Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws

BMC component: The course equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in the interdisciplinary field of Media and Communication Studies and its underlying principles, concepts and methods. Students develop the skills needed to analyse and contribute to local, national and international practices of media representation and communications, with an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and perspectives.

LLB component: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practiced and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, law units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives.

LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis.

BMC component: The course develops advanced skills of writing, reading, listening and communicating ideas and arguments in diverse genres and contexts, and in forms ranging from print and screen to convergent digital media.

LLB component: Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts.

LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research.

BMC component: The course enables students to identify, investigate and solve problems independently by exercising cognitive and technical skills of critical thinking, analysis and judgement.

LLB component: This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law, and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects.

LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions.

BMC component: Students graduate from this course with a demonstrated ability to gather, analyse and evaluate information and ideas from a wide range of sources.

LLB component: Students will be required to identify access and navigate complex databases to retrieve primary and secondary material. This requires them to obtain a high level of information literacy. Students will also be required to critically evaluate this information to complete assessment tasks.

LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings.

BMC component: The study of media representations, cultural perspectives and communication ethics provides students with a basis for ethical conduct and socially responsible participation in further learning and professional practice.

LLB component: Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society.

BMC component: The attainment of disciplinary knowledge and skills in media and communications provides graduates with the capacity for independent lifelong learning.

LLB component: This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline.

BMC component: The course provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply constructive principles of team work and social interaction in diverse social contexts of communication. Students also engage in independent study throughout the course.

LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.