Overview

Build a rewarding legal career and a safer community for all with La Trobe’s Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology. Develop the knowledge and expertise to establish yourself as a forward-thinking legal professional while investigating the complex causes of crime. Gain a powerful skillset in dispute resolution, evidence and criminal … For more content click the Read more button below. By studying La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology, you will:develop key skills in negotiation and examine the processes of arbitration, conciliation and mediation in private and commercial disputesbuild your understanding of the criminal justice system, how to apply criminal law to real-world scenarios and provide legal adviceexplore how deviance and crime are understood by different parts of society, and the role of courts, police and prisons in the criminal justice systemput your knowledge into practice with placement opportunities in law firms, community legal centres, courts and other government agenciescomplete the subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) to meet the requirements for admission to the legal profession in Victoriagraduate with two degrees in only five years to gain a competitive career edge, with options in a wide range of industries.

Portfolio

Office of the Provost

Course coordinator

Karen Lee

Location(s)

Bendigo

Course instance contact

Karen Lee

Course duration (full time)

5 years

Course duration (part time)

10 years

Study level

Undergraduate

AQF level

Level 8 – Bachelor Degree Honours

Available only as an exit award

No

Study options

Domestic

Completion requirements

Complete a total of at least five years full-time study or its part time equivalent. To qualify for the award of Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/ Bachelor of Criminology students must complete 600 credit points consisting of:360 credit points of Bachelor of Laws (Honours) coded subjects, of which: 240 core credit … For more content click the Read more button below.

Course structure
600 credit points

Level five120 credit points

Course intended learning outcomes

On successful completion you will be able to:
1.
Demonstrate appropriate understanding and competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge required for admission into legal practice in Victoria, Australia, as determined by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.
2.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of Australian legal systems, institutions and procedures, including fundamental legal principles and concepts in substantive areas of law.
3.
Apply analytical and professional judgement in identifying legal issues, critically evaluating legal doctrine and providing innovative solutions to complex legal problems.
4.
Coherently communicate legal knowledge, research, and analysis using a variety of modes to both legal and non-legal actors.
5.
Demonstrate an advanced capacity to work independently, self-manage and reflect on workload, foster personal and professional development, and collaborate effectively in a team environment.
6.
Critically analyse, synthesise relevant legal sources and conduct research independently using technologies where appropriate.
7.
Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on lawyers' professional and ethical responsibilities and the importance of integrity and service in legal analysis and practice.
8.
Demonstrate awareness of and critically reflect on the historical, social, economic and cultural contexts and implications of laws and the role of lawyers in promoting justice and equity.
9.
Demonstrate an advanced and integrated understanding of the factors that contribute to offending behaviours.
10.
Identify, research and formulate evidence-based responses to issues in the criminal justice system.
11.
Demonstrate a capacity to critically analyse and reflect on the legal, social, cultural and political contexts in which criminalisation occurs and in which responses to offending behaviour are formulated
12.
Discuss and reflect upon the professional and ethical responsibilities of the various actors in the criminal justice system.
13.
Interpret, utilize, develop and evaluate theoretical propositions, methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions
14.
Demonstrate an advanced understanding of criminology as a discipline and practice and the varying explanations and strategies it offers for explaining and responding to crime.
15.
Construct and communicate effective, appropriate and persuasive arguments.

Course features

Work based learning (placement) requirements

 

Elective placement opportunities (Work Based Learning)
During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Work Based Learning (WBL) placement experience, designed to allow you to extend your formal academic learning beyond the classroom. The WBL experience will provide the opportunity to bring your learning from the university into a work environment and test out your knowledge in a professional real-world environment. Some courses include compulsory WBL subjects, however, we also offer a range of elective WBL subjects, both cross-discipline and subject-specific. La Trobe University will source placements for some subjects, while others will require you to source your own placement. If you are required to source your own placement, dedicated staff will guide and support you through the process. Elective WBL subjects generally involve an application process and Subject Coordinator approval. The location and number of hours undertaken can vary considerably depending on the activity and the discipline area. Please refer to the individual subject entries for more information. Regional students are eligible to access additional support under the Regional Reward program

Work integrated learning opportunities

Industry presentations, Industry informed curriculum, Career development learning, Professional simulations

Other opportunities

Student exchange and overseas short programs offer a unique opportunity for a meaningful learning and educational experience abroad. La Trobe University encourages all students to make the world their campus by participating in an exchange or overseas short program that fits within your degree structure.

Career outcomes

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) course includes the subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) to meet the requirements for admission to the legal profession in Victoria. After graduation, you could work across a range of sectors including in legal practice, the community sector, government and corrections. Possible roles include:

  • barrister or solicitor
  • criminologist or crime analyst
  • criminal justice policy maker
  • in-house counsel
  • police prosecutor*
  • intelligence officer or analyst
  • court officer, registrar or paralegal.

*Dependent on completing police training and internal promotion.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Criminology course includes the subjects required by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board to meet the academic requirements for admission to the legal profession in Victoria as an Australian lawyer.

Admission to the legal profession by the Supreme Court of Victoria also requires the completion of practical legal training via either a 12-month period of supervised legal training or completion of an approved practical legal training course (for example, at the Leo Cussen Institute or The College of Law). Candidates for admission to practice must also satisfy the Admissions Board that they are a fit and proper person to be admitted to practice.

International students are advised to obtain assurance of recognition of the course by the relevant professional bodies in their preferred country of practice.

International graduates require a relevant visa to complete a practical legal traineeship and a supervised workplace traineeship in Australia. Please contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs for details.

Professional registration may require an application to the professional body and may have additional or ongoing requirements beyond the completion of the degree. For further details, including admission to the legal profession and/or relevant visa requirements, please contact the professional body for details.

Other course instances

Internal course relationships

Nested

Diploma of Arts

Related honours

Bachelor of Criminology (Honours)

Replaces

Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws