Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies

Why study the Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies at UNE?

The Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies course provides students with the opportunity to complete a course dedicated to preparatory skills and studies in law, regardless of their educational background.

This course will be attractive to students who would like to graduate with a degree by completing 12 units. This course also offers students who wish to continue their studies in law the opportunity to transfer to the Bachelor of Legal Studies or to take advantage of the pathway to the Bachelor of Laws (4 year). It will also attract those with a general interest in law and those who wish to study particular areas of law in order to be able to work, for example, as a paralegal or legal secretary.

Career Opportunities

This course will enhance career opportunities for those who want to work in, what might be described as, an ever-changing legal services market. Almost every industry across the private and public sector depends on professionals with an excellent understanding of the law and skills in legal reasoning. In particular, this course will provide graduates with legal knowledge to equip them to be paralegals working for in-house lawyers (the fastest growing sector in law at present), not just legal practices or law firms, or to pursue a range of careers in areas such as banking and finance, communications and public relations, corporate governance, court administration, information technology publishing, justice departments, politics and public policy-making.

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Degree Snapshot

DURATION

1.5 Years Full-time
Up to 6 years Part-time

FEES

CSP (quotas apply)
International

2018 STUDY OPTIONS
Armidale

Trimester 2, Online
Trimester 2, On Campus
Trimester 3, Online

Official Abbreviation AdvDipParalegStuds
Course Type Undergraduate
Commencing
Location Admission Period Mode of Study
Armidale Trimester 2 Online
Armidale Trimester 2 On Campus
Armidale Trimester 3 Online
Course Duration
  • 1.5 Years Full-time
  • Up to 6 years Part-time
Fees CSP (quotas apply) / International
Total Credit Points 72
Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. See Unit Catalogue for specific requirements.

Entry Requirements

A candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Scholarships

The University offers a number of faculty/college and country scholarships available to Australian citizens and permanent residents.

Academic Colours

Ultramarine (BCC148)

Further Information

You can find instant answers to many of your questions or contact UNE directly via AskUNE

These course rules & plans are ONLY to be used if you commenced, transferred or changed versions in the Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies in 2018.

Admission to Candidature

Candidate shall be qualified for admission (see Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Rule and the Admission Undergraduate and Postgraduate (Coursework) Procedures).

Advanced Standing

Candidates are referred to the University Policy on Advanced Standing.

Period of Candidature

The period of candidature shall be:
(a) 1.5 years as a full-time candidate;
(b) up to six years as a part-time candidate.

Course Requirements

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 72 credit points with not more than 60 credit points at 100-level.

Program of Study

Candidates shall complete an approved program of study as outlined in the Course Schedule comprising:

Course Structure Credit Points
Core Units 36 cps
Listed Units 36 cps
Total 72 cps

To view complete Program of Study click here

Award of Degree

Candidates who meet the course requirements shall be awarded the Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies.

Exit Pathways

Subject to meeting Advanced Standing rules, candidates who discontinue their studies in the Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies may be eligible to exit with the Diploma in Paralegal Studies on completion of 48 credit points of Core units.
Candidates who apply to discontinue their studies must apply for re-admission and will be subject to current course requirements of the Advanced Diploma in Paralegal Studies. This may mean that they will not receive full recognition for their previous studies should the course structure have changed in response to University requirements.

Appeals

Candidates are referred to the Academic Assessment Appeals Policy and the Academic Assessment Appeals Procedures.

Course Progression

Candidates are referred to the Course Progression Rule and the Course Progression Procedures.

Improper Conduct

Candidates are referred to the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Rule and the Student Coursework Academic Misconduct Procedures.

Course Aims

The Advanced Diploma of Paralegal Studies aims to graduate students who can demonstrate:

· a knowledge of the fundamentals of the Australian legal system;

· knowledge of areas that include criminal law, dispute resolution, law and first peoples of Australia;

· the ability to take a strategic approach to problem solving by applying critical and innovative thinking to legal issues;

· competence in written communication.

Learning Outcomes Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
  1. demonstrate breadth of knowledge and have an understanding of law's purpose and its application in one or more areas of study;
  2. demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and appreciate law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
  3. demonstrate knowledge of areas of law, law's values and principles, and an awareness of Indigenous legal issues;
  4. critically analyse and suggest ethically appropriate solutions in an effective and persuasive manner; and
  5. be accountable for their own learning by being independent and self-directed learners, and personally practising ethical conduct.
Graduate Attributes
Knowledge of a Discipline

Graduates will have an understanding of the discipline areas of the law of Australia, and will also have an awareness of indigenous perspectives. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives.

Communication Skills

Graduates will develop skills in legal writing and argument. These skills will benefit participants' ability to communicate with both clients and colleagues in both legal and non-legal contexts.

Problem Solving

Graduates will be able to identify legal issues, apply the law and construct ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects.

Information Literacy

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate legal information from a range of sources using technology and communicate it to a range of audiences.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

Graduates will be able to recognise ethical issues that may arise in the legal context and how to act in a socially responsible way both as an individual and in a team environment, recognising law's impact on society.

Lifelong Learning

Graduates will recognise the need to take personal responsibility for the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge appreciating that law is a tool for social justice; and that law is a dynamic discipline.

Independence and Collaboration

Graduates will develop skills in independent study as well as the ability to work collaboratively. They will learn the importance of participating in discussions in a professional, respectful and ethical manner.

How to Apply

Domestic Students

All domestic students apply through the link below

For more information, click here

International Students

International students apply direct to UNE through UNE International. This course is only available online (distance education).

For more information, click here

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