Honours Overview

Description

Law and Society scholars examine broad theoretical issues about the nature of law and society as well as how the relationship between the two plays out in particular fields of legal and social policy at both domestic and international levels. Study in this discipline develops important skills in research, analysis, teamwork and communication.

Honours in Law and Society is designed to increase understanding of important theoretical perspectives, while also developing key practical skills relevant to work in or with government and non-government organisations (e.g. policy development and implementation). Through close attention to key texts, and the examination of critical current issues and debates, students will expand and deepen their specialist knowledge gained in the Law and Society major, and develop advanced-level research and critical thinking skills.

Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate coherent and advanced knowledge of key theories, concepts and issues in law and society; (2) demonstrate a broad understanding of relevant socio-legal research methodologies; (3) synthesise literature and research findings with intellectual independence to provide understanding of complex socio-legal challenges; (4) apply their knowledge, research and writing skills in order to design and execute an original law and society research project; and (5) demonstrate understanding of theoretical concepts in law and society through both cognitive and technical skills.

Entry requirements

Enrolment in the BPhil or a weighted average mark of at least 70 per cent in the Level 3 units of the Law and Society major, or equivalent, as determined by the relevant board.

Intake periods

Beginning of year and mid-year

Courses

Honours in Law and Society can be taken as a specialisation in the following degrees:

No study plans found for this course. See study plans for more information.

Units

Key to availability of units:
S1
Semester 1
S2
Semester 2
N/A
not available in 2025 – may be available in 2026 or 2027
NS
non-standard teaching period
Take all units (36 points):
AvailabilityUnit codeUnit nameUnit requirements
S1, S2 LAWS4201 Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 1
Prerequisites
LAWS3341 Investigating Law and Society
or LAWS3344 Law and Contemporary Social Issues
or LAWS3316 Law, Advocacy, Activism and Change
S1, S2 LAWS4202 Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 2
Prerequisites
LAWS4201 Dissertation (Law and Society) Part 1
NS LAWS4260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Governance
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
HON-LWSOC Law and Society
or HON-BSLAW Business Law
or HON-CRIMN Criminology
Incompatibility
Enrolment in
Unit(s) LAWS5260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Government
Enrolment in
Unit(s) LAWS6260 Intersections of Law, Policy and Government
S1 LAWS4509 Introduction to Legal Research (Part A)
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
HON-BSLAW Business Law
Enrolment in
or HON-LWSOC Law and Society
S2 LAWS4510 Introduction to Legal Research (Part B)
Prerequisites
LAWS4509 Introduction to Legal Research (Part A) (ID 7976)
Take unit(s) to the value of 12 points:
AvailabilityUnit codeUnit nameUnit requirements
N/A LAWS4001 Oceans GovernanceNone
S1 LAWS5165 Public International Law
Prerequisites
Enrolment in
20820 Juris Doctor
and LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering and five Unit(s) ( LAWS4102 Criminal Law
, LAWS4103 Contract
, LAWS4104 Property
, LAWS4106 Torts
, LAWS4107 Land Law
, LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law and ( LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics
or LAWS4110 Interpretation
) )
Incompatibility
LAWS3354 Public International Law
S1 LAWS5215 Risk Regulation
Prerequisites
For JD students:
Successful completion of
LAWS4101 Foundations of Law and Lawyering LAWS4102 Criminal Law LAWS4103 Contract LAWS4104 Property Law LAWS4106 Torts LAWS4107 Land Law LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law
and LAWS4110 Legal Interpretation
or LAWS4109 Legal Theory and Ethics For non-JD students without a legal background:
Successful completion of
LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions No prerequisites for non-JD students with a legal background
NS LAWS5223 Theories for Contemporary Criminal Justice
Prerequisites
For Master of Public Policy
or Graduate Certificate of Public Policy students without a recognised Law degree: LAWS4227 Foundations of Law and Legal Institutions.
N/A LAWS5226 International Human Rights LawNone
NS POLS5501 The Politics of Public Policy
Incompatibility
LAWS5214 Public Policy