Subjects overview
This program can be completed in 3 years 4 months (10 semesters)
This program can be completed in 3 years 4 months (10 semesters)
Students must complete three (3) subjects plus the Beyond Bond Program.
In this subject, students will be introduced to critical thinking and clear expression. They will evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, judge patterns of inference, and recognise and apply various methods of reasoning. Students will learn how to clarify and visually represent their thinking to make better decisions, evaluate and use evidence, and communicate more effectively in their writing and speaking. Using these skills, students will structure and write an academic essay and deliver an oral presentation.
Read moreIntegrity, and the courage and capability to act on one’s sense of responsibility, are key components of a thriving life. Responsibility, Integrity and Civic Discourse fosters students’ lifelong commitment to responsible discourse and action in all spheres of human interaction, recognising the global aspect to contemporary citizenship. Students explore the complex relationship between character, responsible action, and creative critical thinking, learning how to reflect on and articulate their unique sense of global citizenship and responsibility. By accentuating the importance of justification and articulation of the reasons for our actions, students exercise their critical, communicative, and cooperative capabilities so that they can thrive with integrity in the multiple contexts of action they will face as private, civic, professional, and global citizens.
Read moreIn today's work and study environments, individuals often encounter complex, open-ended problems that necessitate collaboration in both physical and virtual realms and across sectors and specialisations. In Collaboration for Global Change, students engage collaboratively to craft genuine solutions for global issues. In this context, students link their endeavours to specific sustainable development goals, thus positioning their actions as contributions to global citizenship. As they learn to defend their ideas and perspectives, students apply critical thinking, design thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills within a problem-based learning environment. This comprehensive approach equips them with the necessary skills and mindset to excel in future work, academic pursuits, and global initiatives.
Read moreTo keep up with the ever-changing work landscape, we aim to help our students future-proof their careers by developing broader employability skills that are actively sought out by employers. Unique to our University, Beyond Bond is a compulsory professional development program with a practical, activity-based approach that is integrated into all undergraduate degrees.
Students must complete the following thirty-one (31) subjects.
This subject provides a broad and important foundation in key accounting concepts, tools, and processes of the discipline. Students will learn to apply fundamental accounting concepts and procedures to prepare and interpret basic financial statements for different types of business entities. Both manual and computerised accounting systems are used to demonstrate the accounting process. Users of financial information and the decisions they make based on accounting information are considered throughout the subject.
Read moreStudents are introduced to economic analysis and its applications. Topics include: decision making, analysis of constraints, analysis of benefits and costs, maximisation, competitive pressures and market forces, and public policy issues. By the end of the subject, successful students will be equipped with the tools of economics and prepared to address economic problems in their day to day lives, industry, politics, society, and the environment.
Read moreWhy are economies unstable? Can globalisation benefit all? How do we achieve a sustainable economy? Does inequality undermine macroeconomic performance? Macroeconomics provides the tools to understand these and many other questions facing entire economies. Unlike microeconomics which examines the economic actions of individual households, firms or industries, macroeconomics considers the economy as a whole. Understanding and explaining the importance of national income, monetary systems, employment, economic productivity and international trade are all central to this subject. You will also learn to explain and interpret current economic conditions and evaluate the short-term and long-term consequences of various macroeconomic interventions (e.g., tax levels, monetary supply, tariffs).
Read moreThis subject offers a broad understanding of international trade issues and policy. The impact of protectionist instruments and the role of international agreements and organisations in moderating protectionist behaviour are examined using economic theory. The history of Australian protectionism will be used as an example to illustrate how attitudes to protectionism can evolve over time. This example will illustrate that a national mindset, as well as self-interest, influences the formation and evolution of policy. The effects of various trade and investment policies on developing countries is also explored.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the basic concepts and theoretical approaches in International Relations, and it forms the essential foundation for further explorations of the field. Introduction to International Relations provides you with a framework for the analysis of contemporary international affairs. You will learn a theoretical foundation that allows you to investigate and analyse specific matters in international relations such as war and peace, the state and nationalism, sovereignty and intervention, non-state actors, and human security.
Read moreIn this subject, you'll learn about the history, theory, and practical aspects of public policy. You'll explore international and domestic issues, gaining insights into contemporary political landscapes and honing critical skills for policy evaluation. A particular focus lies in analysing the actors and institutions integral to policy development. You'll engage with key aspects of public policy, from its definitions and theoretical frameworks to its implementation, evaluation, and the role of media and ethics. The subject examines Australia's diplomatic machinery, national security, human rights protections, and environmental policies, providing a well-rounded understanding of the diverse factors shaping modern policy landscapes.
Read moreThis subject focuses on the increasing significance of public audiences, social media and transnational networks in global politics. It draws on multidisciplinary perspectives to consider the challenges and opportunities that public diplomacy and social media pose to the post 9/11 globalised environment. You will explore how, through new media and network approaches, governments, international organisations and civil society participate, negotiate and access power in the 21st Century. The subject will provide you with an opportunity to investigate how new media and emerging networks shape international policy dynamics, deliberations and outcomes. Public Diplomacy and Social Media explores a range of topics including impacts of social media on civil society, social movements and transnational identities and the emergence of collaborative relationships and sustainable networks in contemporary diplomacy.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to Political Economy and its theoretical perspectives. You will examine the interaction between politics and economics in global relations, from the origins of the modern world economy through to the Bretton Woods system and the emergence of the current transnational global economy. You will explore key issues in the field of political economy such as global monetary and trade relations, foreign investment flows, the nature and role of multinational corporations as well as global financial institutions. The subject will provide you with an opportunity to debate on the political effects of these economic developments, and it will equip you with tools to analyse global challenges including poverty, labour migration, environment, and resource politics.
Read moreLegal Foundations A is an introductory compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the nature and sources of law, with a primary focus on legal problem solving. Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: legal research and reasoning, and legal writing and drafting.
Read moreLegal Foundations B is an introductory compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines a broad range of foundational topics, including legal history, legal theory, legal practice and procedure, and legal careers. Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: oral communication and advocacy, dispute resolution and collaboration, and legal ethics and professionalism.
Read moreFoundations of Private Law is an introductory compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject introduces the structure and sources of private law and the process of private law reasoning. It also provides an overview of tort law, examines a range of specific torts including nuisance and trespass, and considers relevant remedies as well as vicarious liability. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal writing and drafting skills.
Read moreFoundations of Public and Criminal Law is an introductory compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject introduces the aims, doctrines and institutions of public law and criminal law and procedure. It considers the separation of powers and constraints on the exercise of power, as well as accountability institutions. It introduces students to Public International Law and Rights and specifically considers rights in the criminal law context as well as general doctrines of criminal law. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal research and reasoning skills.
Read moreContract Law A is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the nature and preconditions of contractual liability. This includes study of the requirements for the formation of a contract, the law's approach to terms that comprise a contract, and the various ways in which a contract might be discharged. Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: dispute resolution and collaboration, and legal ethics and professionalism.
Read moreTort Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject focuses on the elements of liability in the tort of negligence, including duty of care, breach of duty, damages, and defences to liability. Attention is also paid to the general issue of the balance of risk and benefit in establishing liability and to particular problems associated with establishing a duty of care in negligence. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal research and reasoning skills.
Read moreCriminal Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines criminal offences (including fatal and non-fatal offences against the person, and offences against property), criminal defences (including accident, mistake, self-defence, provocation and insanity), and criminal procedure (including preliminary examination, indictments, pre-trial applications, trial, verdicts, sentencing and appeal). Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: oral communication and advocacy, and legal ethics and professionalism.
Read moreProperty Law A is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject introduces the general principles of the law relating to property (real and personal property). It covers a range of topics including the meaning, purposes and categories of property, the concepts of ownership and possession, the fragmentation of proprietary interests, personal property security interests, and the Torrens system of land title. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal writing and drafting skills.
Read moreConstitutional Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject examines the fundamentals of Australian constitutional law, often in a comparative context. Topics considered include the rule of law, the separation of powers, principles of constitutional interpretation, the rules governing exercises of legislative, executive and judicial power, constitutional change, constitutional principles relating to individual rights and freedoms, the relationship between federal, state and territory governments, including inconsistency of laws, and fiscal federalism. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal research and reasoning skills.
Read moreContract Law B is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject builds on the content of Contract Law A to examine the impact on contractual obligations of common law doctrines, equitable principles and statutory initiatives. This includes consideration of misleading conduct, unconscionable and illegal contracts, consumer contracts, and remedies for breach of contract. Emphasis is placed on the development of oral communication and advocacy skills.
Read moreProperty Law B is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject builds upon the real property concepts covered in Property Law A to examine topics relevant to real property transactions including co-ownership, mortgages, easements, licences and leasehold estates, covenants and boundaries, strata title and native title. Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: dispute resolution and collaboration, and legal ethics and professionalism.
Read moreCorporate Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the law relating to registered companies, focusing on the formation, management, governance, financing, and dissolution of corporate entities, often drawing on comparative and transnational examples and themes. Specific topics include the incorporation process and the concept of corporate personality, the corporate constitution and replaceable rules, share capital and dividends, directors’ duties and defences, shareholders’ rights and remedies, and winding up of companies. Emphasis is placed on the development of the following skills: oral communication and advocacy, and legal ethics and professionalism.
Read moreEquity is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject builds on concepts encountered in other private law subjects to explore the principles of equity and the law of trusts. It considers the origins and history of the equitable jurisdiction; the relationship between equity and common law; and essential concepts and doctrines of equity, including fiduciary duties and equitable remedies. The subject also provides an introduction to the law of trusts, focusing on types of trusts, their creation, and the rights and obligations that follow from trusteeship. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal research and reasoning.
Read moreAdministrative Law is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the nature and scope of judicial and administrative review of government decisions and actions, at both the federal and state level. Topics include access to government information (freedom of information and access to reasons), ombudsman, merits review tribunals and judicial review under the Constitution/common law and statute. Emphasis is placed on the development of legal writing and drafting skills.
Read moreEvidence is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the law and practice relating to evidence in civil and criminal proceedings, focusing on substantive admissibility and procedural rules. Topics covered include basic principles and categories of evidence, competence, compellability and examination of witnesses, privilege, the hearsay rule and its exceptions, admissions and confessions, and illegally obtained evidence. Emphasis is placed on the demonstration of the following skills: legal research and reasoning, and oral communication and advocacy.
Read moreCivil Dispute Resolution is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject examines the procedures involved in initiating, conducting, resolving, enforcing, or appealing the outcome of civil proceedings in state and federal courts. Specific attention is paid to jurisdiction, commencing proceedings, joinder of claims and parties, pleadings and amendment of pleadings, disclosure, interlocutory applications, settlement, costs, and execution of judgments and appeals. The subject also considers alternative methods of dispute resolution, in particular, negotiation, mediation and arbitration. Emphasis is placed on the demonstration of the following skills: legal writing and drafting, and dispute resolution and collaboration.
Read moreLegal Profession is a compulsory subject in the Bachelor of Laws program offered by the Faculty of Law. The subject focuses on the regulation of the legal profession and the scope of lawyers’ professional responsibilities, including operation of trust accounts. Emphasis is placed on the demonstration of legal ethics and professionalism skills.
Read moreContemporary Issues in Law and Society is an undergraduate elective subject offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject is not a technical law subject, instead it explores some of the social and contemporary challenges facing today’s lawmakers. Students are asked to critically consider and evaluate the different moral, legal and ethical perspectives of the issues presented through cross-disciplinary debate to solve contemporary problems. Topics include: the role of law as a social system; the impact of science in an era of human cloning and designer babies; freedom of expression and media regulation; public shaming and private morality on the internet; artificial intelligence, robots and driverless cars; different global approaches to sanctions and punishment; the effect of globalisation on cultural identity; and gender issues. How do morality, law, politics, science and economics intersect and interact when we try to solve problems or secure progress in society? The plan of topics may be varied if new controversial issues emerge during the course of the semester.
Read moreAustralian Government and Politics is an undergraduate elective subject offered by the Faculty of Law. This subject is a practical examination of the legal and constitutional framework within which Australia is governed, and offers an overview of the operation of the Legislatures, Executive Governments and Judiciaries of the Commonwealth, State and local governments. It examines the political foundations upon which Australian politics and government are conducted, including the role, organisation and operation of the media, political parties, candidates, Ministers and governments.
Read moreWhat timeless questions have captivated philosophers for centuries? How can a philosophical pursuit of knowledge and understanding shape our own perspectives on issues such as the existence of God, the nature of reality, and the relation between mind and body? This subject will help find your own answers to these questions. The study of philosophy opens your mind to questions that don’t have easy answers but can’t be dismissed either. The subject will give you the tools to do philosophy actively and personally, enhancing and deepening your academic journey.
Read moreThis subject introduces you to the basis for understanding East Asian cultures and their expanding significance in the world. Understanding East Asian Cultures examines the connection between Eastern and Western cultures and philosophies. You will learn about the connection and balance between humans and nature in the major philosophical and religious traditions of the East Asian region. The subject also provides you with an opportunity to explore key ideas including happiness, relationships, respect and responsibility, and how these values inspire creative solutions to contemporary problems.
Read moreHow do we navigate the complex landscape of moral choices and societal norms? What insights can we glean from influential thinkers who have grappled with these questions throughout history? This subject will help you develop your moral point of view, challenge your perspectives, broaden your intellectual horizons, and provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and ethical values that shape our world. You will have the opportunity to visit the Gold Coast's Home of the Arts (HOTA) and be a part of the Movie Review Club to discuss ethical and life-matters as presented in select films with a panel of academics.
Read moreWhat is freedom? What is justice? What is democracy and its role in creating a just society? This subject will help you answer these questions independently, guided by your insights and how they interact with philosophical discussions of politics. Major political philosophies such as liberalism, libertarianism, and Marxism are compared and critically assessed. Through thought-provoking readings, engaging discussions, and real-world examples, you will gain the knowledge and perspective needed to navigate the intricacies of politics and the everyday challenges of belonging to a community.
Read moreStudents must complete one of the sixty credit point (60CP) options. It is a requirement to select five Law electives (50CP) bundled into one of the options.
Students must select fifty credit points (50CP) of Law electives plus ten credit points (10CP) of general electives.
Students may choose from all Undergraduate subjects across the University that are available as general electives.
Any Law undergraduate subject that has a code beginning with LAWS13 or LAWS17.
Students can choose a sixty credit point (60CP) optional Law Major.
This Climate Law major provides a mechanism for climate law and practice to be taught to those students seeking the knowledge, skills and professional qualification to be maximally effective in understanding and addressing climate change and consequences.
This Legal Innovation and Technology major enhances the professional qualification by preparing students for a future—focussed legal career.
Students are encouraged to tailor their study with an optional forty credit point (40CP) Law Specialisation. To take this option, students must also select an additional ten credit point (10CP) Law elective and a ten credit points (10CP) of general electives.
Students may choose from all Undergraduate subjects across the University that are available as general electives.
Any Law undergraduate subject that has a code beginning with LAWS13 or LAWS17.
This Corporate and Commercial Law Specialisation provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge relating to the law and legal principles and issues relevant to corporate and commercial legal practice.
This International and Comparative Law Specialisation provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and compare the operation of different legal systems in an international context.
This Contemporary Legal Issues Specialisation provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and insights relating to social and contemporary challenges confronting current lawmakers.
This Legal Practice Specialisation provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and develop practical legal skills relevant to lawyering processes and practice.
This Canadian Law and Practice specialisation provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge of Canadian law specifically relating to administrative, constitutional and criminal areas of law.
This Legal Innovation and Technology specialisation provides students with an opportunity to enhance their professional qualifications for a future-focused legal career.
This Climate Law specialisation provides students an opportunity to seek knowledge and skills in climate change and consequences.
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Take the guess work out of planning your study schedule. Your program's study plan has been carefully curated to provide a clear guide on the sequential subjects to be studied in each semester of your program. Your study plan is designed around connected subject themes to equip you with the fundamental knowledge required as you progress through your course.