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Course snapshot
Domestic snapshot
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Start Date
March, July, October
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Duration
2 years full-time; 4 years part-time
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Location
Gold Coast, Online
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
55
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
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Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
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Entry Requirements
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Course abbreviation
AssocDegLaw (Paralegal)
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Course code
2206351
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Credit points
192
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Equivalent units
16
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Scholarships
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Indicative fee
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
International snapshot
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Start Date
February, June
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Duration
2 years full-time
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Location
Gold Coast
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Placement
Yes Learn more
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ATAR
55
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Inherent Requirements
No Learn more
-
Language Requirements
IELTS Overall Score 6.0
-
Entry Requirements
-
Course abbreviation
AssocDegLaw (Paralegal)
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Course code
2206351
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Credit points
192
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Equivalent units
16
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Scholarships
-
Indicative fee
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CRICOS
Please note, some locations may not have all intake periods available. See the full availability details for further information.
Overview
Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.
This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.
Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.
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“I chose Southern Cross because I wanted somewhere where the lecturers knew me by name and provided one-on-one assistance. The course was definitely challenging but I learned so much and the staff were always so willing to help.”
The Southern Cross Model is a game-changer in higher education study.
Our students now engage in shorter, six-week unit structures designed around immersive and interactive learning experiences. The shorter unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum as they achieve milestones quickly, resulting in increased student success rates, and course and teacher satisfaction. Lectures are a thing of the past - students will be engaged in active, interactive and discussion-based learning.
On-campus students experience a variety of teaching approaches including lectures, tutorials, online activities and video-linked or podcast virtual classes.
Our online study option is highly interactive and may include a combination of podcast or video-linked lectures, electronic study materials, workshops, online discussion forums and virtual classes.
The method of teaching and assessment may vary from unit to unit.
Course Learning Outcomes express learning achievement in terms of what a student should know, understand and be able to do on completion of a course. These outcomes are aligned with the graduate attributes (GA).
| Course Learning Outcome |
|---|
GA1: Intellectual rigour Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
GA2: Creativity Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts |
GA3: Ethical practice Recognise and reflect on how law, justice and the legal environment can contribute to sustainability and sustainable development and exercise ethical judgement in professional contexts |
GA4: Knowledge of a discipline Demonstrate the ability to apply a broad knowledge of the principles and concepts of law and the Australian legal system to generate responses to legal issues and challenges in paralegal, professional and social contexts. |
GA5: Lifelong learning Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams |
GA6: Communication and social skills Develop interpersonal, reflective and self-management skills to work independently and as part of teams |
GA7: Cultural competence Develop the ability to recognise and reflect on Australian indigenous perspectives in law, justice and the legal environment. |
You may undertake voluntary legal experience and para-professional placement with legal firms or offices to complement their practical legal skills and become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals.
This course consists of compulsory law units and elective units. Students can choose to study a major in conveyancing.
Please note: Some elective units, when studied online, require students to attend on-campus workshops.
| Location | Teaching period |
|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 |
| Online | Term 1, Term 3, Term 5 |
| Location | Teaching period | Annual Fees | CRICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coast | Term 1, Term 3 | $30,832 ($3,854 per unit) | 016182B |
Tuition fees are in Australian dollars, and are subject to change, including annual increases over the duration of a course. Annual tuition fee is based on completing 8 units per year. In addition students are required to pay OSHC for the duration of their visa in advance. Non-tuition fee covers textbooks, stationery and excursions. | |||
Career Outcomes
The Associate Degree of Law (Conveyancing major) conducted by Southern Cross University is an approved educational qualification as provided for in Schedule 1 of the Conveyancers Licensing (Qualifications) Order 2006. For licensing requirements, and details of mandatory additional work experience required to enable registration, enquiries should be made to NSW Fair Trading.
Note that each Australian state or territory has its own legislation regulating conveyancing practice.
The subject ‘LEGL2012 - Mediation Practice and Procedure’, meets the training and assessment threshold requirements as specified in the National Mediator Accreditation System. As such, Southern Cross University is recognised as an Education and Training Provider Member of the Mediation Standards Board. Upon successful completion of the unit, students may apply to a Registered Mediation Accreditation Body (RMAB) to finalise their accreditation.
Requirements
We encourage you to apply for the courses you most want to study. If you are not eligible to enter your chosen course right now, our team will work with you to find the best pathway option.
Before applying, make sure you double check all entry requirements, gather required documentation and review the University’s Rules Relating to Awards, noting any specifics listed below.
Entry requirements
Language requirements
English language requirements apply to International applicants and other applicants whose previous study was undertaken in a language other than English. The minimum English language requirements for such applicants for entry to this course are as follows
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Overall | 6.0 |
| Listening | minimum 5.5 |
| Reading | minimum 5.5 |
| Speaking | minimum 5.5 |
| Writing | minimum 5.5 |
| Country | Score |
|---|---|
| Austria AMC | 3.7 |
| Bangladesh HSC | 3.3 |
| Brazil SSLC | 7.8 |
| Canada High School OSSD | 48 |
| Chile PSU | 6.0, overall 600-649 |
| China Gao Kao | 436 |
| Colombia CB (NAT) | 73, overall 300-349 |
| Denmark USSLE | 5.8 |
| France FB | 10.5 |
| German Abitur | 3.2 |
| Hong Kong HKDSE | 13 |
| India CBSE (best 4) | 7.0 in external exam |
| India CISCE | 63 |
| India Higher Secondary School Certificate (best 4) | 7 in academic |
| Indonesia SMA | 7.8 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 |
| Japan USSLC | 3.7 |
| Korea, Republic of, CSAT | 292 |
| Malaysia ICSSUEC | 65 |
| Malaysia STPM | 3 |
| Nepal Higher Secondary Education Certificate | 65 |
| Nepal Proficiency Certificate | 78 |
| Norway GPA | 1.3 |
| Pakistan HSSC | 29 |
| Papua New Guinea HSC (best 5) | 2.4 pass Eng & Math |
| Peru OCSE | 16 |
| Phillipines NSAT | 86 |
| Russia FCCSE | 4.1 |
| Saudi Arabia MESSLC | 78 |
| Singapore SCGCE | 14.5 |
| Spain SSSD | 7.8 |
| Spain STBPU | 7.2 |
| Spain SUOY | 4.5 |
| Sri Lanka GCE | 4 |
| Sweden SSLC | 12.3 |
| Taiwan GSAT | 81 |
| Thailand CSE | (Matayom 6) 1.7 |
| Turkey HSD | 3.7 |
| UK Board GCE A Levels | 12 |
| USA SAT & ACT | SAT 1350, ACT 18 |
| Vietnam (in 4 subjects) | 7.5 Average |
Course requirements
To be eligible to receive the Associate Degree of Law (Paralegal Studies), students must complete the equivalent of 16 units (192 credit points), comprising:
- 8 core units (96 credit points); and
- Conveyancing Major (96 credit points); or
- 6 Law electives (72 credit points) and 2 Law or University-wide electives (24 credit points).
Other things to consider
As part of our commitment to admissions transparency, the University provides a snapshot of how students were admitted to their courses and the profile of students studying with us here.
There are different pathways into an undergraduate degree.
Whether you are returning to study after some time or you have just finished school and you need some extra academic preparation before embarking on a degree, Southern Cross University offers two excellent, fee-free academic preparation programs that develop the skills you need to be successful at university.
SCU College also offers a range of one-year Diplomas that provide extra academic support as you commence university. Diplomas are a great pathway to a degree and may also prepare you for diverse paraprofessional roles.
Credit for Prior Learning, also referred to as ‘Advanced Standing’ or Recognition for Prior Learning (RPL), is the process of looking at your prior study and/or experience to assess if you can be awarded academic credit or gain entry to a course on the basis of your existing knowledge and skills.
The Early Offer program allows Year 12 students to secure a place in a Southern Cross University undergraduate degree before Year 12 results are released. It’s designed to remove some of the pressure from Year 12 and provide a pathway directly into university study that is not based solely on Year 12 results.
Course structure
Why Law at SCU
5-star rating
We're rated 5-stars for teaching quality and student support
(Good Universities Guide 2023: Law)Postgraduate experience
We're rated 5-stars for postgraduate overall experience, student support and teaching quality
(GUG 2023)Entry pathways
Entry pathways available into Bachelor of Laws from the Associate Degree in Law
(Paralegal Studies)Fees and Scholarships
Domestic students
You are a domestic student if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, New Zealand citizen, or Australian humanitarian visa holder. Your course will either be a Commonwealth Supported Place or a full fee-paying place. This is noted in the course snapshot.
Commonwealth Supported Places:
In a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), the Government pays some of your fees and you pay the rest as the Student Contribution Amount (SCA).
SCA is calculated per unit, not per course. Eligible students can defer the SCA through a HECS-HELP loan.
Full Fee-Paying Places:
A full fee-paying place is where you pay the full (unsubsidised) tuition fee for your course. Eligible students can defer the payment of their tuition fees through the FEE-HELP scheme (including employer-reserved places for The Hotel School courses).
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Scholarships vary in amount, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars each year. Eligibility isn't limited to top-performing students or those facing financial challenges; there are opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and with different accomplishments. This ensures that education remains accessible to all, changing lives and helping individuals achieve their goals for a brighter future.
Fees and Scholarships
International Students
If you're an international student, you can find the annual course cost in Australian dollars (AUD$) on our International Courses and Fees page or on the web page for your course under fees.
Also known as SSAF, the Student Services and Amenities Fee is a compulsory fee for most students used to provide important services and amenities to students both on and off campus. It’s charged per unit, based on the unit’s credit point value. Eligible domestic students have the option of deferring this fee through the SA-HELP loan scheme. More about SSAF
Depending on your course, your costs could also include computer equipment and software, books, stationery, field trips, uniforms or other course-specific expenses such as art materials, musical equipment or travel for practicums, internships, vaccinations or industry experience.
Southern Cross University offers a range of scholarships designed to support you while you study, available for a variety of backgrounds and achievements. Scholarships range from a few hundred dollars a year to several thousand dollars a year. Southern Cross has also introduced Access25, a new initiative for 2025 to deliver a quality education combined with a straightforward tuition model, ensuring every international student has equal access.
Apply now
Preparing to apply
- Check requirements
- Get supporting documents ready
- Choose where and when from the available options
Click the Apply button to start your application in our Application Portal.
Dates for the diary
Our shorter, more focused six-week unit structure gives students a greater sense of momentum and motivation as they achieve milestones quickly. Application dates per Term are shown on each course page however refer to our key dates and teaching calendar for detail on when enrolment opens, studies commence and when grades are published. There are also Dual Term and Tri Term calendars for those who have specific subjects.
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Credit Transfer
Get a head start on your degree. Find out if you’re eligible for credit from previous studies.
Go to credit assessorEntry Pathway
We believe in equal access to further education, so we offer a range of pathways to university.
Find a pathway