Skip to main content
You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student You are viewing this website as an International Student

You are viewing this website as a Domestic Student

You are viewing this website as an International Student

Domestic Student

I am an Australian or New Zealand citizen.

I am an Australian Permanent Resident (including Humanitarian Visa holders).

International Student

I am not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand.

I am not an Australian permanent resident or Humanitarian Visa holders.

Start of main content
Students sitting at table
Enabling Courses

First Nations Pre-Law Program

Not available to international students.

Update your personalisation settings to view information about this course.

This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

0.5 year/s full-time

Intake

Semester 1
Important Dates

Locations

Casuarina campus, Danala - Education and Community Precinct
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

10

Course code

ZIPLP1

Overview

The First Nations Pre-Law Program is a 6-week intensive with 3-week face-to-face classes required. The course is an introduction to study law for First Nations students.

This free program provides basic academic skills and knowledge in legal research, writing, reasoning and advocacy, and a pathway into CDU's Bachelor of Laws.

Gain the confidence, connections and an understanding of the expectations of higher education to pursue further study and a career in law.

When you start the program, you will have the opportunity to be connected with a tutor who can offer academic support and help you succeed. The program also provides opportunities for connection and belonging with each other, university staff and the professional legal community.

Successful completion of the program provides candidates with a pathway into the CDU Bachelor of Laws program, with the potential to commence law studies immediately after completion of the pre-law program.



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.

careers-centre-assistance

Why study a pathway course at CDU

At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency. 

  • Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
  • Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
  • #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
careers-centre-assistance

Why study a pathway course at CDU

CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.

  • Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
  • Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world
careers-centre-assistance

Why study a pathway course at CDU

At CDU, there is a study pathway for everyone. We strive to provide you with a range of alternative entry methods suitable for students at all levels of education and English proficiency. 

  • Free 16-week Tertiary Enabling Program
  • Range of First Nations enabling and pre-enabling programs
  • #5 Australian university for first-in-family study (GUG 2024)
careers-centre-assistance

Why study a pathway course at CDU

CDU International College prepares you to study undergraduate and postgraduate programs at CDU.

  • Attend classes at the modern CDU Waterfront campus in Darwin City, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive CDU student support
  • Specialised language development, a well-rounded curriculum and smaller class sizes provide the support necessary to meet your goals and prepare for the real world

What will I study?

The First Nations Pre-Law Program runs as an intensive for students considering applying for an undergraduate law degree. Students will undertake learning experiences needed for successful participation in a law degree by exploring the foundational skills, knowledge and relationships needed to study law.

Course structure


A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 10 credit points (cp) as detailed below.

The Indigenous Pre-Law Program runs as a four-week intensive for students considering applying for an undergraduate law degree. Students will undertake learning experiences needed for successful participation in a law degree by exploring the foundational skills, knowledge and relationships needed to study law.

Unit typeCredit PointsSpecific requirements
Core Units  
(2 units)
10cp


Compulsory Core units totalling 10 credit points as detailed below.

IPL001 Legal Research and Writing (5cp)  
IPL002 Legal Reasoning and Advocacy (5cp)  
 

 
10cp
Total Credit Points

 

Study plan


STUDENTS COMMENCING IN INTENSIVE PERIOD 1

The pre-law intensive program is delivered across four weeks, commencing in January each year. The program is delivered by a dedicated facilitator with both professional legal expertise and experience in delivering training and education to Aboriginal learners.     

In addition to the skills learnt during the pre-law program, it also assists potential students be successful in their law studies by making them familiar and comfortable with the law environment and expectations for study. The relationships built with other pre-law students and lecturers will mean that successful candidates have a support network from the very first day of their law studies.
 

Legend:CO = Core Unit

Study Plan

Intensive 1 (January)
IPL001 Legal Research and Writing (5cp)   CO
IPL002 Legal Reasoning and Advocacy (5cp) CO

 

Entry requirements

Quota

Please note that our program has a limited quota of 25 students, primarily due to accommodation constraints for out-of-town students. Early application is recommended.

Admission criteria

This course is only available for First Nations peoples who would like to pursue a career in law and be supported through peer-to-peer learning and mentoring.

Essential requirements

Applicants must complete an online application form, and provide details of their education, work/life experience, and area of study interest. The form is available on this page: First Nations Pathways to University Programs - Application Form

I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.

Sizol

CDU student

Law student Sizol at Casuarina campus library

I really felt like the teachers cared. I think that’s what I like about CDU – it feels like more of a family and more of a home.

Sizol

CDU student

Law student Sizol at Casuarina campus library

Course details

Inherent Requirements

There are inherent requirements for this course. Students must read and understand the requirements for this course.

Additional information

Can offers be deferred?
No
Award
Faculty/College
Faculty of Arts and Society
Sector
HE
Area of study
Enabling Courses, Law and Legal Studies

Contact details

For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:

Email:Student.Central@cdu.edu.auPhone:1800 061 963 (free call)

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.

Applicants must complete an online application form, and provide details of their education, work/life experience, and area of study interest. The form is available on this page: Application Form.

We are here to help

Submit an enquiry and our friendly team will be in touch.

You can unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy notice.
Back to top