Key details
Duration
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCredit points required
240Course code
Overview
The Bachelor of Laws degree provides you with the academic foundation to become a lawyer or work in a range of industries that require legal expertise, including politics, policy, government, business and private legal practice.
At CDU, you can complete a Bachelor of Laws in just three years, with options to study your law degree 100% online, on campus or a mix of both. On graduating, you will be eligible to apply for admission to the legal practice anywhere in Australia.
The Bachelor of Laws teaches you about legal systems and principles in Australia and abroad. You'll gain skills in legal research, analysis and communication, and learn theoretical perspectives on the law. The course also has a unique focus on transnational law (which looks at how laws are applied in more than one jurisdiction) and comparative law (which examines different legal systems from around the world), so you'll gain insight into the legal issues facing today's globalised economies and societies.
If you choose to study law online, you'll have 24/7 access to CDU's online learning platform, recorded lectures and tutorial assistance. You can study where, when and how it suits you.
As the Bachelor of Laws is a competitive course, you're also encouraged to apply for the Associate Degree of Legal Studies or the Diploma of Laws. These programs are an alternative pathway to the Bachelor of Laws.
Career opportunities
A Bachelor of Laws degree prepares you for a wide range of jobs. You may choose to pursue a career as solicitor or barrister, or work in fields that benefit from legal expertise, such as politics, public service, industrial relations, community advocacy or commerce in general.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admission Board of the Northern Territory and provides the academic foundation for admission to legal practice in the Northern Territory and elsewhere in Australia.
To be admitted to legal practice in Australia, you must also complete the Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (GDLP). This can be taken through The College of Law, Sydney, and completed online.
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:
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
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 is divided between core units and specialist electives. Most of the core units are those prescribed by the legal profession as essential for meeting the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. The specialist electives are designed to allow students to gain understanding of a range of other aspects of the law.
Course structure
External students receive online learning materials including recordings of all lectures, as well as online tutorial assistance via the online learning platform, enabling them to complete the course anywhere in the world.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 240 credit points (cp) as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless otherwise indicated.
Students seeking to graduate with Honours should apply for the one-year Bachelor of Laws Honours (VLAWH2) upon completion of this course.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (13 units) | 130cp | Compulsory Core units totalling 130 credit points as detailed below. LWZ114 Criminal Law LWZ212 Transnational Law (last offered 2020) and LWZ112 Comparative Legal Systems (recoded LWA115 from 2021) has been removed as a core unit from 2021- see transition arrangements below. |
| Specialist Electives (11 units) | 110cp | Specialist Elective units totalling 110 credit points selected from the list of available units detailed below. LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence (unit title change 2023) (offered each year) |
| 240cp | Total Credit Points |
Course Rules (unless otherwise indicated in the above course structure) (240cp)
- A maximum of 100 credit points may be taken from 100 level units.
- A minimum of 60 credit points must be taken from 300 level units or above.
- See the Higher Education Course Rules (Award Requirements) in the Units and Courses Policy.
If course commenced prior to 2023:
No more than 20 credit points shall be counted with a grade of "PC" in a Bachelor AQF Level 7 course award and no more than 10 credit points at "PC" may be received at the highest level of the program of learning.
COURSE CHANGES AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS - 2021
The required core units have reduced from 15 units (150cp) to 13 units (130cp). The required specialist elective units have increased from 9 units (90cp) to 11 units (110cp).
- 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.
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 |
NOTE:
All students should enrol in LWZ115 in the first semester of study.
Full-Time Study Plan
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | CO | LWZ116 Torts | CO |
| LWZ115 Legal Process | CO | LWZ118 Contracts | CO |
| Law Specialist Elective 1 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 3 | SE |
| Law Specialist Elective 2 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 4 | SE |
| Year 2 | |||
| LWZ210 Equity | CO | LWZ204 Constitutional Law | CO |
| LWZ223 Property Law | CO | LWZ211 Trusts | CO |
| Law Specialist Elective 5 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 7 | SE |
| Law Specialist Elective 6 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 8 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| LWZ304 Administrative Law | CO | LWZ317 Civil Procedure | CO |
| LWZ315 Corporations Law | CO | LWZ320 Professional Responsibility | CO |
| LWZ316 Evidence | CO | Law Specialist Elective 10 | SE |
| Law Specialist Elective 9 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 11 | SE |
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 | LWA110 Legal History and Jurisprudence | LWA113 Customary Law (INT-4) | LWA210 Contemporary Issues |
| LWA133 Legal Reasoning | LWA115 Comparative Legal Systems | LWA207 Dispute Resolution (INT-4) | LWA317 Research Paper |
| LWA317 Research Paper | LWA213 Family Law | LWA210 Contemporary Issues (INT-2, INT-4) | LWA321 Public International Law |
| LWA319 Private International Law | LWA219 Criminology | LWA225 True Justice: Deep Listening (INT-4) | |
| LWA325 Succession | LWA298 Legal Clinic | ||
| LWA317 Research Paper | |||
| LWA322 Moot Court | |||
| LWA328 Competition and Consumer Law | |||
| Specialist Electives Next Offered in 2026 | |||
| LWA316 Intellectual Property Law | LWA112 Environmental and Planning Law | LWA111 Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System (INT-4) | LWA217 Resources and Energy Law |
| LWA329 Conveyancing Law | LWA332 Science and Law | LWA221 Human Rights Law (INT-2) | |
| IAS339 Intercultural Mediation (INT-3) | |||
_____________________________________
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 |
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 | ||
| LWZ118 Contracts | CO | ||
| Law Specialist Elective 1 | SE | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| LWZ114 Criminal Law | CO | LWZ204 Constitutional Law | CO |
| Law Specialist Elective 2 | SE | LWZ211 Trusts | CO |
| Law Specialist Elective 3 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 5 | SE |
| Law Specialist Elective 4 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 6 | SE |
| Year 3 | |||
| LWZ210 Equity | CO | LWZ317 Civil Procedure | CO |
| LWZ223 Property Law | CO | LWZ320 Professional Responsibility | CO |
| Law Specialist Elective 7 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 9 | SE |
| Law Specialist Elective 8 | SE | Law Specialist Elective 10 | SE |
| Year 4 | |||
| LWZ304 Administrative Law | CO | ||
| LWZ315 Corporations Law | CO | ||
| LWZ316 Evidence | CO | ||
| Law Specialist Elective 11 | SE | ||
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 80*.
- Successful completion of a national qualification at Diploma level or higher.
- Successful completion of at least 0.5 year of full-time study (or equivalent) of a higher education degree/diploma with a GPA of 3.7.
- Overseas secondary or tertiary qualifications considered equivalent to the above Australian qualifications.
- Attainment of a STAT Multiple Choice score of 157.
- Successful completion of the Tertiary Enabling Program, the Preparation for Tertiary Success courses or other recognised enabling course of at least 12 months duration.
- Submission of an acceptable personal competencies statement and/or employment experience.
*After any applicable adjustment factors have been applied.
International entry pathway
International applicants who have completed the CDU Foundation Studies Program; andachieved a minimum mark of 65% in Foundation English A; andachieved a minimum mark of 75% in Foundation English B;are eligible to apply.
Essential requirements
English language requirements
DOMESTIC STUDENTS
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.
The minimum English language requirement for this course can be met by evidencing of one of the following:
| Year 12 | Successful completion of Year 12 within Australia, or an equivalent qualification from an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). |
| 0.5 FTE Higher Education Study | Successful completion of at least 0.5FTE of higher education study from Australia or an approved country where English is the official language (refer to our approved standard and extended lists included below). If studies were completed from a country on the extended list, they must have been completed within the past five (5) years. |
| CDU Enabling Course | Successful completion of a Charles Darwin University enabling program of at least 0.5FTE (40 credit points). |
| TAFE Qualification | Successful completion of a recognised TAFE qualification at a Certificate III level or higher from Australia. |
| AHPRA Registration | Current AHPRA registration as a Division 1 or Division 2 nurse. Registration must be current at the time of course commencement. |
| English Test^ | Completion of an approved English test within two years of commencement, meeting the minimum scores outlined in the table below. |
^ Minimum Requirements for English Tests:
| Postgraduate requirements | Undergraduate requirements | |
| CDU ELICOS - English for Academic Purposes | Successful completion of EAP004 | Successful completion of EAP003 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test | Overall minimum: 6.5 No band below: 6.0 | Overall minimum: 6.0 No band below 6.0 |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | Overall minimum: 176 No skill below: 169 | Overall minimum: 169 No skill below 169 |
| Pearson Tests of English (PTE) Academic | Overall minimum: 58 No score below 50 | Overall minimum: 50 No score below: 50 |
| Test of English as a Foreign language | Overall minimum: 79 Minimum writing score: 21 | Overall minimum: 60 Minimum writing score: 21 |
IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted, allowing candidates to retake a single skill within 60 days of sitting their initial test. One Skill Retake results are valid for two years from the date of the first test (not from the date of the Retake test) to the date of commencement at CDU.
CDU accepts combined results from two test sittings of IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, or TOEFL, taken within a six-month period, if:
- Both tests were under the same testing system; and
- The overall score in both tests meets the overall minimum; and
- The applicant achieved the section minimum for each section in at least one test.
Recognised English-speaking countries:
| Standard List | Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America. |
| Extended List | Bermuda, Botswana, Cayman Islands, Ethiopia, Fiji, Kenya, Malawi, Malta, Mauritius, Seychelles, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Tanzania, Trinidad and Tobago, Vanuatu, Zimbabwe. |
For further details on the English requirements for CDU courses, please refer to the CDU English Language Proficiency Policy.
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
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.
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 | 70.05 | 80.15 |
| Median rank to receive an offer | 84.60 | 87.15 |
| Highest rank to receive an offer | 97.45 | 99.85 |
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 7.
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) | 61 | .0 |
| B. Vocational education and training (VET) study | 17 | .0 |
| C. Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 8 | .0 |
D. Recent secondary education
(regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 5 | .0 |
(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 | 91 | .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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