COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Monash University is a 204-credit-point program designed to equip students with the foundational legal knowledge and skills required for admission to legal practice while also developing advanced competencies and specialised expertise. The course is structured into core studies, specified electives and free electives, providing a comprehensive pathway from basic legal principles to independent, research-based learning. Part A, core studies, comprises 102 credit points and covers three interrelated themes: legal methodology and legal practice, public law and private law. Legal methodology and legal practice introduces the nature of law, including statute law and common law, and develops critical skills in research, reasoning, legal interpretation and application, as well as professional ethics, law of procedure, evidence and alternative dispute resolution. Public law focuses on constitutional, administrative and criminal law, examining the powers and regulation of government, the protection of individual rights and the application of the rule of law. Private law addresses legal relationships between individuals and organisations, encompassing property, contract, torts, equity and trusts. Part B, specified electives, also 102 credit points, allows students to tailor their studies in later years by choosing units in areas such as international law, commercial law, human rights law or other specialised fields, with high-achieving students able to include master’s-level units. Opportunities for practical learning include overseas study, clinical legal programs and local or international work placements, reinforcing theoretical knowledge with real-world legal experience. Part C, free electives, enables further broadening of expertise either within law or in an approved complementary discipline. The course progression map guides unit enrolment each semester to ensure systematic development of legal knowledge, practical skills and research capabilities, culminating in a final-year project involving intensive research and writing. Overall, the program integrates academic rigour, practical experience and opportunities for specialisation to prepare graduates for careers in law, policy, social justice, business or further postgraduate study.