Bachelors of Laws (Honours)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Griffith University is designed for students who want to build a strong foundation in legal practice while developing advanced research, advocacy, and critical thinking skills. Combining core legal knowledge with practical learning opportunities, the degree prepares graduates for professional legal careers as well as leadership roles in government, business, and public policy. Campus: Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish a strong understanding of the legal system and fundamental legal principles through subjects such as Foundations of Law, Contracts 1, and Crime 1. They begin developing legal research, reasoning, and communication skills while exploring how law operates within society and the justice system.

Year 2

The second year expands students' knowledge into key areas of private and public law. Through courses including Torts 1, Property 1, and Constitutional Law, students learn how legal rights, responsibilities, and government powers are interpreted and applied in real-world contexts.

Year 3

Students progress to more complex legal topics and professional practice areas. Subjects such as Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, and Evidence strengthen analytical and problem-solving capabilities while introducing students to the procedural and ethical dimensions of legal work.

Year 4

The honours year focuses on advanced legal scholarship, professional preparation, and specialised study. Students undertake courses such as Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Practice, Corporations and Associations, and Theories of Law, while also completing advanced research and elective opportunities that may include clinics, internships, mooting competitions, and social justice law experiences.

Focus Areas:

Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Property Law, Constitutional Law, Corporate Law, Administrative Law, Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Advocacy, Legal Theory, Social Justice, International and Global Law.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal reasoning and analytical skills; conduct independent legal research; interpret and apply legislation and case law; communicate persuasive legal arguments; understand ethical and professional responsibilities; evaluate legal issues within local and global contexts; and prepare for professional legal practice and leadership roles.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is an accredited Australian law degree that satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. Graduates can proceed to Practical Legal Training (PLT) before seeking admission as a solicitor or pursuing pathways toward becoming a barrister.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Griffith Law School is recognised for its focus on social justice, practical legal education, and industry engagement. Griffith University is ranked among the world's leading universities, and Law at Griffith has been recognised among the top law schools globally in major international subject rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Griffith University is designed to immerse students in authentic legal practice from the early stages of their degree. Students develop practical advocacy, negotiation, legal research, and problem-solving skills through interactive learning experiences, professional engagement opportunities, and exposure to real-world legal issues. The program combines academic study with experiential activities that reflect contemporary legal practice, supported by Griffith's modern teaching facilities and industry-connected learning environment:

Griffith Law Clinic: Eligible students can gain practical experience by working on real legal matters under professional supervision, developing client interviewing, legal research, and case management skills.
Moot Court Program: Students participate in simulated court proceedings, building advocacy, oral argument, legal drafting, and courtroom presentation skills in a realistic legal environment.
Negotiation and Mediation Simulations: Practical exercises allow students to develop dispute resolution and professional communication skills commonly used in legal practice.
Legal Research Training: Students gain experience using professional legal research databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other specialised legal information resources used throughout the legal profession.
Industry Engagement Opportunities: Guest lectures, practitioner workshops, networking events, and industry panels connect students with judges, barristers, solicitors, and legal professionals.
Collaborative Legal Projects: Many courses include group-based case studies, legal problem-solving exercises, and research projects that mirror professional legal teamwork.
Griffith University Library Resources: Students have access to extensive legal collections, online law journals, legislation databases, case law repositories, and dedicated study spaces supporting advanced legal research.
Honours Research Experience: The honours component allows students to undertake substantial independent legal research under academic supervision, developing advanced analytical and research capabilities.
Professional Placement Opportunities: Students may engage in workplace learning experiences through legal organisations, community legal centres, government agencies, and industry partners.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Griffith University are equipped with advanced legal knowledge, professional ethics, and strong analytical skills that prepare them for a wide range of careers within and beyond the legal profession. The honours component develops high-level legal research and critical thinking capabilities, giving graduates a competitive edge in the employment market. Typical career pathways include solicitor, barrister, legal advisor, and policy or governance officer.

: Through a combination of professional preparation, industry engagement, and academic excellence, graduates are well positioned for long-term career success:

University employability services: Griffith Careers and Employment Service offers personalised career guidance, employability workshops, mentoring programs, networking opportunities, internship support, and access to graduate recruitment initiatives to help students build professional connections and workplace-ready skills.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Law graduates in Australia commonly secure starting salaries ranging from AUD $75,000 – $120,000, with median earnings typically between AUD $95,000 – $115,000, depending on practice area, employer, and level of experience.
University–industry partnerships: Griffith maintains strong relationships with legal practices, courts, government agencies, community legal centres, and industry organisations, providing opportunities for practical experience, legal clinics, professional placements, and industry engagement.
Long-term accreditation value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia and provides a recognised pathway toward becoming a solicitor or barrister after completing Practical Legal Training.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in legal research, advocacy, negotiation, dispute resolution, and legal analysis, enabling them to pursue careers across private practice, government, corporate organisations, and the non-profit sector.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this degree, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner. They may also pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of International Law, Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Policy, or research-focused Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and PhD programs in specialised legal fields and legal research.