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Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

Official Abbreviation GradDipLegStuds
Course Type Postgraduate
Commencement Semester 1 and Semester 2
Study Mode On and Off Campus
Course Duration
  • 1 Year Full-time
  • 2 Years Part-time
Fees Full Fee
Total Credit Points 48
Overview

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies provides an ideal basis for graduates who wish to gain a background in legal studies to be used in areas such as legal studies teaching, the public service environment, management, planning and similar fields. It can provide a refresher course in law for those whose initial studies occurred some time ago. It is also a broadening course for those who, for personal interests or vocational requirements, now wish to extend their knowledge of law into areas not previously studied such as Intellectual Property Law, Environmental Planning Law, and Legal Information Systems, to name only a few emerging areas.
Intensive Schools Intensive mandatory schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.
Entry Requirements

Students applying to study the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies should be graduates of a recognised university or other institution approved by the Faculty; or hold an equivalent qualification; or provide other evidence of adequate preparation for candidature. The previous degree need not include a major in Legal Studies.
Course Rules

1. Admission to Candidature
1.1.The course is available on a fee-paying basis only.

1.2. Except as provided in Rule 1.3., an applicant for admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma shall have fulfilled all of the requirements for admission to a degree, or qualification of equivalent standing, accepted by the school on the advice of the course co-ordinator as sufficient qualification for admission to the course, or shall provide other evidence to show to the satisfaction of the school that he or she is adequately prepared for candidature.

1.3. (a) A candidate may be permitted to enrol concurrently for a degree and a Graduate Diploma provided that, except in special circumstances with the approval of the course coordinator, the candidate, as a full-time student, does not enrol in more than four units in each semester, or, as a part-time student, does not enrol in more than two units in each semester.
(b) Such a candidate shall have fulfilled all of the requirements for admission to a degree before being awarded a Graduate Diploma.

2. Approval of Course of Study
2.1. After admission to candidature candidates shall have a course of study approved by the head of school or nominee.

3. Requirements for the Graduate Diploma
3.1.Except as provided in Rule 5., a candidate shall:
(a) follow a course of study prescribed by the school as set out in Rule 3.2.;
(b) complete such written assignments and tasks as are prescribed and pass any examination as is prescribed in each unit of the course of study.

3.2. A candidate may proceed to the Graduate Diploma by course work to a minimum value of 48 credit points. Except with the permission of the school the course of study shall comprise:
(a) units to a minimum value of 36 credit points in the relevant major discipline as defined in Rule 4.; and
(b) elective units approved by the course coordinator to a minimum value of 12 credit points from the School of Law; and
(c) a maximum of 24 credit points at 100 level and a minimum of 12 credit points at 300 level; or
(d) any combination of units at 300 and 400 level.

3.3. Except as provided in Rule 3.4., a candidate shall:
(a) as a full-time candidate, satisfy the above requirements of Rule 3.2. in not more than 18 months from the date of commencement of candidature;
(b) as a part-time candidate, satisfy the above requirements of Rule 3.2. in not less than 18 months from the date of commencement of candidature and not more than four years.3.4. In exceptional circumstances, the school may vary the requirements of Rule 3.3. by extending the period of candidature for a period or periods totalling not more than 12 months.

4. Majors for the Graduate Diplomas
Except with the permission of the school on the recommendation of the course co-ordinator, the course of study shall include units to a minimum value of 36 credit points chosen as follows:

Click here to view Schedule of Units

5. Advanced Standing
5.1. At the discretion of the course coordinator, on the recommendation of the head of school or nominee, a candidate may be granted advanced standing for course work units only, passed prior to admission to candidature, provided that such units have reasonable correspondence with units offered by the school for the Graduate Diploma for:
(a) up to 24 credit points, except as prescribed by Advanced Standing Rule 3 Rule 3.4.(d), on the basis of units that have been successfully completed towards a postgraduate qualification at this or another university or through other significant learning that the school considers equivalent to units prescribed in the Diploma;
(b) a maximum of 30 credit points in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies.

5.2. A candidate who is re-admitted to candidature following exclusion may be granted advanced standing by the faculty for units in which he or she previously satisfied examiners in terms of Rule 3.1.(b).

6. Improper Conduct
Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct.

Note: Law students are expected to have Internet access and access to a computer capable of displaying pdf files delivered by CDRom
Advanced Standing The School of Law gives credit for prior study in any Australian program that meets the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner (including courses offered by the NSW Legal Practitioner's Admission Board or its equivalent). Advanced standing cannot be given for work experience or legal studies that are not part of a course that meets admission requirements. Details on the School of Law's Advanced Standing policies can be found at www.une.edu.au/law/policies/course_coordinator_notices.php#advancedstanding.
Fast Track Summer Semester available on a fee paying basis.
Other Benefits

Summer Semester provides an opportunity for students to fast-track their academic progression or to catch up on units required to complete the degree. A selection of units are offered off-campus during the normal semester break from November to February, enabling students to study from home and to accelerate their progress towards graduation.

Law Students' Society: There is an active Law Students' Society at UNE, which organises inter-varsity mooting and social activites for students. The Society also represents the interests of Law students through its elected representatives on School Committees and provides a range of services for Law alumni as well as facilitating links between legal practitioners and students.
Further Information

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