Key facts

UNE unit code: LAW201

*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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As a result of a global interest in sports, both on and off the field, there is a demand for skilled professionals with a practical understanding of sports-related legal matters.

Studying this unit equips you with a specialised knowledge in a range of contemporary legal issues associated with sport, as well as critical thinking skills about policy and society at large.

You will develop advanced knowledge in a range of legal issues relating to sport in Australia, including aspects of international interest.

As well as gaining valuable skills in the critical evaluation of how sport and the law interact, you will explore of a range of emerging sports law issues and the future directions governing sports law.

Gain a professional edge in a sought-after field.

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
None
Co-requisites
None
Combined units

Notes

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

Unit coordinator(s)

Michael Bricknell

Learning outcomes

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

  1. demonstrate a broad and coherent understanding of the common law principles and the statutes that regulate sports law;
  2. critically report and analyse on the current practice and propose future directions governing sports law;
  3. use initiative and judgment in identifying issues and applying the principles of sports law to provide persuasive arguments and solutions to fact based problems which feature the competing interests of stakeholders (athletes, regulatory and governing bodies, sponsors); and
  4. use research skills to identify, analyse, and clearly communicate arguments relating to sports law to specialist or non-specialist audiences.

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
Assessment 1: EssayYes40%All offerings

No. Words: 2000 excluding footnotes

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. 

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.

Sports Law

ISBN: 9780190329860

Thorpe, D., Buti, A., Jonson, P. and Anderson, J., Oxford 4th ed. 2022

Note: If this unit has an online supervised exam (go to Online Supervised Exams for more information) you will be permitted to refer to the e-text during the online supervised exam, only if they are on the desktop/laptop computer upon which you are sitting your exam.

Text refers to: All offerings

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At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

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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