Are you thinking about a career in law, but you’re unsure of how to fit study into your life? You’re not alone. With more people wanting to upskill or change direction, the legal profession is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities for professionals with strong analytical, communication and problem-solving skills. But between work, family, and everyday commitments, the idea of attending classes on campus can feel impractical.
That’s where flexible, online study can help. At Swinburne Online, you can study a law-related qualification when and where it works for you. You no longer need to put your life on hold to achieve your goals. Here’s how flexible study can prepare you for a career in law.
Study that fits around your life
A common challenge is fitting study into an already busy schedule. Our fully online degrees allow you to study at your own pace, full-time or part-time, from wherever suits you. You can build the skills you need for a legal career while keeping up with your work and personal commitments.
Whether you’re working full-time, supporting your family, or managing a busy schedule, you can choose when it’s best for you to study. That might be during your lunch break, while the kids are at school, or in the evenings after work. Studying online also means no commute, giving you more time to focus on your daily responsibilities. If you’re continuing to work while you study, you’ll also be building valuable experience as many entry-level legal positions require some work experience. It can also strengthen your applications for further study, where relevant work experience may support entry to certain courses.
Skills designed for the real world
Online study can help you better yourself within your current role, gain practical skills to lead your team, or finally make the career change to follow your passions. But it also teaches you invaluable skills that go beyond your course content.
You’ll develop strong time management skills. Balancing work and study deadlines will build a crucial skill when working on multiple cases with multiple clients. Projects and interactions with fellow students and lecturers will improve your professional communication skills. The way we communicate with our colleagues and clients makes all the difference when clearly explaining a situation or project plan. Good, clear communication is also key to becoming a team leader or manager, no matter your department.
And most importantly, motivation. Staying motivated is vital, especially when balancing multiple priorities. A proactive mindset can help you manage challenges and support your team or clients. These essential skills, along with your knowledge of the legal system, are valued across legal and professional environments.
Getting into the legal field
When starting out in law, it’s important to understand that a law degree isn’t just about knowing the legislation; it’s about knowing how to apply it. Our online courses focus on practical, job-ready skills such as legal research and analysis, problem-solving, and professional writing and communication.
During your studies, you’ll explore different aspects of the law as you learn all about legal theory and practice, crime management, international diplomacy and how laws are drafted and passed in Australia. Depending on your specific focus, you can choose from the following Swinburne Online Law courses:
Bachelor of Laws
This accredited bachelor’s degree prepares you for a legal career that is evolving with digital technology. The course equips you with a digitally informed toolkit, combined with professional placements, to prepare you to respond to the challenges of rapid technological changes in the legal sector. This course is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and is the first requirement on the pathway to becoming a practising lawyer in Australia.
After completing the Bachelor of Laws, you will be eligible for the following career options:
- Lawyer
- Policy Advisor
- In-House Counsel
- Legal Counsel
- Intellectual Property Specialist
- Not-for-Profit Legal Roles
Undergraduate Certificate in Law
This undergraduate course introduces you to the fundamentals of the Australian legal system while offering an entry pathway to the Bachelor of Laws. Gain foundational legal skills in legal research and thinking, professional communication, and case and statute analysis. This course serves as the perfect stepping stone into further law study or legal roles like the following:
- Paralegal
- Law Clerk
- Legal Secretary
- Compliance Support Officer
- Court Administration Officer
- Government Policy Assistant
Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology
The Bachelor of Criminal Justice and Criminology delves into local and global criminality, approaches and emerging responses to crime, while also investigating the criminal mind and how to assist victims. The course also covers youth justice and crime, criminal law, social sciences, and how technology is used in crime prevention and investigation.
After completing this course, you will be able to pursue roles in law enforcement, victim support services, offender rehabilitation, and government policy development, including:
- Criminologist
- Corrections Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Intelligence Analyst
- Security Advisor
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
Undergraduate Certificate of Criminal Justice and Criminology
This pathway qualification introduces the fundamental concepts of criminology for those considering a career in the field of law. Gain an understanding of legal theory, criminal law procedure, and the nature of crime. Completion of this qualification will give you entry to the bachelor’s degree, and career options like:
- Criminologist
- Corrections Officer
- Policy Advisor
- Security Advisor
- Police Officer
- Customs and Border Protection Officer
Why study law with Swinburne Online?
At Swinburne Online, we focus on supporting you throughout your studies. Our courses are designed by experts in their fields to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to start or progress your career with confidence. Our qualifications are also regularly updated to ensure you are provided with the latest tools and techniques to take your first step into the legal or criminal justice sector. We also prioritise practical experience, which is why our Bachelor of Laws includes Work Integrated Learning where students will gain valuable experience and networking through professional placements.
Courses are also future-focused and adapted to include the latest platforms and digital tools used in the relevant industries. This approach ensures that course materials also cover upcoming fields like cyber security, advertising, media, intellectual property, finance law, and more.
Beyond providing up-to-date courses and skills, we also have a range of support services to guide and assist you on your online study journey. Student Advisors, Coaches, Mentors, Tutors, Online Learning Advisors (OLAs) and Course Consultants are standing by to help you manage your study schedule, set realistic goals, and provide technical support.
Ready to study law online?
If you’re thinking about studying law, Swinburne Online’s law courses could be the flexible option that fits your goals. So, if you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with our dedicated team of Course Consultants or have a look at our online law courses for more information.
