The Legal Studies major offers an interdisciplinary perspective on the nature, role and impact of law in society. The major encompasses general Socio-Legal Studies, Criminology and Criminal Justice and brings together the insights, theories and methods of various disciplines, including Sociology, Politics, Media Studies, History, Cultural Studies, Aboriginal Studies and Gender, Sexuality and Diversity Studies.

The major will equip you with the skills to analyse and evaluate legal concepts, processes, institutions and problems as dynamic and multi-faceted aspects of social relations. The Legal Studies major is concerned with the local and global dimensions of pressing contemporary issues and how they manifest in regional and urban settings. These include: citizenship, the ‘rule of law’, human rights and social justice, violence and discrimination, victimhood, crime and the administration of justice, law’s intersection with popular culture, and law’s role in social policy and social change.

By undertaking this major, students will hone skills in professional writing, research, critical-thinking and problem-solving which will provide a solid grounding for careers in legal research and policy, community work, advocacy, welfare and related fields.