N/P |
(e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement) | <5 | N/P |
| International students | <5 | N/P |
| All students | 9 | .0 |
Notes
"<5" - the number of students is less than 5
N/A - Students not accepted in this category
N/P - Not published: the number is hidden to prevent calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
Additional information
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
There are many ways to apply to CDU. The method you use depends on your course type, where you live and whether you are a new or returning student to CDU.
Remember to apply early for your best chance at securing an offer to study with us.
SATAC
SATAC is the application channel for residents of NT, ACT, SA, WA, QLD, VIC, NSW or TAS.
MyNextCourse
Direct applications are available to students who have completed a CDU or BIITE course at a Certificate III level or higher. Most CDU and BIITE enabling programs are also accepted through this process.
International applications
Applications must be submitted online through our application portal, Studylink. You'll need a valid email address to create your online account. Once you have started your application, you will be able to save it and resume it later. There is no application fee when you apply online.
You may be able to lodge a direct application; however, there may be restrictions on your geographic location. If you cannot submit a direct application via the application portal, please apply through one of our registered agents.
Apply through StudyLink or through an Agent.
International applicants currently studying year 12 in Australia should apply via SATAC.
If you do not meet any of the criteria above please visit Pathways to study to view the options available to you.
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