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International

Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

#1 in Melbourne for law course satisfaction

I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
I am an international student ?International students are students who intend to study, or are currently studying, in Australia and are temporary residents of Australia, permanent residents of New Zealand, or residents or citizens of any other country.
Domestic International
English requirements 7.0 IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) in each component of test View entry requirements
Academic requirements Course-specific academic requirements apply.
Campus
  • Online
Duration 1 year full-time
Intakes Trimester 1 View how to apply
Fees $47,000 for 1 yr full-time AUD View fees and scholarships

#1 Melbourne university for law course satisfaction

Top 3 law school in Melbourne

Stand out to employers as an honours graduate

Why choose laws at Deakin

Undertake a major independent research project to deepen your understanding of law, gain an employment edge and create a pathway to PhD study in Deakin’s Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program. This one-year program is designed for high-achieving students who have completed or nearly completed a Bachelor of Laws at Deakin or another Australian institution. You will sharpen your research capabilities, enhance your analytical thinking and strengthen your legal writing – skills that are highly valued by employers. 
 
You will complete research training units and undertake in-depth research on a legal topic of your choice, supervised by an academic from Deakin Law School, producing a 10,000-word thesis. Whether you're looking to elevate your legal career, strengthen your professional profile or pursue further study such as a masters or PhD, the honours program will help you stand out.

  • Stand out to employers

    Demonstrate enhanced research, analytical and writing skills, and create a career edge.

  • Investigate a research topic of your choice

    Deep dive, completing a 10,000-word thesis where you apply research methods and explore a question that drives your curiosity.

  • Pathway to a PhD

    Gain research training and experience that can lead to PhD or research masters studies.

  • Become an acute thinker

    Develop your analytical thinking, guided by your research supervisor and by completing four specialist law units.

Connected to industry

Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.

Deakin international students walk through Burwood Campus.

Proven employability

Deakin graduates are highly valued by employers. Gain a degree you will value as much as your future career. #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment.

Deakin puts employability first

Career outcomes

Enhance your legal knowledge, analytical thinking, practical skills and research capabilities for careers across law, business and government. Complete practical legal training to pursue legal practice, or apply your skills across a range of professional roles.

Lawyer

Advise clients on legal rights, prepare legal documents, negotiate settlements and represent clients in court. Research legislation and provide practical solutions across a range of legal matters.

  • $105k

    Typical Australian annual salary

  • 11.7%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

  • 3.6/5

    Job satisfaction

Policy adviser

Research, develop and evaluate policies that help governments and organisations respond to legal, regulatory and community issues through evidence-based advice.

  • $120k

    Typical Australian annual salary

  • 8.7%

    Projected job growth in 5 years

  • 4.6/5

    Job satisfaction

Other jobs

  • Barrister
  • Corporate lawyer
  • Law academic
  • Government lawyer
  • Public administrator
  • Law reform officer

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about this course.

Deakin's campuses in Melbourne, Geelong and Warrnambool are set in vibrant, multicultural communities where it is easy to connect and feel at home. As the #1 university in Australia for international student happiness and student satisfaction, you will be supported at every step of your journey. You can join clubs and societies through the Deakin University Student Association (DUSA), attend social events, go on trips and live on campus to meet people from around the world. Each campus has fitness centres, cafes and 24-hour security, as well as prayer rooms and multifaith chaplains.

Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.

As an international student at Deakin, you can work part time according to the conditions of your visa. On a Student Visa (Subclass 500), you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during trimesters. When you are on a trimester break you can work as much as you want. Compulsory work experience that forms part of your degree does not count toward this limit. Find part-time roles and internships through DeakinTALENT and learn more about working in Australia.

Most students studying full time at Deakin need a Student Visa (Subclass 500). You can apply for this visa after you accept your offer and receive your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). To apply, you will need a valid passport, your CoE, proof of Overseas Student Health Cover and any other documents required by the Department of Home Affairs. Apply as early as possible, but do not book travel until your visa has been granted. Find out more about student visas.

Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.

Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.

To enrol in an undergraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.

Deakin is the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. Our degrees are developed with industry insight, so you will gain career-ready skills from the beginning. Each Deakin student can access work-integrated learning through opportunities including placements, internships and projects with well-known industry partners. Our dedicated international student career support program helps you learn about the Australian workforce, make connections and build your network through placements. You will get support with your resume, help looking for an internship or a job after graduation and even advice about your career options overseas.

There is more than one way to study at Deakin. If you do not meet the academic requirements, Deakin College offers a guaranteed pathway to Deakin with small, supportive classes on campus. If you meet the academic requirements but not the English requirements, you can enrol in a Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) English pathway program and progress to your chosen Deakin degree upon successful completion. Deakin also has formal pathway agreements with partner institutions in countries like China, India, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and the United States, so you can start your studies locally before transferring to Australia to complete your degree.

*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Laws (Honours)?

Commencing on completion of your Bachelor of Laws, this one-year course combines advanced law units, training in legal research methods and a 10,000-word thesis to be completed under the supervision of a Deakin Law School academic. Graduate ready for a PhD or masters degree or to pursue your law career.

Undertake your research journey and extend your specialist legal knowledge

Expand your skill set

Select advanced electives that complement your research interests or broaden your legal scope.  

Learn research methods

Complete two research training units to build the foundations for your thesis. 

Formulate your research question and investigate

Select your topic and refine it into a valid research question, research and write up your thesis guided by your supervisor.

This learning journey is intended as a guide only. Individual study journeys may vary.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Laws (Honours), you must pass 8 credit points.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements

Units

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) core units:

Legal Research Training (2cp)
Legal Research Project (2cp)
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What to expect while studying

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.

If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.

When can I start?

When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.

Explore important dates

Campus
Trimester 1
Trimester 2
Trimester 3
Online

This course will be available to both new applicants and Deakin students currently enrolled in M312 Bachelor of Laws or combined Law degrees and who meet the entry requirements for M412.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS – Please note that due to Australian Government regulations, student visas to enter Australia cannot be issued to students who enrol in Deakin online courses.

Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.

Course Learning Outcomes
Apply advanced legal research methodologies and legal reasoning to identify and address legal issues with reference to relevant theoretical approaches, and social, political, and global contexts.
Employ advanced legal writing skills to effectively communicate legal arguments and the conclusions that follow
Utilise a variety of resources in order to formulate and execute a research strategy and plan
Critically evaluate and synthesise legal and other relevant sources to identify and articulate a research question that is suitable for research at an advanced level, and apply high-level legal reasoning to explore such policy, theoretical and legal questions as arise.
Apply rigorous legal analysis to formulate and articulate well-reasoned and nuanced responses to the legal problem under consideration
This CLO is not explicitly assessed
This CLO is not explicitly assessed
Evaluate and compare different approaches and solutions to legal problems in Australian and international jurisdictions and incorporate consideration of ethical perspectives where appropriate
Award granted
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Year

2027 course information

Deakin code
M412
Level
Undergraduate
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8

Your academic history, work and life experience, and individual circumstances will be considered. Meeting the minimum academic and English language requirements does not guarantee admission, but alternative pathways may be available.

Please note, places in this course are limited and selection is competitive. Meeting the minimum entry and course-specific requirements allows you to be considered for admission but does not guarantee an offer. Offers are made in order of merit until all available places are filled.

Entry requirements

For Deakin students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws degree (M312), or a combined Bachelor of Laws degree, to be considered for admission to this degree you will need to have completed a minimum number of credit points of MLL/MLP/MLT units, (or equivalent, as determined by the LLB (Hons) Course Director), as outlined in the following criteria:

  • for students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws degree (M312), 21 credit points of MLL/MLP/MLT coded units, with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 65% across these units
  • for students currently enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws combined degree, 16 credit points of MLL/MLP/MLT coded units, with a WAM of at least 65% across these units

For all other applicants (not a current Deakin University student), to be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • completion of an accredited 4 -year Bachelor of Laws at an Australian institution with a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of at least 65% in all law units successfully completed

All applicants:

Applications must be accompanied by a personal statement (600 words in total), which includes an overview of their proposed Honours research (300 words) and their motivation(s) for undertaking Honours (300 words).

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Get credit for your experience

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.

Fees

Estimated tuition fee

$47,000

for 1 yr full-time AUD

The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.

Learn more about tuition fees for international students.

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Scholarships

Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.

Browse scholarships

Apply now

Apply directly to Deakin

Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.

We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.

Apply through StudyLink Connect

Recognition of prior learning

We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.