Overview
Aim for an in-demand career as a legal secretary, paralegal, or compliance officer. Develop legal research and writing skills, and targeted knowledge of the law.
Our Bachelor of Legal Services teaches sought-after skills in legal research, legal-document preparation, and interviewing. It’s suited to VCE graduates and mature applicants with relevant work experience.
You’ll learn how legislation is interpreted and applied in different areas, including criminal, family, property and corporations law. You’ll also develop highly valued skills in professional conduct, critical thinking, teamwork and communication.
Our partnerships with the legal community ensure you develop real-world experience and skills.
This qualification prepares you for a career in the legal services industry, but it does not enable you to practise law.
Flexible pathways to your ideal qualification
We are one of the few universities in Australia to offer both higher education and vocational legal training. That means you can do a certificate, diploma, degree or postgraduate studies – entering at various points and exiting when you’ve achieved your goal.
Some students use our legal services degree or diploma to enter a Bachelor of Laws. Speak to a course coordinator if you are interested in progressing in this way.
Exit early with a qualification
Students who are enrolled in this course who complete the course requirements for the diploma may elect to exit early and graduate with a Diploma of Legal Services BSB52215 (currently offered for continuing students only).
Partnerships with the legal community
Our partnerships with Magistrates’ Courts and community legal services let you apply your knowledge while you study. You’ll develop the skills needed to support people facing challenging situations.
You’ll gain authentic practical experiences within the justice system and related organisations. We provide all the grounding needed for a rewarding career in legal services.
Study in the heart of the legal precinct
Our Queen Street law hub on our City Campus is in the heart of Melbourne's legal district.
Our dedicated law building features:
- specialised law library
- legal research centres including the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre
- mooting court
- computer labs, student lounges, study spaces and a prayer room.
You’ll gain real insight into legal practice and start building networks for your future career.
Study overseas while earning course credits
At VU you can spend part of your degree studying overseas all while gaining credits towards your course.
Immerse yourself in a new culture and learn from a new perspective, while building experiences that will help you to stand out in the competitive job market.
Need some advice?
Request a call back from one of our experienced VUHQ course advisers to get your questions answered.
Request a call back
Careers in legal services
Our Bachelor of Legal Services prepares you for challenging roles with a focus on law and legislation.
Careers can include:
- legal secretary
- senior legal secretary
- paralegal
- compliance officers in companies, financial institutions, non-government charitable organisations
- court clerk.
Salaries
- See the average salary for legal secretaries in Australia via Labour Market Insights. A degree qualification will put you in a position to apply for higher-paying roles.
- See the average salary for legal clerks via Labour Market Insights.
- Compliance officers’ salaries vary according to industry (from community organisations to big banks). Learn more about compliance officer salaries via Glassdoor.
Course structure
To attain the Bachelor of Legal Services students will be required to complete 288 credit points consisting of:
- 96 credit points of First Year Core units
- 96 credit points of Major studies
- 2 x 48 credit points of Minor studies
Course structure and units
Year 1
-
- Unit code
- BAO1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BEO1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1101
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1102
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BLB1114
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BMO1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- HHH1000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- LLW1003
- Credits
- 12
Year 2
Major Unit 1
Major Unit 2
Major Unit 3
Major Unit 4
Minor 1 Unit 1
Minor 1 Unit 2
Minor 2 Unit 1
Minor 2 Unit 2
Year 3
Minor 1 Unit 4
Minor 2 Unit 3
Minor 2 Unit 4
Minor 1 Unit 3
Major Unit 5
Major Unit 6
-
- Unit code
- BSK3000
- Credits
- 12
-
- Unit code
- BSK3001
- Credits
- 12
Majors
-
- Unit code
- LMALAW
-
- Unit code
- LMAADV
Minors
-
- Unit code
- LMIPRI
-
- Unit code
- LMIRIG
-
- Unit code
- LMICOM
-
- Unit code
- LMILAW
-
- Unit code
- LMIMAN
Achieve more with the VU Block Model
We are the first Australian university to use a 'block' model of learning, where you study one unit at a time rather than juggling several at once.
Introduced in 2018, the VU Block Model has improved our student results and achievements, and has won awards for innovation and excellence. Initially for first-year students, it now applies to all students studying at our Melbourne campuses.
You'll study in short bursts, called blocks, of three 2-3 hour face-to-face teaching sessions per week.
Each block focuses on one unit (subject) and is only four weeks long, with up to four days between. Our two semesters have four blocks each, and there are optional blocks over winter and summer where you can catch up on a missed unit.
Some courses have labs and pracs too, and these are generally scheduled on the same days as teaching sessions. There are also workshops where you'll develop your study skills and prepare for your future career.
Find out more about the VU Block Model.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
| 1. | Integrate fundamental understandings of business including accounting, management and information management with advanced specialist legal knowledge within the discipline of law or legal services; | ||
| 2. | Critically review, analyse, adapt and apply broad and coherent theoretical knowledge of law in understanding, supporting and completing professional roles related to the provision of legal services; | ||
| 3. | Critically analyse and apply information with initiative and judgement in order to both anticipate and creatively solve problems related to legal services in authentic/contemporary settings; | ||
| 4. | Exhibit professional judgement, by adapting the knowledge and skills obtained to make effective decisions that reflect the social, political and/or ethical contextual factors; | ||
| 5. | Communicate a clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and skills in both oral and written form to a range of audiences; | ||
| 6. | Reflect on personal learning and skills in relation to career goals and implement effective, creative strategies to promote lifelong learning and pathways to further learning; | ||
| 7. | Apply personal and interpersonal competencies necessary to operate within the legal services sector in the immensely divergent and complex cultures of Australia and globally; and | ||
| 8. | Contribute effectively, with personal accountability for outcomes in a dynamic 21st century work team, working in an ethical and socially responsible manner. |
What's a unit?
A unit or 'subject' is the actual class you'll attend in the process of completing a course.
Most courses have a mixture of compulsory 'core' units that you need to take and optional elective units that you can choose to take based on your area of interest, expertise or experience.
Credits
Each unit is worth a set amount of study credits based on the amount of time you study. Generally, 1 credit is equal to 1 hour of study per week.
Fees & scholarships
Fee type for this course: Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Fee type definitions
The amount you pay for your course depends on whether you’re offered a Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or a full fee-paying place.
Students who enrol in a:
- Commonwealth supported place pay tuition fees that are partly subsidised by the Australian government
- full fee-paying place need to pay the full amount for all enrolled units before census each study period.
In addition to your tuition fees, you may also be charged a Student Services & Amenities Fee (SSAF).
Scholarships & assistance
Apply for a scholarship to help with your study costs.
We can help with fee assistance and advice.
Admissions
Victoria University is committed to providing a transparent admissions process. Find out more about how to apply for our courses, and our commitment to admissions transparency.
Applicants for this course will need to have met the academic requirements and prerequisites for this course outlined below.
Meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee entry into this course. Past academic performance may be considered.
Admission criteria
The minimum criteria for admission varies depending on your education background. If you’re not sure which criteria applies to you, use the help tool on this page or make an enquiry and we can assist.
Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last 2 years)
- Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (e.g. VCE) or
- an Australian or overseas equivalent or
- an International Baccalaureate (IB).
Importance of ATAR for this course
We consider both ATAR and other criteria
ATAR is not a consideration. We use other criteria
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (VCE or equivalent) including Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English.
Why is ATAR not applicable?
You will not need an ATAR score to meet the admission requirements for this course. Only the successful completion of your secondary school studies, and any additional prerequisites. Our courses and support programs are designed to prepare students from diverse cultures for success, regardless of their prior experience, ATAR, age, socioeconomic or educational background.
Applicants with vocational education and training (VET/TAFE) study
This information is for people who have completed an accredited award at an Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Admission criteria
Completion of an Australian Advanced Diploma or Diploma (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of the Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation (or equivalent).
Applicants with higher education study
This information is for people whose highest level of study since leaving secondary education is a higher education course.
Admission criteria
Full or partial completion of an Australian Higher Education award (or equivalent).
OR:
Completion of a single unit of Higher Education studies.
OR:
Completion of a bridging or enabling course eg. Foundation course or equivalent.
Applicants with work & life experience
This information is for applicants who left secondary school more than two years ago and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then.
Admission criteria
Five years (minimum) work/life experience in Justice or Police Administration, Corrections, Legal support, Human Services or similar.
OR:
Applicants that completed an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate more than two years ago.
PLUS:
Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or 20 in any other English (or equivalent).
Pathways & credits
There are many ways you can start your education journey at VU. Pathways offer an easy transition between courses at different levels, so that you can start with a certificate and progress right through to postgraduate study.
Pathways from VU courses
If you have completed any of the following course(s), you will be guaranteed a place in this course. In some cases you may receive credit for your previous study, reducing the time it takes to complete your course.
You will be credited for up to 84 credit points of study.
You will be guaranteed entry only.
Find out more about pathways and credits.
Credit for skills and past study
Use our credit calculator to find out how much credit you could get towards your course, based on your previous study.
If you have completed study with another university or institution and believe you are eligible to receive credit for skills and past study, you can apply for advanced standing.
Applications for advanced standing can be made after a discussion with your course chair or academic adviser.
How to apply
Available start dates:
- 31 July 2023
Before you apply
Before applying, you should consider whether you also want to apply for:
- Special admission programs: Depending on your life circumstances you may be eligible for special consideration of your application.
- Advanced standing: If you have significant experience or studies elsewhere you may be eligible for credit for some units of your course and not have to undertake them.
Find out more about applying for our courses.
Apply direct to VU
Direct applications are due on 23 July 2023 for our next intake which starts on 31 July 2023.
Already a VU student?
If you are already a VU student, apply direct to VU using our Admissions centre to transfer into this course. Remember it’s best to be accepted into your new course before withdrawing from your current one.
After you apply
- It’s important to check for emails from us (which may go to your spam/junk folder).
- Complete any requests for information by the given dates, otherwise your application may not be considered
Enquire now
Please fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you shortly.
Get help
- Visit a student service centre
- 1300 VIC UNI (1300 842 864)
- Request a call back
- Visit the glossary
At Victoria University, we aim to display accurate and complete course information online. However, we are unable to guarantee that every course change is currently displayed. You may contact the University directly on +61 3 9919 6100 to confirm the most up-to-date course fees, pathways and credit transfer, recognition of prior learning, admission and enrolment procedures, examinations and services available to our students.
