University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) combines compulsory foundational subjects with optional specialist units and an honours research component. Early years focus on core subjects such as Legal Method and Ethics, Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, Property Law and Constitutional Law. You will progress to intermediate and advanced topics including Administrative Law, Evidence, Corporations Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, Taxation and International Law.

Skills development is embedded across the program through subjects in legal research and writing, advocacy and negotiation, and practical legal training. Many students undertake clinical placements or participate in the university's legal clinics and mooting competitions to gain hands-on experience. The honours requirement typically involves a supervised research project or thesis at an advanced academic level, reflecting a higher standard of scholarship and research competence.

Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as human rights, environmental and planning law, health law, indigenous legal studies, intellectual property, and dispute resolution. The degree may be taken as a single law degree or combined with another bachelor's degree to broaden interdisciplinary skills and career flexibility.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and is generally based on secondary school achievement (for school-leavers) or tertiary academic performance (for graduates and transfer applicants). Applicants must meet the University of Adelaide's academic thresholds for the program and satisfy English language proficiency requirements if English is not their first language.

Alternate entry pathways are available, including mature-age admission, recognition of prior learning, and admission schemes for Indigenous students and other under-represented groups. Domestic students applying through the national university admissions system should check the prescribed academic criteria; international applicants should consult the university for equivalent qualifications and required evidence of English ability. Some applicants may be considered on the basis of prior university study or a relevant diploma.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for admission to legal practice following completion of any required practical legal training (PLT) or practical placement required by the admitting authority. Career pathways include working as a solicitor in private practice or government, barrister after further vocational training, in-house counsel for corporations, regulatory and compliance roles, public policy and government advisory positions, and roles in non-government and international organisations.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for research and academic careers or for postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or specialised postgraduate qualifications in areas like taxation, corporate law or human rights. Transferable skills developed in the program — legal research, critical thinking, negotiation and written communication — are valued in business, finance, consulting and public administration.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide Law School is one of Australia's established law schools, offering a curriculum that combines rigorous academic teaching with practical learning opportunities. Students benefit from clinical programs and placements that provide direct experience with clients and courts in South Australia, and from active mooting and advocacy programs that build courtroom skills.

The law school has research centres and specialist institutes addressing areas such as corporate governance, human rights and environmental law, giving students access to research seminars and expert staff. Small cohort sizes in advanced and honours units encourage close supervision for honours research projects, while exchange and study-abroad options allow international legal perspectives. Strong links with local courts, government agencies and law firms support graduate employment and professional networking.