- ATAR 50.00
- View full details
- 1 year (or part-time equivalent)
- Online
- Jan, May, Aug
- View dates
- AUD 13,044
- (Indicative annual fee)
Overview
- The Diploma of Law and Justice Studies provides a broad introduction to the academic culture of university and is a pathway, with credit, towards a UniSQ undergraduate degree in law or criminology and criminal justice.
- The free foundational courses will enhance your academic English and study skills to prepare you for the demands of an undergraduate degree.
- Depending on your career goals and interests, you’ll then select relevant discipline courses to progress to the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Laws. Topics may include the definition of crime and theoretical explanations for criminal behaviour, criminal law procedures, concepts of the Australia legal system and legal history.
- This law diploma eases you into university‑level study, combining structured support with the foundational knowledge to ensure you can transition into your future law or criminology studies.
A great introduction
I think studying a pathway has been a great introduction to the university environment and it has been an advantage to get used to how things work at UniSQ before I start my degree.
Veronica - Pathways
Career outcomes
This pathway diploma has been developed as an alternative entry point into a law or criminology undergraduate degree, but graduates may also find entry-level roles across the legal, justice, corrections and community sectors as a:
- legal / paralegal assistant
- case support officer
- youth justice officer / youth worker
- court administration officer / court support worker
- compliance officer (entry-level)
- records assistant (justice or corrections)
- victim support / victim assistance officer
- customs and border protection
- probation and parole officer
- corrections officer.
What you'll study
To graduate from the Diploma of Law and Justice Studies, you must successfully complete 8 units of study.
Degree structure
A pathways diploma combines free foundational courses with first-year undergraduate courses in specific discipline areas. Once completed, you can use the diploma as a pathway into a select undergraduate degree and you may be able to gain credit towards your qualification, if you decide to keep studying.
Refer to the UniSQ Handbook for detailed recommended enrolment patterns and course availability.
You may be eligible for recognition of prior learning if you have previous studies. This could reduce the number of courses you need to study to complete your degree.
Other study options
If you’re interested in further study, after completion of this diploma you can go on to study the Associate Degree of Criminology and Criminal Justice or Bachelor of Laws (if you meet all the entry requirements).
Entry requirements
There are many ways to be considered for entry into a UniSQ degree based on your education, work experience and relevant personal attributes.
Select the highest level of education you have or will be completing to find the entry requirements that applies to you.
You need to satisfy the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.
An Australian Year 12 high school qualification, or equivalent.
All applicants
You'll need to meet the applicable English language requirements and this degree requires:
- IELTS (Academic) - Minimum overall score of 5.5 and a minimum score of 5.5 in each of the four components - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Alternative English language proficiency tests may also be accepted.
Entry pathways
There are many pathway programs available to fast-track your way to a UniSQ degree and gain the confidence to study along the way.
Need help deciding which pathway is right for you? Contact our friendly team who can assist with any questions you might have.
Fees and scholarships
- Eligible domestic students can study the initial foundation courses at no cost. To access the free courses you'll need to complete a FEE-FREE Uni Ready Commonwealth Assistance Form. Visit the Pathway Diplomas website for more details.
- The estimated 2026 annual fee above is based on the current average rate of the courses aligned to the discipline of your diploma for your first year of study. The fee does not include cost of materials such as textbooks, additional costs or the Student Services and Amenities fee.
- This is an indicative guide only and your fees will vary depending on the courses you select, with the actual rates calculated at enrolment.
- We review our fees annually and they may increase each year.
- Further details are available on the Fees website.
Additional costs
You may be required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee as part of your degree cost.
Payment options
You may not have to pay your course (subject) fees upfront. HECS-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows you to defer payment until your income reaches a certain threshold. Find out if you are eligible for HECS-HELP.
You may also be eligible to receive financial support from Services Australia.
UniSQ Scholarships
We offer scholarships for academic excellence, community leadership, and financial need - you can apply for more than one!
Find out moreHow to apply
Complete your online application directly to UniSQ.
Apply| Location | QTAC code |
|---|---|
| Online | 904165 |
You can also apply to study at UniSQ via the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) website by clicking the location link in the above table.
Select to start your degree in Block 1, 3 or 5:
| Study period | Application closing date | Orientation | Start date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Block 1, 2026 | Monday 12 January | Monday 12 January | Monday 19 January |
| Block 3, 2026 | Monday 4 May | Tuesday 5 May | Monday 11 May |
| Block 5, 2026 | Monday 24 August | Monday 24 August | Monday 31 August |
More information on application key dates is available.
There are several special admission schemes that use adjustment factors to boost your ATAR or selection rank with additional points, to improve your chances of getting into your preferred degree.
You may be eligible for these admission schemes based on:
- your background and personal circumstances
- where you live
- the subjects you studied at school.
You do not have to apply for these adjustments as they will be automatically applied by QTAC when your application is assessed.
Preparing to apply
You've made the decision to study at UniSQ - congratulations! Take the next steps:
After you’ve submitted your application, you will be emailed a reference number. You will be notified via email the outcome of your application within 10 business days.
Follow the link in your email from UniSQ or log in to the application portal to accept your offer.
Find out more
Connect with us - start a conversation, whenever suits you.
Frequently asked questions
A diploma of law provides a foundational introduction to legal principles, issues, strategies and knowledge needed for further studies. It is typically completed in one year and is designed for students seeking entry into the legal and justice sector or used as a pathway into a bachelor’s degree. UniSQ’s Diploma of Law and Justice Studies is a pathway program, giving you credit towards a law degree.
A Bachelor of Law (LLB) is a 3 to 4-year undergraduate program that qualifies graduates for professional legal practice. The LLB covers advanced subjects such as constitutional law, contracts, torts, and jurisprudence, and is required for admission as a solicitor or barrister in Australia.
The cost to study a diploma of law will vary depending on the education provider you choose.
At UniSQ, our Diploma of Law and Justice Studies includes free law diploma foundational study skills courses, allowing you to ease into university study with reduced expenses, while gaining essential academic skills. Find out more about how the free pathway diploma courses work.
A Diploma of Law and Justice Studies leads to a variety of opportunities in the legal and justice sectors, including:
- paralegal and legal assistant roles
- justice administration
- correction services
- compliance and regulations
- community safety and youth justice
- pathway to further study.
At UniSQ, you can study an online Diploma of Law and Justice Studies. Our online study programs are designed to fit around you and your lifestyle, allowing you to balance your teaching diploma with work, family and other life commitments. You can also benefit from UniSQ's flexible delivery and select the number of courses per study period to speed up or slow down your study when life allows it - the choice is yours!.
