Single degrees
Bachelor of Legal Studies (LBLS) – Melbourne (Bundoora)
This degree provides students with an opportunity to pursue their interest in legal studies within a distinctive degree. The course offers a unique interdisciplinary understanding of the law and its nature, operation and effects. This is acquired by combining legal studies subjects with suitable subjects drawn from other disciplines taught in the university, especially humanities and social sciences subjects. Students can construct a coherent program of study directed toward law-related vocations in areas such as research and policy development, criminology, criminal justice, community work and advocacy.
To underscore the vocational aspect of the degree, students undertake the foundation skills-based subject Legal Practices (LST1LEP) as part of the first year of this program. In third year the subject LST3LSW Legal Studies Workplace Practice provides an intensive overview of vocational practices and pathways for graduates in legal studies.
Whilst the Bachelor of Legal Studies does not guarantee entry into the Bachelor of Laws, students with a sufficient ENTER score and strong performance in their La Trobe University studies may apply for admission into the four-year undergraduate law degree or a combined degree after either first or second year. Graduates in the Bachelor of Legal Studies with strong academic results may apply for admission into the three-year graduate law program.
Degree requirements
First year (120 credit points)
In first year, students study:
- 45 credit points of the compulsory core subjects listed below,
- 75 credit points of Electives.
| Teaching period | Subject title | Subject code |
|---|---|---|
| Core subjects (45 credit points) | ||
| TE-SEM-1 | Legal Practices | LST1LEP |
| TE-SEM-1 | Law and Legal Consciousness | LST1LAS |
| TE-SEM-2 | Crime and Criminology | LST1CCR |
Second year (120 credit points)
In second year, students study:
- 60 credit points of second year Legal Studies subjects from the list below,
- 60 credit points of second year Electives.
Third year (120 credit points)
In third year, students study:
- 60 credit points of third year Legal Studies subjects from the list below,
- 60 credit points of third year Electives.
| Second or third year subjects (20 credit points) | ||
|---|---|---|
| TE-SEM-1 | Crime, Law and Culture | LST2CLC/LST3CLC |
| TE-SEM-1 | Law, Justice and Power | LST2LJP |
| TE-SEM-2 | Drugs, Law and Social Justice | LST2DLS/LST3DLS |
| TE-SEM-2 | Law, Rights and Social Justice | LST2LSJ/LST3LSJ |
| Third year subjects (20 credit points) | ||
| Wk 02-07 | Legal Studies Workplace Practice | LST3LSW |
| TE-SEM-1 | Reading Course A | LST3RCA |
| TE-SEM-2 | Reading Course B | LST3RCB |
Honours program in legal studies for Bachelor of Legal Studies and Bachelor of Arts students
This is a full-year program available only to students who have been admitted to either honours candidature or, in some cases, to Master of Arts (Preliminary) candidature in legal studies. The course comprises a research thesis and two honours subjects.
Research thesis
Students complete a 12,000-word research thesis. Research extends throughout the honours year and requires each student to produce a thesis on his or her chosen topic, under supervision. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to identify a thesis topic and arrange for supervision before the end of their third year in the bachelor program.
Honours subjects
Students must complete two approved fourth year subjects. The subjects will be selected with the advice and consent of the Legal Studies Honours Coordinator.
Prerequisites
Normally, completion of a three-year pass degree is required, with achievement of at least a B average in undergraduate legal studies subjects.
Professional recognition
Completion of the course does not qualify a student for any professional recognition.