University of Newcastle

Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

The Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies program is an interdisciplinary program that studies the history and core learning principles of the discipline of Indigenous Studies. It also explores how critical and creative thinking occurs within Indigenous Studies. The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree is offered as a five year full-time program offered in combination with other degree programs including the Bachelor of Global Indigenous Studies. The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree meets the academic requirements needed to gain admission to the practice of law in New South Wales. As well as providing the academic basis for admission to legal practice, law is now regarded as a useful general education, fostering understanding of how society functions, and developing skills of analytical and logical reasoning. During the first three years, combined degree students enrol in the courses offered by the Faculty of Business and Law as part of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (LLB (Hons)), as well as courses within the Bachelor of Global Indigenous Students. During the final two years they enrol in LAWS courses only. 

Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:

• Demonstrated a broad and coherent understanding of the Aboriginal/Indigenous global studies disciplines including Indigenous histories, cultures, principle concepts, decolonisation and other theoretical perspectives (Depth in least one related specialist area)
• Lateral thinking to solve legal problems through the range of available dispute resolution mechanisms
• Advanced oral communication skills.
• Advanced written communication skills
• The capacity to recognise the importance of acting as a professional advocate for the rule of law.
• Professional skills to the maintenance and reform of the legal system
• The highest ethical standards in discharging responsibilities to clients, other professionals, the courts and the public.
• The capacity to understand, evaluate and critically reflect upon the interaction of law and society.
• Demonstrated cognitive, creative, analytical, and critical skills to effectively plan, analyse present and implement activities in the global discipline and related areas
• Demonstrated a capacity to synthesise theoretical understanding and skills, with a focus on leadership, to effectively plan, analyse, present and implement activities within the discipline and with non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrated a critical understanding of ethical and reflective practice to include Indigenous centred perspectives that underlie the globally based discipline
• The capacity to provide professional advice, based on specialised knowledge of law and its application in diverse contexts, to employers, government and individual clients.
• Recognised Law as a dynamic discipline requiring professional lifelong learning and skill development.
• The technical and cognitive skills required to plan and conduct advanced legal research tasks independently
• the technical and cognitive skills required to plan and conduct advanced legal research tasks in collaboration with others
• Critical thinking skills to analyse the formation, content and operation of the law