Key facts
Domestic students course information.
Guaranteed ATAR: 80.00
Entry is based on recent secondary (ATAR), higher education (GPA), VET study, or work experience.
Entry is based on Australian Year 12 equivalence. English language requirements must also be met.
- 5 years full-time
- Up to 12 years part-time
Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2025 | Trimester 2 – June 2025 | Trimester 3 – October 2025 |
---|---|---|---|
Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Armidale Campus | Offered | Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Online | Offered | Offered | Offered |
Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
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UNE’s Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws offers you the opportunity to combine your law studies with a highly sought-after understanding of our rapidly changing global media culture.
This unique dual degree broadens your career prospects, providing you access to fulfilling roles in not only legal and media sectors, but to diverse prospects in a variety of sectors. Graduate from this course future-fit to think laterally and problem-solve — qualities that are in demand by employers navigating the dynamically shifting landscape of work.
Why study the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws at UNE?
UNE is the home of the largest law school in Australia outside a capital city, renowned for its world-class faculty excelling in both academia and legal practice. Our commitment extends beyond theoretical education, offering you immersive research challenges and real-world case studies to ensure you graduate ready to apply your skills and knowledge from the very first day of your career.
Combining law studies with media and communications fosters the interdisciplinary and critical thinking skills that employers are seeking now more than ever. As the role of media in our lives continues to grow and become more complex, our legal frameworks are rapidly adapting to emerging issues in privacy law, copyright law, media regulation, social media and more. UNE’s Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws ensures you are future fit to bridge this gap and provide your expert knowledge in a wide variety of roles in both legal and media and communications industries.
Study with the industry leader in providing online lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified professionals. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in consistent maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.
What makes our course different?
At UNE, our Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws degree stands out as a comprehensive program that offers a unique blend of expertise in the media and communications landscape coupled with knowledge of the law and legal frameworks. During your studies you will:
- Develop expertise in both media and legal domains, growing fields that are seeing more and more intersection at state, national and global levels.
- Future fit yourself for a broad range of careers by honing a flexible, interdisciplinary skillset that focuses on research, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities in real-world contexts.
- Choose the Media and Culture major to learn how screen, print and digital media impact our sociological frameworks, or become an accomplished writer with the Writing and Publishing major.
- Tailor your law studies to align with your special interest area/s with UNE’s Focus Areas. There are six Focus Areas, and you can choose units within a single area to gain in-depth knowledge of that field of law, or choose from more than one for a broader knowledge base.
- Complete your degrees flexibly, enrolling full-time or part-time, on-campus or online. We know that you need to fit your study around your existing commitments.
Majors – Media and Communication
- Media and Culture
- Writing and Publishing
Law Focus Areas
- Commercial Law
- Criminal Law
- Environment and Resources Law
- International Law
- Medico-Legal Law
- Social Justice.
Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE, in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.
Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.
*24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.
Entry requirements
Select the option that best describes you.
This course is not currently available for this mode of study.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):
You will need to meet both the Academic and English Language Requirements to gain admission into this course. Meeting academic requirements means we review what you have already studied to see if you have the results needed for admission to your preferred course.
To meet the entry requirements for this course you must have completed, at minimum, an Australian Year 12 qualification or overseas equivalent.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
You can check your overseas qualifications in our Admission Country List and Qualifications table. If you can't find your qualifications in this list, simply submit your application and UNE's International Admissions team will assess them for you.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.
Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
- Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing based on work experience cannot be granted for law units. You can apply for Advanced Standing for law units undertaken in a non-law qualification. These units must be available to students at the university they were undertaken at as part of an accredited law qualification offered at that university.
Select the option that best describes your experience.
You are currently studying Year 12 (school or TAFE) or have done so within the past 2 years.
If you are admitted on basis of your ATAR, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
There are ATAR-related adjustments that can be applied to increase your rank when applying for this course.
UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
UNE can automatically award additional points as adjustment factors to the ATAR of eligible applicants for this course without the need for an additional application.
> Learn more about the UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme
Education Adjustment Scheme (EAS)
UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced an educational disadvantage. If you are planning to study on campus you can seek consideration for this scheme when applying for this course.
> Learn more about EAS
UNE Early Entry Program
Early Entry is open to all Year 12 applicants and relies on your school’s assessment of your attributes and suitability for study. You can apply early, receive an offer and secure a place with UNE, even before your scores are released.
> Learn more about the UNE Early Entry Program
UAC Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
This scheme provides eligible Year 12 applicants who have applied via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) the opportunity to receive early offers of undergraduate admission to UNE based on their school ratings and Year 11 results.
> Learn more about SRS
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have studied at UNE or other higher education institutions, completed or otherwise.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications if you have undertaken any of the following qualifications with an appropriate Grade Point Average (GPA):
- Undergraduate Certificates
- Diplomas
- Advanced Diplomas/Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Postgraduate degrees
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Transfer from another UNE course
If you are currently studying another undergraduate qualification at UNE, you can apply to transfer into this course. To be assessed for admission you must have completed at least 4 units of study within a single course with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.2.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You have undertaken VET study through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), e.g. TAFE.
You can apply for this course if you have undertaken VET studies. When assessing your application, we will look at the following factors:
- Level and type of qualification (graded Diploma or above)
- Graded or ungraded (competency-based)
- Complete or incomplete.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
You left high school more than two years ago or did not finish Year 12.
You can apply for this course on the basis of work and/or life experience via at least one of the following methods:
Professional Experience
If you have completed at least one year of paid professional experience, we can assess you for admission on this basis. Simply provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s in your application.
> Find out more about applying based on professional experience
> Learn about our Statement of Service requirements
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The STAT is a test that assesses a range of competencies considered important for successful tertiary study. UNE accepts the multiple-choice component provided you have completed it within the three years prior to course commencement.
> Visit ACER for more information
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under standard entry. Please see the Course Structure (Program of Study).
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
Pathways Enabling Course
This is a free (fees exempt) and 100% online course designed to help you prepare for university. It will provide you with all the skills needed to undertake undergraduate study.
> Learn more about the Pathways Enabling Course
TRACKS (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
TRACKS is a preparation course run by the UNE Oorala Aboriginal Centre. Over two trimesters you will experience what university study is about and learn in a supported environment. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who share your goals and interests.
> Learn more about TRACKS
Please note: Completion of the Pathways Enabling Course or TRACKS does not provide direct entry into this course. It will provide entry into introductory Law courses such as the Bachelor of Legal Studies, which will allow you to complete initial studies and then apply to transfer into one of our accredited law courses.
> Find out more about Pathways into Law at UNE
Internal Selection Program (Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants)
This program is designed for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples who have professional work or community experience, or any formal VET qualifications, e.g. TAFE study.
> Learn more about the Internal Selection Program
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
By applying for this course, we assume that you have sound knowledge of any 2 units of English studied at a Year 12 level (or overseas equivalent).
> Learn more about Assumed Knowledge
You must meet the Inherent Requirements in order to complete this course.
There are no mandatory intensive schools in the core units in the Bachelor of Media and Communications/Bachelor of Laws course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
- Any supporting documents related to your admission pathway. For example, if you apply based on previous study, upload evidence of your study so we can assess eligibility.
- If you are applying based on professional experience you will need to provide a resume and a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.
Please note: Advanced Standing based on work experience cannot be granted for law units. You can apply for Advanced Standing for law units undertaken in a non-law qualification. These units must be available to students at the university they were undertaken at as part of an accredited law qualification offered at that university.
Course structure
To qualify for the two awards a candidate must pass units to the value of 240 credit points comprising:
Bachelor of Media and Communications component: 96 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level; and
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level; and a maximum of 24 credit points at 400 level.
To qualify for the award with Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 36 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level and at least 36 credit points at 400-level or higher including LAW490 and LLM500.
96 credit points
24 credit points
Complete the following units:- Screen Media (COMM101) – 6 credit points
- Creative Industries (COMM103) – 6 credit points
- The Craft of Academic Writing (WRIT101) – 6 credit points
- Storytelling and Genre Writing (WRIT102) – 6 credit points
6 credit points
Complete 6 credit points from the following units:- Research and Professional Practice Project (HASS301) – 6 credit points
- Writing for Research (WRIT303) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete ONE major48 credit points
You must complete 48 credit points from the following units: Note: 300-level units are offered on a two-year rotation cycle ie every second year.- Digital and Social Media (COMM323) – 6 credit points
- Television Studies (COMM325) – 6 credit points
- News and Journalism (COMM332) – 6 credit points
- The Art of Documentary (COMM381) – 6 credit points
- Hollywood Cinema (COMM382) – 6 credit points
- Australian Screens (COMM385) – 6 credit points
- Screen Adaptations: Rewiring the Text (COMM387) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights on Screen (COMM389) – 6 credit points
- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Digital Storytelling (WRIT301) – 6 credit points
- Magazines: Culture, Industry and Practices (WRIT327) – 6 credit points
- Publishing Practice (WRIT329) – 6 credit points
48 credit points
Complete 48 credit points from the following units: Note: 300-level units are offered on a two-year rotation cycle ie every second year.- The Art of Documentary (COMM381) – 6 credit points
- Screen Adaptations: Rewiring the Text (COMM387) – 6 credit points
- Indigenous Perspectives across Creative Industries (INK101) – 6 credit points
- Writing for Performance: Stage and Screen (THEA321) – 6 credit points
- Digital Storytelling (WRIT301) – 6 credit points
- Writing Short Fiction (WRIT304) – 6 credit points
- Writing for Work: Styles and Contexts (WRIT306) – 6 credit points
- Writing Creative Non-fiction (WRIT309) – 6 credit points
- Editing Skills and Standards (WRIT313) – 6 credit points
- Persuading the Public: Rhetoric in Public Affairs (WRIT326) – 6 credit points
- Magazines: Culture, Industry and Practices (WRIT327) – 6 credit points
- Publishing Practice (WRIT329) – 6 credit points
18 credit points
Complete 18 credit points of elective units. Elective Units can be selected from any 200 or 300 level unit offered by the University subject to candidates meeting overall course requirements and prerequisite and timetabling requirements for individual units.144 credit points
96 credit points
Complete the following units:- Foundations of Law (LAW100) – 6 credit points
- Law in Context (LAW101) – 6 credit points
- Legal Professional Skills (LAW102) – 6 credit points
- Torts Law (LAW131) – 6 credit points
- Criminal Law (LAW162) – 6 credit points
- Contract Law (LAW172) – 6 credit points
- Property Law (LAW283) – 6 credit points
- Civil Dispute Resolution (LAW310) – 6 credit points
- Evidence and Proof (LAW313) – 6 credit points
- Professional Conduct (LAW320) – 6 credit points
- Equity and Trusts (LAW340) – 6 credit points
- Corporations Law (LAW351) – 6 credit points
- Constitutional Law (LAW399) – 6 credit points
- Administrative Law (LAW400) – 6 credit points
- Remedies and Advanced Legal Skills (LAW480) – 6 credit points
- Technology and the Law (LAW499) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LAW157) – 6 credit points
- Corporate Social Responsibility and the Law (LAW206) – 6 credit points
- Employment Law (LAW308) – 6 credit points
- Intellectual Property Law (LAW323) – 6 credit points
- International Trade Law (LAW325) – 6 credit points
- Local Government Law (LAW336) – 6 credit points
- Taxation Law (LAW352) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Torts (LAW359) – 6 credit points
- International Law (LAW361) – 6 credit points
- Australian Competition and Consumer Law (LAW375) – 6 credit points
- Commercial Law (LAW379) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Taxation Law (LAW493) – 6 credit points
- Law and First Peoples of Australia (LAW164) – 6 credit points
- Criminal Procedure (LAW261) – 6 credit points
- Interviewing for Advocacy (LAW270) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Criminal Law (LAW314) – 6 credit points
- Criminal Sentencing and Punishment (LAW315) – 6 credit points
- Commonwealth Criminal Law (LAW316) – 6 credit points
- Children's Law (LAW319) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights (LAW326) – 6 credit points
- International Criminal Law (LAW391) – 6 credit points
- Law and First Peoples of Australia (LAW164) – 6 credit points
- Water Law and Governance (LAW207) – 6 credit points
- Law of the Sea (LAW318) – 6 credit points
- Local Government Law (LAW336) – 6 credit points
- Biotechnology Law (LAW338) – 6 credit points
- Law and Neuroscience (LAW339) – 6 credit points
- Environmental Law (LAW341) – 6 credit points
- Animal Law (LAW345) – 6 credit points
- Natural Resources Law (LAW358) – 6 credit points
- International Law (LAW361) – 6 credit points
- Native Title Law and Policy (LAW364) – 6 credit points
- World Legal Systems (LAW260) – 6 credit points
- Law of the Sea (LAW318) – 6 credit points
- Intellectual Property Law (LAW323) – 6 credit points
- International Trade Law (LAW325) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights (LAW326) – 6 credit points
- Biotechnology Law (LAW338) – 6 credit points
- International Environmental Law (LAW349) – 6 credit points
- International Law (LAW361) – 6 credit points
- International Criminal Law (LAW391) – 6 credit points
- Elder Law (LAW250) – 6 credit points
- Interviewing for Advocacy (LAW270) – 6 credit points
- Children's Law (LAW319) – 6 credit points
- Intellectual Property Law (LAW323) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights (LAW326) – 6 credit points
- Biotechnology Law (LAW338) – 6 credit points
- Law and Neuroscience (LAW339) – 6 credit points
- Medico-Legal Issues (LAW342) – 6 credit points
- Contemporary Issues in Health Law (LAW343) – 6 credit points
- Advanced Torts (LAW359) – 6 credit points
- Alternative Dispute Resolution (LAW157) – 6 credit points
- Law and First Peoples of Australia (LAW164) – 6 credit points
- Corporate Social Responsibility and the Law (LAW206) – 6 credit points
- Elder Law (LAW250) – 6 credit points
- Interviewing for Advocacy (LAW270) – 6 credit points
- Succession (LAW301) – 6 credit points
- Employment Law (LAW308) – 6 credit points
- Children's Law (LAW319) – 6 credit points
- Human Rights (LAW326) – 6 credit points
- Contemporary Issues in Health Law (LAW343) – 6 credit points
- Animal Law (LAW345) – 6 credit points
- Native Title Law and Policy (LAW364) – 6 credit points
- Gender and the Law (LAW365) – 6 credit points
- Family Law (LAW370) – 6 credit points
- Jurisprudence (LAW455) – 6 credit points
- Honours in Law (LAW490) – 12 credit points
- Research Methodology and Theory (LLM500) – 6 credit points
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:
Fee type | Cost |
---|---|
International | Fee information is not available – contact us for further information |
Commonwealth Supported Place | $16,992* |
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time | $351 |
*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.
What are the course fee payment options?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.
If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.
UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.
UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.
Scholarships
UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.
The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.
UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.
Your career
A combination of media and communications and law expertise allows you to step into a variety of career pathways and add significant value to your current role. By giving you a breadth of real-world skills, this degree gives you the opportunity to focus on what matters most – safeguarding your career and choosing the direction you want to take. Career options include working in:
- legal aid agencies and advocacy organisations and commercial firms
- human resources
- police prosecution
- legal project management
- creative industries
- banking, commerce and management
- journalism
- radio and television
- public relations and marketing
- social media
- corporate writing
- public sector research and administration
- communications strategy
- marketing messaging.
Please note, to be admitted to practice as a solicitor, barrister or legal practitioner in Australia, you will need to undertake a course of practical legal training (PLT).
The Bachelor of Laws' (LLB) is accredited with the Legal Profession Admission Board of NSW. Mutual recognition legislation extends admission to other Australian jurisdictions. On completion you can take practical legal training and be qualified to apply for admission as an Australian Lawyer. After admission, you are then eligible to apply for a practising certificate as a solicitor from the Law Society of NSW or undertake further studies to obtain a practising certificate as a barrister from the Bar Association of NSW.
Course outcomes
- BMC component: demonstrate coherent and in-depth knowledge of the disciplinary field of media and communications across local and global contexts, including the practices, languages, forms, materials, technologies and techniques studied in this field;
- demonstrate knowledge and applied understanding of the disciplinary methods of media and communications, including its rationales, themes, concepts, theories and interdisciplinary dimensions;
- identify and apply appropriate research methods for gathering, interpreting, analysing and evaluating ideas and information from a variety of sources, and for developing and synthesising knowledge;
- select and use appropriate communication technologies, forms, styles and techniques to investigate problems and present ideas and arguments coherently for specific purposes and types of intended audience;
- adapt and apply knowledge and skills with initiative, to plan and develop projects, solve problems and make decisions in scholarship and/or professional practice; and
- work independently and collaboratively, with an understanding of social, cultural and ethical contexts in further learning and professional practice related to media and communications.
- BLaws component: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues;
- communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing;
- demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
- demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated;
- demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge;
- demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses;
- demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts;
- demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved;
- demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
- LLB with Honours students: demonstrate a sound knowledge of the fundamental areas of law prescribed by the admitting authorities; a wide range of legal and theoretical concepts, values and principles; and have an awareness of international law and an appreciation of Indigenous legal issues;
- communicate in an effective and persuasive manner an argument, advice or opinion that is clear, coherent and logically sustainable, to both legal and non-legal audiences, both orally and in writing;
- demonstrate an awareness of global legal, political and social perspectives;
- demonstrate an ability to design a research strategy and access legal resources including using practical applications that respond to the factual, legal, theoretical and policy issues, to achieve a considered outcome that represents an evaluation of the data generated;
- demonstrate an appreciation that the law will change and the need for both self-directed and professional legal education that seeks to ensure the currency of legal knowledge;
- demonstrate an ability to identify issues and apply legal knowledge and principles to complex problems and projects, with a view to constructing relevant, creative and ethically appropriate responses;
- demonstrate an ability to apply principles of professional and social responsibility in formulating considered responses to ethical issues that require an analysis and evaluation of a diverse range of values, norms and behaviours in the professional, societal and global contexts;
- demonstrate an ability to engage with others in a way that respects diverse opinions and perspectives to achieve relevant and efficient outcomes that reflect the contribution of all those involved;
- demonstrate an ability to critically reflect upon and analyse law's effect on society and, where appropriate, develop arguments for reform;
- conceive, plan and implement an independent programme of legal research that could take a theoretical, comparative or an interdisciplinary approach;
- develop and present an oral summary of an independent programme of legal research; and
- produce a written thesis that demonstrates original thinking, a high level of research skills and the ability to write critically.
- Knowledge of a Discipline
BMC component: The course equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in the interdisciplinary field of Media and Communication Studies and its underlying principles, concepts and methods. Students develop the skills needed to analyse and contribute to local, national and international practices of media representation and communications, with an understanding of diverse cultural contexts and perspectives.
LLB component: Knowledge of the discipline is taught, practiced and assessed in both core units and electives; in particular the fundamental discipline areas prescribed by the admitting authorities are taught in the core units. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these key areas that lead to accreditation as a barrister or solicitor in Australia. Students will also be encouraged to consider the law through indigenous, theoretical and international perspectives. Although the focus of an Australian law degree is Australian law, law units will often provide information about relevant law in other areas of the world in order to encourage a critical perspective. Legal resources may include international law, comparative material such as case-law and legislation from other jurisdictions and also social, political and economic perspectives.
LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of one particular area of law that the student has selected to research for their Honours thesis.
- Communication Skills
BMC component: The course develops advanced skills of writing, reading, listening and communicating ideas and arguments in diverse genres and contexts, and in forms ranging from print and screen to convergent digital media.
LLB component: Both oral and written communication skills will be practised and assessed throughout the course. In particular, students 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.
LLB with Honours students: Communicate effectively and confidently orally and in written forms to present well-reasoned arguments, challenge existing theories and defend new ideas and theories in various modes based on doctrinal or interdisciplinary research.
- Problem Solving
BMC component: The course enables students to identify, investigate and solve problems independently by exercising cognitive and technical skills of critical thinking, analysis and judgement.
LLB component: This graduate attribute is taught, practised and assessed throughout the course using scenarios requiring students to identify legal issues, apply the law, and construct relevant, creative and ethically appropriate solutions. Students are also encouraged to respond and apply these problem-solving skills to broader societal projects.
LLB with Honours students: Manage a project by identifying critical issues and conceptualising problems, critically analyse data collected and other relevant information and formulate recommendations and potential solutions.
- Information Literacy
BMC component: Students graduate from this course with a demonstrated ability to gather, analyse and evaluate information and ideas from a wide range of sources.
LLB component: Students will be required to identify access and navigate complex databases to retrieve primary and secondary material. This requires them to obtain a high level of information literacy. Students will also be required to critically evaluate this information to complete assessment tasks.
LLB with Honours students: Demonstrate an understanding of relevant research methodologies and techniques and their appropriate application within law and other disciplines, and use information collected or generated to construct new concepts or create new understandings.
- Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility
BMC component: The study of media representations, cultural perspectives and communication ethics provides students with a basis for ethical conduct and socially responsible participation in further learning and professional practice.
LLB component: Students are taught to recognise and reflect upon ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts and to develop their ability to exercise professional judgement. Students are also encouraged throughout the course to reflect critically on the impact of the law on society.
- Lifelong Learning
BMC component: The attainment of disciplinary knowledge and skills in media and communications provides graduates with the capacity for independent lifelong learning.
LLB component: This course equips students with the skills needed to ensure the ongoing currency of their legal knowledge; appreciate law as a tool for social justice; and have an understanding that law is a dynamic discipline.
- Independence and Collaboration
BMC component: The course provides students with the opportunity to learn and apply constructive principles of team work and social interaction in diverse social contexts of communication. Students also engage in independent study throughout the course.
LLB component: Students are encouraged to learn and work independently, and where appropriate, to collaborate effectively. Students are also encouraged to communicate in ways that are effective, appropriate and persuasive for legal and non-legal audiences.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience SurveyFive Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024![Woman studying online at home](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0018/342720/studying-online-01.jpg)
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.
As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.
To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.
Studying on Campus
Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Bachelor of Media and Communications graduate Becky Amon working at a laptop on her back verandah](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307298903/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=444558/e=never/k=3cb43692/Becky-Amon.jpg)
I studied both online and on campus. Beginning my studies on campus was a great way for me to meet new people and experience face-to-face learning.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
---|---|---|
Trimester 1 | 14 February 2025 | 24 February 2025 |
Trimester 2 | 13 June 2025 | 23 June 2025 |
Trimester 3 | 10 October 2025 | 20 October 2025 |