Key facts

UNE unit code: LSSU391

*You are viewing the 2026 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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This unit is available to non-law students only and provides a comprehensive introduction to the legal principles for commercial associations with an emphasis on corporations.

You will explore a wide range of topics including sole traders, partnerships and the law of agency, trusts (discretionary, unit, and hybrid) and joint ventures as well as superannuation entities, the function and structure of companies, corporate governance, member’s rights and corporate liability.

Additionally, you will examine corporate finance, takeovers and schemes of arrangement, financial records, financial reporting and audit requirements and companies in distress. In doing so, you will build a broad understanding of the nature and scope of corporation law, as well as your critical thinking and legal reasoning skills.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
LSSU251
Restrictions
LSSU591 or LAW351

Notes

Legal Studies unit available to all students, other than Law students, subject to degree rules. Due to accreditation requirements [TPB and ASIC(FASEA)], students must sit an independent invigilated assessment/supervised examination.

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

Patrick Riakos

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the regulatory framework; the theoretical principles; and the sources of law (statutes and case law) of corporations in Australia;
  2. use cognitive and creative skills to exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify issues; evaluate the relevant legislation and case law; and apply the appropriate principles of corporations law to provide a solution to factual problems;
  3. demonstrate an ability to employ the skills of legal research techniques, reasoning and argument to coherently communicate independent opinions on legal issues relevant to corporations law; and
  4. understand the application of data protection and privacy regulations when collecting, generating, storing, accessing, using or sharing data and information.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assignment 1Yes40%All offerings

Written assignment.Students must attempt this assessment to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2000

Final Invigilated Examination - Assurance TaskYes60%All offerings

There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. 

To pass this unit, you must achieve at least 50% in this task, and meet all other passing requirements in the unit. 

No. Words: 2000

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Australian Corporate Law, 8th ed. and Australian Corporations Legislation 2026 (2 Volume Set)

ISBN: 9780001387508

LexisNexis 2026

Note: Package includes: Hargovan, A., Adams, M. and Brown, C., "Australian Corporate Law", 8th ed. 2023 (ISBN: 9780409356441) and Australian Corporations Legislation 2026 (2 volume set)" (ISBN: 9780409363517). The above details refer to a hardcopy textbook. Students are permitted to purchase the e-text version of the textbook if it is available. If this unit has an open-book online examination and the exam instructions allow you to refer to the hardcopy textbook, you will also be permitted to refer to the e-text version during the online supervised exam. The e-text can be used only if it is on the same device upon which you are sitting your exam. The use of a separate device is not permitted for accessing e-texts

Text refers to: All offerings

See Note

Note: "Partnership Act 1892 (NSW) Available from NSW Legislation.

Text refers to: All offerings

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We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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