Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies)
Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies)
Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box. This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills…
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COURSE DESCRIPTION
Paralegals are a highly-valued part of the legal sector and there is increasing demand for paralegal professionals who can think outside the box.
This course will get you working in law quickly and lays the foundation for career progression. As you explore the Australian legal system, you will gather skills in legal research and writing, and absorb foundational principles in key areas of the law. You can choose to undertake voluntary legal experience or a para-professional placement to become familiar with the issues facing working paralegals. An optional major in Conveyancing provides the academic pre-requisite for qualification as a conveyancer in NSW.
Paralegals work with solicitors and barristers, in government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions and in the community and corporate sectors in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Graduates may also consider roles as a para-professional within a range of industries. This degree is also a pathway to further studies to become a lawyer.
Career opportunities
In legal offices in most areas of paralegal practice, with solicitors and barristers, government legal departments, law enforcement agencies, legal aid offices, court administration, public prosecutions, and in the corporate sector in finance, banking, insurance and conveyancing.
Paralegals perform substantive legal work in legal practices, banks, insurance companies, or other public and private organisations with in-house legal departments. A paralegal’s tasks may include legal research, drafting wills, preparing legal arguments, preparing agreements, compiling court documentation, legal record keeping, legal communication and client services.
Students who achieve the required grade point average during or on completion of this degree may apply for admission into the undergraduate entry Bachelor of Laws.
Graduates may also choose to transfer into the Bachelor of Legal and Justice Studies and graduate with a Bachelor degree after just one additional year of study.
The Associate Degree in Law (Paralegal Studies) when studied with the Conveyancing major is a recognised educational qualification for a licensed conveyancer in NSW.
REQUIREMENTS
For undergraduate degrees, the required entry score uses the Australian Year 12 qualification.
Academic scores may vary from country by country.
Applicants must have IELTS – 6.0 with no band less than 5.5; CPE – 52; CAE – 52; TOEFL PBT – 550 min 4.5 (TWE); TOEFL iBT- 60 with no less than 17 in writing & speaking, no less than 11 in reading & listening; PTE – 50 with no communicative score less than 46; ISPLR – 3+ or better in all 4 skills; CEFR – B2.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Southern Cross University is a vibrant, contemporary Australian university with campuses at the Gold Coast, Lismore and Coffs Harbour, and branch campuses in Sydney and Melbourne. The University offers industry-relevant degrees with a strong practical component that enables students to generate and apply knowledge. Southern Cross University was ranked in the Top 100 in the Times Higher Education 150 under 50 Rankings 2016. It is a research intensive university and was evaluated at ‘well above world standard’ in nine key areas in the Australian Research Council’s 2015 Excellence in Research Australia Report . Its SCU International Student Support team has been recognised for their outstanding international student support in the International Student Barometer (ISB) survey 2016 .
