University of Southern Queensland

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Laws provides a comprehensive coverage of the substantive and procedural law foundations needed for legal practice and related careers. Core study areas include Contract Law, Tort Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Constitutional and Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, and Evidence. Students also study Legal Research and Writing, Civil and Criminal Procedure, Professional Ethics and Legal Practice, and Commercial and Corporate Law subjects.

Learning emphasises applied skills: legal research, statutory interpretation, legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation. The programme typically includes practical components such as moot courts, simulated client work, placements or externships, and a capstone or major project that integrates doctrinal study with real-world problem solving. Elective options allow students to explore areas such as family law, international law, human rights, environmental and Planning Law, or business law subjects to tailor the degree toward particular career interests.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Laws is competitive and is based on standard university admission pathways. Applicants are normally expected to have completed secondary school qualifications (Australian Year 12 or international equivalent) with an appropriate tertiary entrance rank or to meet the university's selection criteria. Mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study or vocational qualifications may be eligible through alternative entry or credit arrangements.

Domestic applicants should check state-based admission criteria and any prerequisite subject requirements. International applicants must meet the University's English language proficiency standards and provide certified academic transcripts and any required visa documentation. Applicants who already hold tertiary qualifications or prior legal studies may be eligible for credit transfer—contact the admissions office for personalised assessment.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws follow a variety of legal and related career paths. Common roles include solicitor in private practice, in-house legal adviser, government legal officer, policy adviser, compliance officer, and paralegal. Graduates seeking courtroom practice may progress to admission as a lawyer after completing the mandated practical legal training (PLT) or equivalent supervised practice, and then pursue work as a barrister or advocate where locally permitted.

Other career outcomes include roles in corporate governance, regulatory agencies, non‑profit advocacy, dispute resolution and mediation, and further study in postgraduate law, legal practice programmes, or specialised master’s degrees (for example in commercial law, environmental law or international law). The degree also provides transferrable skills in research, analysis and communication that are valuable across business, public sector and community organisations.

Why study at University of Southern Queensland

USQ offers flexible delivery modes, including on-campus and distance/online study, which is well suited to students balancing work, family or regional commitments. The School of Law focuses on practical, career‑oriented training backed by academic staff with professional and research expertise. Students benefit from experiential learning opportunities such as mooting, negotiation exercises and industry placements that develop advocacy and client-facing skills.

Studying at USQ also provides access to student support services, career development assistance and pathways to postgraduate professional training required for admission to legal practice. The university’s regional campuses and strong online platform make the programme accessible to a wide range of students while maintaining links with legal employers and community organisations.