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Enabling Courses

First Nations Pre-Law Program

Not available to international students.

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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

CDU Waterfront Darwin, Casuarina campus
Not available to international students.

Credit points required

10

Course code

ZIPLP1

Overview

The First Nations Pre-Law Program is a 3.5-week full-time intensive 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

There is no fee for this program and if you live outside the Greater Darwin area, financial support will be provided for travel and accommodation.

Non-Commonwealth supported places

Full fee paying places are available in this course.

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 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.

Course structure


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

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

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.

Entry requirements

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

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.

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

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.

To apply for the First Nations Pre-Law and Mentoring Program, please email law@cdu.edu.au for further information.

Further Assistance

For information on applying and/or enrolling in this course please contact Charles Darwin University Student Central for assistance.



E: student.central@cdu.edu.au

T: 1800 061 963 (freecall)

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