Bachelor of Communication/ Bachelor of Laws

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.

Integrity, 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.

In 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.

In this subject, you will learn essential and foundational creative and technical skills necessary for successful careers in the creative and communications industries. You will learn the theoretical and practical fundamentals of visual, textual, and audio design and narrative across multiple digital and online platforms. Across the semester, you will build a portfolio of creative communication pieces. This multi-platform approach aligns with industry needs and expectations to equip you with foundational skills to carry you forward through your program and into the workplace.

This subject will introduce you to the foundational principles of communication through a practical, real-world lens. While grounded in key communication theories, the focus is on applying these concepts to everyday and professional contexts. You will explore how communication is shaped by context — social, cultural, technological and personal — and how influence operates through language, media, and interpersonal dynamics. You will develop critical thinking, self-awareness, and practical communication skills. 

The ability to develop creative insights and innovative solutions is one of the most sought-after skills in communication fields, the creative industries and beyond.   In this subject, you are encouraged to experiment with ideas through play and taking creative risks. You will explore different creative thinking practices, theories and processes and use your new perspectives to develop innovative solutions to relevant creative challenges. You will develop creative problem-solving capacity, engage in divergent thinking and become confident dealing with ambiguity, contradictions, uncertainty, novelty and the unexpected. 

This subject positions public speaking as a dynamic, context-sensitive skill essential for authentic communication in professional and personal settings. It draws on oral traditions, rhetorical theory and contemporary persuasive practices, grounded in ethical frameworks for public discourse. Students will engage in hands-on workshops, reflective practice and peer feedback to develop extemporaneous speaking skills tailored to diverse contexts, such as pitches, interviews, meetings and public engagements. Students will examine the interplay of place, time, audience and self as they discover their unique communicative strengths through trial, error and guided exploration.

This subject introduces writing as a powerful, iterative process that underpins effective communication across personal, academic and professional contexts. You will explore how writing evolves through drafting, feedback, and refinement and how it serves as a tool for expressing both individual voice and the voice of organisations, brands and communities. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence in writing, understanding audience needs and tailoring tone and messaging to suit different communication goals. Through weekly portfolio work, collaborative exercises and real-world applications, you will learn to think critically about your writing and its impact. 

The subject provides you with concepts, theories, and approaches for critically assessing the relationship between media and society. You will study and research how the media represent our world, shape our experiences, and exercise power in society. Topics covered include media platforms and their types and features, audiences, participatory digital culture, representation, advertising, news, and media workers. You will have an opportunity to evaluate your personal use of media and consider it through the lenses of media concepts and theories.

Ideas are the most valuable currency a communications or creative arts professional has. This subject is all about developing a sustained piece of creative practice or research, from idea to execution. It is an opportunity for you to attempt the kind of work you admire in industry, in the process creating a substantial communication portfolio piece that reflects the cumulative learning from your degree and mastery of your chosen discipline. You may work individually or in collaboration with a small team within the fields of advertising, communication, creative writing, journalism, media studies, social media, public relations, and film and television, or develop a hybrid project that falls within the spaces among these disciplines. You will first establish the scope, limitations and context of your work, situating it within its industry contexts/comparisons and identifying the market and audience for it. Classes will take the form of workshops, where you will have access to substantial peer and instructor feedback. The subject will also explore models of productivity and sustained creative practise, pitching, freelance and client work models, project management and the transformative power of communication, creative practice, and research.

Legal 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.

Legal 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.

Foundations 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.

Foundations 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.

Contract 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.

Tort 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.

Criminal 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.

Property 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.

Constitutional 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.

Contract 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.

Property 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.

Corporate 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.

Equity 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.

Administrative 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.

Evidence 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.

Civil 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.

Legal 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.

This subject is concerned with the particular problem of communication across linguistic and ethnic boundaries. The principal areas covered are cultural differences in verbal and non-verbal communication, communication problems and ethnocentrism, and communication techniques in intercultural situations. The subject draws on a range of examples of actual intercultural communication scenarios to add a practical dimension.  This subject focuses on communication in intercultural contexts preparing learners for careers in international and multicultural environments. We analyse cultural constructs through the lenses of research and theories from relevant disciplines, by considering the learner's culture of origin and by comparing similar and dissimilar cultures. We also consider how the cultural roots of reality derive from the effects of religious, family, and historical world views. Furthermore, we examine language, non-verbal communication, social customs and expected patterns of relationships in relation to interpersonal, business, educational, and health care situations. Students actively experience different cultural attitudes and expectations as they engage in a journey of cultural understanding. The knowledge and skills developed in the subject have immediate relevance to us as world travellers and intercultural workers. Students entering the fields of business, teaching, social services, and tourism will have opportunities to apply their learning in daily contacts with culturally different groups.

Interpersonal Communication is the fundamental relational force that constructs our social world, enabling us to create, maintain, and (not occasionally) destroy our personal, social, and professional relationships. This subject introduces the specialist Communication sub-discipline of Interpersonal Communication. It focuses on understanding the Self in relation to Others as a means of enabling more competent and mindful communication. The subject explores a range of interpersonal topics, including perception, verbal and nonverbal communication, emotion, disclosure, and conflict communication through both theory and practice.

In a rapidly evolving creative economy, creative and communication practitioners must navigate industry landscapes with strategy and entrepreneurial flair, while still prioritising originality and creativity. Creative Enterprise will equip you to work in creative fields - including communication, PR, advertising, journalism, social media, creative arts and embedded creative roles - with the essential tools to thrive as a professional, freelancer, entrepreneur or intrapreneur.  This subject explores the enterprise of creativity: how ideas become sustainable ventures, how intellectual property is protected and leveraged and how creatives can build resilient careers. You will learn to develop and pitch creative projects (to clients, funders, investors and other opportunities) and understand a range of industry contexts for your work, from working as a sole trader or freelancer, to working in start-ups or with employees, agencies and in embedded creative roles. You will also craft your own creative identity (personal and professional branding) and learn how to use social media to build visibility, networks and opportunities. 

This subject focuses on the interactive relationship between gender and communication in contemporary society. We examine how gender is created, maintained, and challenged across various individual, interpersonal, and institutional contexts, including close relationships, culture, media, education, and the workplace. Drawing on key theories and concepts to explain the functions and processes of gender and communication, the subject invites personal and critical reflection on aspects of identity, interaction, and experience.

In this subject, you will learn about significant issues, topics, theories, and practices in contemporary organisational communication from both an employee and a managerial perspective. The subject aims to help you understand how organisational communication functions to guide you in making your own communication choices and make sense of others’ communication. You will learn about employee socialisation, managerial and leadership communication, organisations as cultures, communication and decision-making, communication between employees, conflict communication, power and resistance, reactions to change, and communication during employee transitions. Throughout the subject, you will analyse various organisational communication issues and make recommendations for change. The subject considers many different organisational communication scenarios, and students will have opportunities to lead discussions.

Internship A provides high-achieving students with an immersive, situated learning experience in a professional workplace relevant to their major. Across the semester, students complete approximately 96 hours of supervised placement, integrated with fortnightly academic supervision and a structured program of assessment.  The placement develops practical knowledge of professional environments, workplace conventions, and discipline-specific skills. Fortnightly meetings with the academic supervisor support students to interpret their experiences, link practice to theory, and navigate practical, ethical, or legal challenges as they arise. Through reflective journaling, an industry analysis, and a curated portfolio of work, students consolidate their learning, develop professional self-awareness, and produce evidence of their emerging capability.  Together, these elements prepare students for the transition from study to professional practice. 

The ability to find, read, interpret and learn from data has become critical in determining the future of all human endeavours. This subject introduces you to principles and applications of research methodology. You will explore research purposes, methods and tools for data selection, interpretation and analysis. You will also learn how to present your findings and visualise data in ways that address the needs of diverse educational and industry contexts. This subject will equip you with lifelong skills to design, execute and present research of integrity in their current studies and future professions.

This subject introduces you to advertising as a professional practice. You will learn about the different roles in advertising agencies and the skills required for working in these positions. Through exploring successful advertising campaigns and practical, hands-on exercises, this subject will provide you with an overview of essential ideas, concepts and theories used by practitioners for creating impactful promotional communication across various media channels. In addition to learning how to think strategically about advertising, it will also encourage you to think critically about the impact of advertising on society and individuals.

This introductory subject immerses you in fundamental practices of news gathering and presentation for textual, digital and visual news media. You are introduced to news writing conventions through simulated and real-life reporting experiences, with the opportunity to experience work in a real newsroom with practising journalists. You will be grounded in the core journalistic values of truth, fairness and accuracy. These acquired skills are transferable across industries, including those external to traditional communications, to ensure you are a more efficient and effective communicator regardless of career path.

This subject introduces you to a comprehensive conceptual framework demonstrating how public relations practitioners work in all industries across corporate, government, and not-for-profit organisations. We view public relations from a management perspective as a positive force in society. As a student in the subject, you will evaluate the profession’s present structure and future directions, learn concepts of public relations management, discuss ethical practices, and learn public relations strategies and techniques. You will apply this knowledge to creating and pitching an authentic public relations campaign.

Social Media Strategy and Tactics delivers a strong foundation in social media as a strategic communications tool. The subject takes a hands-on, practical approach underpinned with applied theoretical knowledge that informs the strategic and planned use of social media channels and messaging. Throughout the subject, you will analyse industry best practices and create a suite of social media tactics. This subject embodies experiential, authentic learning: you will learn by doing, produce work informed by theory and policy, and reflect on social media use compared to best practice.

The Advertising Minor provides a focused introduction to creative and strategic brand communication. You will learn core principles of audience insight, idea development and ethical practice, gaining the skills to contribute to advertising concepts and campaigns across a range of media.

A good story engages our emotions, empathy and curiosity; stories can also be powerful catalysts for change, persuasive motivators and key drivers of entrepreneurial success. In the Creative Writing Minor, you will explore how to tell original and compelling stories across a range of formats, genres and platforms. You will develop skills in theme, character, dialogue, plot and structure, voice, style and imagery, and learn to apply a range of literary devices. You will also build your ability to critique, pitch and share your work, gaining an introductory understanding of publishing and self-publishing landscapes. Alongside strengthening your writing practice, you’ll be encouraged to apply narrative skills to other areas—from entrepreneurial storytelling to health narratives, professional storytelling, social media narratives and more.

The Digital Media minor equips learners with a holistic approach to critically reflect and analyse new innovations and solutions as they relate to emerging digital media design methods and the changing job market due to disruptive technological change. Students will accumulate a diverse and coherent body of knowledge focused on the understanding and application of digital design methods, standards and industry best practices to develop a collaborative problem-solving strategy. Using an integrated approach (combining theory with workplace practice), students will be enabled to skilfully communicate design solutions outcomes to complex problems; through effective oral, written and visual communication techniques.

The Journalism Minor introduces you to the foundations of digital reporting and storytelling. You will learn essential skills in researching, producing and publishing factual content across key media platforms, and explore how journalism contributes to informed public discussion.

The Public Relations Minor introduces you to strategic communication that applies across corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, within organisations and agencies. You will explore public relations from a management perspective and examine how communication professionals build relationships, shape reputation and navigate complex issues. Through applied learning and engagement with real clients, you will develop strategic research, campaign planning, writing, media, social media and crisis communication skills grounded in ethical and professional practice. 

Digital and social media literacy is critical for students seeking a career in marketing and communications industries. In the Social Media Minor, you will explore the strategic role of digital and social media in everyday life and organisational practice, in both local and global contexts. Through practical, hands-on learning supported by applied theory, you will develop foundation skills in strategy, digital content analysis and creation, persuasive storytelling and creative problem solving. You will learn to craft ethical narratives and campaigns across multiple platforms and keep pace with this fast-changing field.