Key facts
UNE unit code: LAW301
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Trimester 2 - Online
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
![UNE student studies on a laptop on her lounge at home](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/62891086779/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445517/e=never/k=556aef9a/fall-back_unit-image.jpg)
This unit provides you with a comprehensive insight into succession law.
You will gain a broad depth of knowledge in the theory and practice of succession law and be introduced to a range of topics related to wills including testamentary succession, testamentary capacity, knowledge and approval, undue influence, formal requirements, revival and revocation and the construction of wills.
Additionally, you will explore distribution on intestacy, grants of administration and the role of executors and administrators, administration of assets and family provision.
Throughout, you will also develop your legal reasoning and critical thinking skills.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
Teaching period | Mode/location |
---|---|
Trimester 1 | Online |
Trimester 2 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
![profile photo of Stephen Janes](https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/image/0019/373141/varieties/69x77.jpg)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various areas of law that apply to the succession to property upon death in NSW including: intestacy; testamentary succession; the making, revocation, alteration, rectification, and construction of wills both formal and informal; testamentary capacity; family provision; grants of representation; administration and distribution of estates; and related matters;
- identify, analyse, and critically evaluate major themes in succession law including the concepts of testamentary freedom and moral duty in respect of family provision;
- distinguish between testamentary succession and the acquisition of property consequent on the death of another regarding jointly held property, life insurance and superannuation to identify what constitutes the deceased's estate and in so doing identify, analyse, and critically evaluate the interaction between the law of succession and other areas of law with regard to Equity and Trusts, Family Law, and Contract Law; and
- analyse complex factual problem-based scenarios relating to the succession to property upon death and critically apply the relevant law to provide correct legal advice in written and oral form that is well argued and supported by appropriate authority.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Assessment 1 - Viva Voce Individual Presentation | Yes | 40% | All offerings | 30 minutes (via Zoom in Q&A format on pre-advised topics) No. Words: 2000 equivalent |
Assessment 2 - Final Open Book Examination | Yes | 60% | All offerings | There is a supervised exam at the end of the teaching period in which you are enrolled. The exam will be offered online with supervision via webcam and screen sharing technology. Coordinated by UNE Exams Unit. No. Words: 2000 |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.
Succession: Families, Property and Death
ISBN: 9780409358018
Croucher, R. and Vines, P., Lexis Nexis 6th ed. 2024
Text refers to: Trimester 2 (Online)
See Note
Text refers to: All offerings
Succession: Families, Property and Death
ISBN: 9780409347326
Croucher, R. and Vines, P., LexisNexis Butterworths 5th ed. 2019
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Note: Referenced material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Law of Succession in New South Wales
ISBN: 9780455227207
Certoma G.L., Thomson Lawbook Co 4th ed. 2010
Text refers to: Trimester 1 (Online)
Principles of Australian Succession Law
ISBN: 9780409355239
Mackie, K., Histed, E., LexisNexis 4th ed. 2022
Text refers to: All offerings
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
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
![Graduate and mother Claire Haiek at work as a parenting producer at kidspot.com.au](https://d1dkx4rtpm18tu.cloudfront.net/file/1572608410/63307469788/width=-1/height=-1/format=-1/fit=scale/t=445464/e=never/k=97363331/Claire-Haiek-3.jpg)
I'm grateful to UNE for the opportunities studying has given me, but above all, for making me realise I could actually do it, and giving me a sense of accomplishment.
What happens next?
Got any questions about a course you would like to study? Don’t hesitate to contact us, our Future Student team is standing by to help.
2025 applications are now open. The application process only takes 20 minutes to complete. Don’t delay, apply now!
Your start date is based on the study period you choose to apply for.