Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of International Studies
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 00099F
The Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of International Studies takes a global approach to the study of law and culture, offering students the opportunity to spend up to an academic year overseas, depending on their chosen pathway. Years 1–3 of the course are conducted at UTS, and encompass legal studies core subjects and electives/majors, including the new Legal Futures and Technology major. In the International Studies component, students select a country major that guides their choice of language and culture subjects in preparation for their overseas experience. In addition to immersing students in another culture, the international studies program also delivers hands-on experience with cross-cultural legal issues, preparing students for international legal roles or to provide legal expertise for international organisations or foreign investors. This course also meets the academic requirements for admission to practise law in NSW.
Structure
The course comprises a total of 240 credit points. The study components for course completion are as follows. The law component of 144 credit points is made up of: 108 credit points of compulsory core law subjects 30 credit points of law options, and 6 credit points of legal theory options. The international studies component comprises 96 credit points of international studies subjects. For a current listing of subjects in each course refer to the study package directory. The course duration is five years of full-time study. The law component requires attendance of 10-15 hours of lectures a week and timetable constraints may require attendance at daytime and evening classes. Students spend two sessions of study at a university or other higher education institution in the country of their major.
Subjects
- Law
- Argentina
- Canada
- Chile
- China
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Latino USA
- Mexico
- Spain
- Switzerland
Standard entry requirements
- An Australian Year 12 qualification, AQF Diploma, or equivalent qualification at the required level. There is a range of entry levels to the various language and culture programs. Students are admitted to the international studies program with no guarantee of entry to a specific major, although every effort is made to meet students' preferences. The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0
- Or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21
- Or AE5: Pass
- Or PTE: 58-64
- Or CAE: 176-184. Proficiency in English is assumed. There are no prior language requirements for the international studies program.
Recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW as a lawyer, provided students complete a practical legal training program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
Study pathways
Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) if they complete subjects Research Methodology and Research Thesis within the course. The degree may be awarded with first or second class honours, which does not require an additional honours year. The rules concerning the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) can be found in undergraduate course information. Students who meet these criteria for honours are eligible for transfer into the appropriate undergraduate honours exit course on completion of all coursework. This transfer is managed by the Haymarket Student Centre and occurs just prior to graduation.
Further information
Students spend their fourth year of study at a university overseas. To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal academic qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Laws) and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), which UTS offers through its PLT program. Students enrolled in this course may complete their practical legal training by undertaking a postgraduate course in PLT, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
