Learn to how work effectively in the rapidly changing field of law
Legal and paralegal studies are dynamic fields covering everything from the fundamentals of legal systems to problem solving, research and legal reasoning. Almost every industry across the private and public sector requires adaptable, trained legal professionals with a well-rounded understanding of the law.
UNE offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in legal and paralegal studies designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills required to position yourself as an invaluable member of any legal service or team. Because UNE has a long history of helping adults prepare ready themselves for changes in the workplace, our legal and paralegal studies courses focus on the fundamentals of the Australian legal system and give you transferable skills in communication and critical thinking to ensure that you graduate future-fit and able to adapt to advancements in the law. You’ll learn from leading experts who are engaged in cutting-edge research and have a passion for teaching.
Most of our students prefer online education, where they join a community of adults and use their life and work experiences to establish networks for the future. On-campus students have the opportunity to utilise campus accommodation, sports and support services. Whether online or on-campus, you can choose to study full-time or part-time over three trimesters.
With UNE, you’ll graduate feeling prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as a legal or paralegal professional, whether you choose to pursue careers in a court environment or in an administrative role. By choosing UNE, you’ll be studying with an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning. Year after year, students award us the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
Explore the study options related to legal and paralegal studies on offer at UNE.
Courses by study level
Study the UNE Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies and develop advanced legal knowledge and skills in a sought-after field of expertise. Whether you’re building your skills in law, changing careers or paving the way to further legal study, you’ll…
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
At the heart of community services is a desire to help people – to promote social justice and inclusion, and enable people to flourish. UNE's flexibly delivered Bachelor of Community Services will enable you to develop the skills to empower…
- 2 or 2.5 or 3 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Criminology is the study of crime and our responses to crime. UNE's Bachelor of Criminology investigates factors that cause criminal behaviour and how crime can be prevented within wider society. The course offers a variety of key topics and…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
By studying law and criminology at UNE, you will gain a broad portfolio of knowledge and skills to future proof your career in a wide variety of professions. In this comprehensive program of study, you will develop contemporary skills in how to…
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
Whether you are looking to re-train to become a Primary or Secondary school teacher, teach different subjects or upgrade your teaching accreditation, the UNE Bachelor of Education (In-Service Conversion) provides a flexible pathway to pivot and grow …
- 1.5 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Expand and hone your teaching knowledge while building a highly valuable breadth of skills with the UNE Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching). This is a dual sector degree giving you the flexibility to teach in both primary and secondary schools. It …
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
UNE’s Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) offers a comprehensive program of study that provides you with the knowledge and practical skills to become a highly sought-after secondary school teacher. Develop your teaching skills in a supportive,…
- 4 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of law with the flexibility to tailor your learning to your career goals with the UNE Bachelor of Legal Studies. Benefit from UNE’s niche expertise in regional, rural and remote legal issues and …
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
By studying UNE’s Bachelor of Social Science degree you will develop a comprehensive and valuable understanding of human societies and social thought, behaviour and relationships in their varied social, psychological and political manifestations,…
- 3 years full-time
- Up to 10 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
Almost all industries depend on people with an understanding of the law and skills in legal reasoning. With the UNE Diploma in Paralegal Studies, you will build the preparatory knowledge and skills you need to advance your career in a variety of…
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
The Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies provides foundational legal skills for analysing legal issues, undertaking legal research, and writing persuasively, regardless of your education background. The course will provide you with an…
- 1 year part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
Adapt to an evolving workplace and open the door to new career opportunities with UNE's Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice. Whether you want to create more career choices, hone your specialist skills, or take a new…
- 0.5 years full-time
- 2 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Design a bespoke course and prepare for a rapidly evolving workplace with the UNE Graduate Diploma in Professional Practice. Whether you want to advance your career, hone your skills or embark on a new career direction, we'll work …
- 1 year full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
Accelerate your career opportunities with the UNE Master of Teaching (Secondary). Gain the specialist knowledge and skills you need to become a sought-after teacher who makes a difference. Study online in a flexible timeframe that suits your…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 6 years part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- On Campus
- Online
A Doctor of Philosophy is the pinnacle of academic study. Using rigorous and systematic research, combined with critical analysis, you will add to society's understanding of complex issues at the cutting-edge of your discipline or profession.…
- 4 years full-time
- 8 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
High quality research and analysis allows us to better understand the complex issues we face in industry and society. With UNE's Master of Philosophy by research, your original findings and insights will add to the body of knowledge and inform…
- 2 years full-time
- Up to 4 years part-time
- Research Period 1
- Research Period 2
- On Campus
- Online
If you are enrolled at another university, you can choose to study subjects at UNE that will count towards your course. Apply as a cross institutional student directly and complete one or several individual subjects (units) from the full scope of…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
The world is full of possibilities, with so much to discover and learn. There are endless opportunities to enrich your knowledge to prepare for the future, but what if you don’t want to undertake a full degree? And how can you zero-in on the…
- 1 trimester full-time
- 1 trimester part-time
- Trimester 1 - Feb 2024
- Trimester 2 - Jun 2024
- Trimester 3 - Oct 2024
- Online
- On Campus
- Bespoke Graduate Certificate: design your own 4 unit postgraduate course and have your work experience recognised in the process.
- ‘Fundamental’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four fundamental units from a traditional degree. If you are planning a new direction, or adding a new set of skills to your portfolio, you may want to start with this option. These units provide a foundation, or a ‘base camp’, to return to if you want to later progress to a full degree.
- ‘Advanced’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four advanced units from a full degree. This is a great strategy for staying current in your field, or advancing your knowledge.
- ‘Critical Content’ Bespoke Course: choose two, three or four units any of the available units in a degree to create a Critical Content Bespoke Course. This option lets you get the knowledge you need without the time and cost of a full degree.
- ‘Mix and Match’ Bespoke Course: combine two, three or four units from different degrees and disciplines to design your mix and match Bespoke Course. This option lets you diversify your knowledge.
What our students say
The intellectual challenge of studying law appealed to me, as I was eager to enhance my problem-solving skills and develop my practical understanding of my society and its functions.
Breezy Altmann,Find the right major or specialisation for your studies in Paralegal and Legal Studies
With demand for legal and paralegal professionals strong and rising, UNE’s study offerings will help you to stay at the forefront of rapid changes to the law in Australia. Study one of our specialist legal or paralegal courses and graduate with a winning combination of knowledge and legal skills.
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics…
Benefit from UNE’s highly regarded educators and develop the analytical skills to think critically about the complex nature of crime. Secure your role in the rapidly changing world of law enforcement and social justice, using modern data analytics and tech to explain crime patterns and trends.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly…
With UNE's criminology experts, you’ll explore the interplay between social factors and criminal behaviour while fine-tuning your communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Secure your role in a society that will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Criminology | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new…
UNE's experienced educators will help you learn about human behaviour and develop the interpersonal skills you need to protect your role in the criminal justice system. Prepare for a rewarding future in a field that is ever-evolving as new initiatives in rehabilitation are researched.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Community Services | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit …
Benefit from UNE's criminology experts and develop the skills to think critically about the policing, legal and prison institutions involved in the rural, remote and metropolitan criminal justice system and their impact on society. Be future-fit to work in law, politics or community service.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Social Science | Major | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop…
Benefit from UNE's criminology and forensics experts and develop the skills to think critically about the justice process and forensic investigating. Future proof your career in law enforcement, the legal process or rehabilitation, and develop an understanding of crime and society’s response to it.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay…
Benefit from our leading researchers at UNE who are pioneers in the field of rural crime. Develop the skills to think critically about why people break the law and the impact this has on society. Learn using up-to-date and emerging tech and stay abreast of changes in this dynamic field.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Criminology | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Psychological Science | Minor | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Arts with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
| Bachelor of Criminology with Honours | Specialist Course | Bachelor Honours |
| Bachelor of Social Science with Honours | Major | Bachelor Honours |
| Advanced Diploma in Arts | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Learn from UNE's experts in legal and Indigenous studies and develop your research, communication and analytical skills. Be future-fit for a society which will increasingly focus on restorative and transformative justice for diverse populations.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Criminology | Minor | Undergraduate |
- Undergraduate
- Bachelor Honours
- Postgraduate
- Major
- Minor
- Specialisation
- Teaching Area
- Specialist Course
Build a versatile skillset in legal analysis, research, and advocacy with the experts at UNE. Graduate ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing legal landscape where professionals who can effectively navigate legal complexities and…
Build a versatile skillset in legal analysis, research, and advocacy with the experts at UNE. Graduate ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing legal landscape where professionals who can effectively navigate legal complexities and communicate with diverse stakeholders will excel.
| Courses | Type | Level of Study |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion) | Major | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Education (Secondary Arts) | Teaching Area | Undergraduate |
| Bachelor of Legal Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Diploma in Paralegal Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Undergraduate Certificate in Paralegal Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
| Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies | Specialist Course | Undergraduate |
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Why study with us?
Australian Universities
Public NSW Universities
NSW Universities
Careers in Paralegal and Legal Studies
By studying paralegal and legal studies with UNE, you will have the future-proof skillset to secure positions in a wide range of careers and industries. Professionals with skillsets in legal studies can find work in a variety of settings.
- Paralegal
Conduct legal research, draft legal documents, assist with case management and prepare for trials or hearings. - Legal researcher
Conduct research on legal issues and cases to provide information and support to lawyers and legal teams. - Legal secretary
Provide administrative support to lawyers and law firms. - Court clerk
Assist judges, solicitors and the public with court proceedings. - Legal analyst
Research legal issues, assess potential risks, prepare legal briefs and contribute to legal strategy development. - Contract administrator
Oversee the preparation, review and management of contracts. - Legal consultant
Provide expert advice and guidance on legal matters to individuals, businesses or organisations. - Title examiner
Research and review property records to determine the legal ownership and status of real estate properties.
A career in Paralegal and Legal Studies
The legal skills I learnt, particularly in the first couple of years of the degree, I was able to apply straight away.
My most rewarding experience has been as President of the Law Students’ Society, all the law staff have been more than willing to include me in discussions and given me guidance when needed.
I’ve always been really interested in criminology and forensic science so I chose to combine my criminology degree with a law degree.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024Browse other disciplines within Law and Criminology
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2024 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.
