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Undergraduate Certificate in Law

Discover the foundations of Australian law with an accessible, fully online qualification.

  • Fully supported, 100% online, and flexible
  • Join an industry with an expected job growth of 20% by 2030
  • Builds practical legal and professional skills valued across business, government, and justice sectors
  • No prior legal study required — an ideal starting point for anyone interested in law or policy
  • Provides a direct pathway into the Bachelor of Laws, with full credit transfer on completion with a credit average
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100% Online

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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

Icon Duration

8 Months Full-Time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

Icon Units

4

Units

Icon Fees

$3,800*

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OVERVIEW

Understand the law, its impact, and its opportunities. 

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law introduces you to the Australian legal system, its institutions, and its core principles. You’ll explore how laws are created, interpreted, and applied, while developing essential skills in legal research, writing, and analysis.

This fully online program is ideal for anyone interested in the legal profession, or professionals in government, compliance, or administration roles who want to strengthen their understanding of law.

You’ll complete four foundation law units that also count as credit toward the Bachelor of Laws if you choose to continue your studies. Graduates who achieve a credit average (60%) will receive guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Laws with full credit transfer for all four units.

Why study with us?

  • Accessible entry into legal studies: Begin your journey toward a law degree, even if you don’t meet traditional entry requirements.
  • 100% Online flexibility: Study anywhere, anytime, with support from experienced Online Learning Advisors.
  • Career readiness: Build professional legal skills in research, writing, and reasoning valued across business, government, and justice sectors.
  • Pathway to the Bachelor of Laws: Earn full credit and guaranteed entry into Swinburne’s Bachelor of Laws upon achieving a credit average.
  • Recognised Swinburne quality: Graduate with a nationally recognised university qualification identical to on-campus study.
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‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

Up to $95K

As a Paralegal you can expect an average annual salary of up to $95,000

Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

‘The benefit of studying online with Swinburne Online has allowed me to schedule my time efficiently and effectively around [my life]. I have been provided with a world-class education led by industry leaders and professionals.’

Kate, Swinburne Online graduate

Up to $95K

As a Paralegal you can expect an average annual salary of up to $95,000

Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2025.

Swinburne Online

Your Pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

The Undergraduate Certificate of Law consists of:

  • 3 Core Units
  • 1 Elective Unit

 

Who’s it for?

Our courses are at the forefront of the industry and provide you with the practical skills to succeed come graduation. Get a taste through the course highlighted below or view all units in this undergraduate certificate.

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation

Torts 1

Contract Law 1

You must complete one of the following:

Criminal Law & Procedure

Torts 2

Legal Writing

Contract Law 2

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Students must meet any of the below criteria in order to enter this course:

  • Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent Year 12 qualification.
  • Completion or partial completion of a tertiary qualification (Certificate IV or higher).
  • Relevant work experience may be considered for entry.

If you are applying as an international student, please view the English Language Requirements.

Need more info?

  • We have plenty of resources to help you! Visit our Applying and Enrolling FAQs or chat with a Course Consultant for advice on your specific situation.

Fees & Scholarship

  • The estimated fee per unit is $3,800*.
  • There are 4 units in this course, each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

FEE-HELP provided loans are available to assist eligible students to pay their course fees and there are a range of university, government and privately funded scholarships and prizes.

Discover more information about HELP loans.

There are a variety of Swinburne Scholarships to help reduce your costs.

  • University-funded scholarships
  • Government-funded scholarships
  • Private scholarships and prizes

Scholarships are available for both new and current students.

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Student Scholarships

There are a range of scholarships available to support Indigenous students in minimising the costs of study materials, accommodation, relocation and more.

How it works:
1. Check eligibility
2. Gather the relevant documentation
3. Produce a personal statement
4. Obtain your references
5. Apply online here

Please contact our Course Consultant to find out if you’re eligible for Swinburne Scholarships.

Course fees will be affected by a student’s unit selection and any credit awarded in recognition of previous academic experience.

This course is offered to domestic and offshore international students.

Domestic students also contribute to student services and amenities via an annual fee.

For more details on scholarships and financial support, visit the Swinburne website or speak with a Course Consultant!

Career Outcomes

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Undergraduate Certificate in Law can pursue roles in a variety of industries where legal knowledge is valued, including business, compliance, and government (based on SEEK Australia):

$75,000 to $95,000 Average Salary

Assist lawyers with various legal tasks, including client communication, legal research, and document drafting. Their work includes research, preparing court documents, attending client meetings, and communicating with other legal professionals.

Assist lawyers with various legal tasks, including client communication, legal research, and document drafting. Their work includes research, preparing court documents, attending client meetings, and communicating with other legal professionals.

~ $80,000 Average Salary

Provide specialised clerical and administrative support to legal professionals, performing tasks like legal research, document drafting and proofreading, and managing case files.

Provide specialised clerical and administrative support to legal professionals, performing tasks like legal research, document drafting and proofreading, and managing case files.

~$83,000 Average Salary

Perform administrative and clerical duties to support legal professionals, including preparing legal documents, managing files and schedules, conducting legal research, and handling communication with clients and courts.

Perform administrative and clerical duties to support legal professionals, including preparing legal documents, managing files and schedules, conducting legal research, and handling communication with clients and courts.

$80,000 to $100,000 Average Salary

Assist in ensuring an organization follows all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. The primary goal is to mitigate risks and support the organization in maintaining ethical practices and regulatory adherence.

Assist in ensuring an organization follows all relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. The primary goal is to mitigate risks and support the organization in maintaining ethical practices and regulatory adherence.

~$74,000 Average Salary

Manage administrative functions and provides support to the court system, roles that vary based on jurisdiction and court level. Key responsibilities include managing court staff, handling financial and human resources, coordinating with legal professionals, and assisting judges with administrative tasks.

Manage administrative functions and provides support to the court system, roles that vary based on jurisdiction and court level. Key responsibilities include managing court staff, handling financial and human resources, coordinating with legal professionals, and assisting judges with administrative tasks.

$71,000 to $106,000 Average Salary

Conduct research, provides support for policy development and implementation, and assists with administrative tasks such as maintaining records and preparing presentations. They support senior policy officers by analysing information and contributing to the development of strategies on key issues like national security, technology, or social services.

Conduct research, provides support for policy development and implementation, and assists with administrative tasks such as maintaining records and preparing presentations. They support senior policy officers by analysing information and contributing to the development of strategies on key issues like national security, technology, or social services.

Online Study

An online study experience designed for you

Each degree is thoughtfully designed for online learning, ensuring your experience is fulfilling and supported. At Swinburne Online, we want to ensure that your journey with us is a success. Our team of academic and online experts have developed engaging, media-rich course materials using cutting-edge digital technology and advanced teaching resources.

Your online study journey

 

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Here’s what you can expect

  • Personalise your study journey with full-time or part-time options — 100% online, no travel needed.
  • Start when it suits you with multiple intake dates.
  • Study on your terms, balancing life, family, and work — anytime, anywhere.
  • Stay connected with students and industry experts through discussion boards and virtual classrooms.
  • Get support 7 days a week for general help whenever you need it.
  • Learn with confidence with dedicated online tutors for each unit, ready to answer all your academic questions.

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Your online classroom – Canvas

Canvas is where all your classwork will take place. You’ll experience engaging lectures, tackle assignments, and connect with others on lively discussion boards. All within an easy-to-use platform. Stay on top of your progress, plan your studies with ease, and set your own pace — whether you want to fast-track your degree with up to 12 units a year or take it slow with part-time study. It’s all about balancing your studies with the rest of your life!

FLEXIBLE STUDY AT SWINBURNE ONLINE

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Your Online Campus: The Student Hub

  • The Student Hub is your one-stop online university campus where you’ll have access to course management tools, technical support, library resources, and more!
  • Find everything you need to manage your studies and university services.
  • Stay connected and empowered throughout your learning journey all from one easy to use location.
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Dedicated student support

We’re there for you each step of the way. Our dedicated Student Advisors are your go-to guides. They’ll help you through your enrolment, course planning, technical support and other questions you might have.

    • Our Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) will assist you with unit information, learning material, assignments, and referencing.
    • We strive to support you from enrolment to graduation, ensuring your success.
    • With continuous access to guidance and resources for a smooth study experience, you’re never alone with Swinburne Online.

Indigenous Student Services

Access opportunities. Get tailored support with your studies. Thrive as an Indigenous student with the team at the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People. Established in 2018, the Moondani Toombadool Centre (MTC) handles all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters at Swinburne. This includes governance, student services, teaching and learning, research, staff, culture and engagement. Student services include but are not limited to:

    • Dedicated student support services
    • Indigenous Academic Support Program (IASP)
    • Cultural and engagement programs
    • Networking opportunities, career support and much more

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Business degrees provides students with the opportunity to forge connections within the industry. Students hear from industry leaders and work with real-life clients with demonstrated experience within their respective fields, such as SEEK.