Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) / Bachelor of Laws
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Undergraduate
CRICOS: 00099F
Journalism operates within a complex set of ethical and legal boundaries. Those who understand the law and how it impacts journalistic practice are in high demand in both journalism and media-specific legal careers. If youre passionate about the power of the written word and the way we protect and defend it, the UTS Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) Bachelor of Laws is for you. This dual cross-disciplinary degree will give you a broad range of professional skills and knowledge. Youll learn about contemporary law, traditional and new media and the role of ethics, all while honing your journalistic capabilities across traditional and new media. Youll graduate ready for a successful and fascinating career in the legal and media professions.
Structure
The course comprises 240 credit points. The study components for course completion are as follows. The law component is made up of 144 credit points. The communication component is made up of 96 credit points. The course is offered on a five-year, full-time basis. Students are required to attend approximately 17 hours of seminars and lectures a week. Timetable constraints may require attendance at daytime and evening classes for the law component.
Subjects
- Communication
- Journalism
- Law
Standard entry requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level. Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place. English language requirements IELTS Academic: overall 6.5, writing 6.0 TOEFL iBT: overall 79, writing 21 UTS College AE5: Pass Pearson PTE: overall 58, writing 50 Cambridge C1A/C2P: overall 176, writing 169
Recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW as a lawyer, provided students complete a practical legal training program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
Study pathways
Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) if they complete subjects Research Methodology and Research Thesis within the course. The degree may be awarded with first or second class honours, which does not require an additional honours year. The rules concerning the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) can be found in undergraduate course information. Students who meet these criteria are eligible for transfer into the appropriate undergraduate honours exit course on completion of all coursework. This transfer into an honours exit course is managed by the Haymarket Student Centre and occurs just prior to graduation. The Bachelor of Communication (Honours) is offered on a one-year, full-time basis.
Further information
To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal academic qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Laws) and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), which UTS offers through its PLT program. Students enrolled in this course may complete their practical legal training by undertaking a postgraduate course in PLT, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice. Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
