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Undergraduate Certificate in Law

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

  • – Build practical legal and professional skills valued across business, government, and justice sectors
  • – Develop the knowledge and core skills for further study or a career in law-adjacent roles
  • – Begin a direct pathway into the Bachelor of Laws, with full credit transfer on completion with a credit average
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Icon Qualification

Undergraduate

Qualification

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8 Months Full-Time

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Mar, Jul, Nov

Start Dates

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4

Units

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$2,174*

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OVERVIEW

What is the Undergraduate Certificate in Law?

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law is a fully online, four-unit qualification introducing you to the Australian legal system, its institutions and core principles.

You’ll learn how laws are created, interpreted, and applied — while developing essential skills in legal research, writing, and analysis.

Pathway to a Bachelor of Laws

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law includes four foundation law units that align with the Bachelor of Laws.

Students who achieve a minimum 60% average across the four units, and meet all other entry requirements, will be guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Laws. These students will also receive credit for the four units completed in the Undergraduate Certificate in Law.

Who is this course for?

  • Aspiring law students: Build Foundational legal knowledge and earn credit toward a Bachelor of Laws before you commit to a longer qualification.
  • Career changers: Move toward legal, policy, or justice-sector roles with a recognised starting qualification.
  • Working professionals: Strengthen your understanding of law to support roles in government, compliance, or administration.

How you’ll study

  • – The Undergraduate Certificate in Law runs across three Teaching Periods per year.
  • – Expected study load is between 8–10 hours per week per unit.
  • Set your own study pace by taking one or more units per Teaching Period.
  • – Learning is delivered through interactive materials, including videos, quizzes, podcasts, diagrams, and written content.
  • – 24/7 access to your online classroom, discussion boards, and learning content.

Course highlights

Build job-ready legal skills: Develop sustained legal arguments, both orally and in writing, and sharpen your legal research, writing and analysis from day one.

Gain foundational research and analysis skills: Build introductory skills in legal research, case analysis, and statute analysis.

Develop core legal capabilities: Strengthen your skills in statutory interpretation and legal writing, applying them to areas such as negligence, contract formation and Australian Consumer Law.

Kate-Graduation-BW

‘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

$90,000

As a paralegal, you can expect an average annual salary of up to $90,000. (SEEK 2026)

THE_World-University-Rankings

Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2026.

‘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

$90,000

As a paralegal, you can expect an average annual salary of up to $90,000. (SEEK 2026)

Our Law courses have ranked in the Top 250 by THE World Universities Rankings for 2026.

THE_World-University-Rankings

Swinburne Online

Your pathway to the career of your dreams

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Structure

Your course breakdown:

The Undergraduate Certificate in Law consists of:

  • 3 Core Units
  • 1 Elective Unit

What you'll study:

 

Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation

Torts 1

Contract Law 1

You must complete one (1) of the following:

Criminal Law & Procedure

Torts 2

Legal Writing

Contract Law 2

Entry Requirements

Entry Criteria

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements:

  • – A completed or partially completed tertiary qualification (e.g. relevant Certificate IVs, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, incomplete or complete Bachelor’s degree); or
  • – 4+ years of relevant work experience; or
  • – Recent Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent completion, with the required English study score

This course is not available to international students.

Want to discuss your eligibility for the Undergraduate Certificate in Law? Get in touch with our Course Consultant team on 1300 069 765 to discuss more today!

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 & Scholarships

  • The estimated fee per unit is $2,174*.
  • There are 4 units in this course; each unit is worth 12.5 credit point units.

*Note: Unit fees may change each year.

HECS-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 Consultants 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.

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

For more details on scholarships and financial support, speak with our Course Consultant team today!

Career Outcomes

Career opportunities with an Undergraduate Certificate in Law

Whether you're looking to explore legal support roles or build a foundation for further study, this qualification can lead you to opportunities across business, compliance, government and the justice sector. Here's what you could do and what you might earn (average salaries via SEEK):

$75,000 to $90,000 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.

$75,000 to $90,000 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.

$75,000 to $85,000 Average Salary

Support the daily operations of courts by managing records, processing legal documents, assisting with scheduling, and providing administrative support to court staff and the public. Court registry officers play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the justice system.

Support the daily operations of courts by managing records, processing legal documents, assisting with scheduling, and providing administrative support to court staff and the public. Court registry officers play a key role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the justice system.

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How can an Undergraduate Certificate in Law lead to a legal career?

A career in law starts with a strong foundation in legal knowledge and skills. The Undergraduate Certificate in Law provides a pathway into the Bachelor of Laws, helping you develop core legal capabilities while progressing towards your long-term career goals.
The following steps outline a typical pathway into further legal study and law-related career opportunities.
Step 1: Start with the Undergraduate Certificate in Law
Get a taste of real law study in just six months.
Step 2: Achieve a credit average
Complete four foundational law units and achieve a 60% credit average.
Step 3: Secure your place in the Bachelor of Laws
Meet the requirements and gain guaranteed entry into the LLB.
Step 4: Receive credit for completed study
Get full credit for all four units — no wasted time, no repeated study.
Step 5: Move toward a legal career
Continue your law degree and open doors to careers across the legal sector

Online Study

What’s it like to study with Swinburne Online?

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 at Swinburne Online

You are supported at every stage of your journey with Swinburne Online.

You’ll have access to:

  • Student Advisors – to help plan your course, enrol you in units and assist with other general enquiries you may have
  • Online Learning Advisors – to support you with unit content, assessments and referencing
  • Student Coaches – who can advise you on best practice study habits, motivation, and time management
  • Study Buddies – connects you with peers to collaborate on coursework, share knowledge and stay motivated
  • 7‑day support – to assist you at any time

Indigenous Student Services

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student, you can access dedicated support through Swinburne’s Moondani Toombadool Centre. Moondani Toombadool means ‘embracing teaching and learning’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri People! 

Support available includes: 

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

Learn more about the Moondani Toombadool Centre.

Learn more about units, fees, entry criteria, career outcomes and more.

Download a course guide

The Swinburne Online-SEEK connection

The suite of Swinburne Online Law 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.