Breadth

Subjects for undergraduate degrees

Melbourne Law School is an innovative and vibrant school that values the student experience. The academic staff at Melbourne Law School are recognised as leaders in their fields, both in Australia and around the world.

Why take law as breadth?

Studying undergraduate law subjects gives you a variety of transferable skills that are valued by all employers. These include critical thinking, analytical and evaluative skills (students review legislation and case law to draw conclusions and make connections) and the ability to communicate complex ideas.

Choose from individual subjects or complete a breadth track suited to your own desired area of study.

Jack Edwards

Subjects run by the Melbourne Law School are the gold standard at the University, so taking law as breadth was an experience I couldn’t pass up. The Corporate Law subject allowed me to push myself and challenge my thought processes, providing contrast to my degree where essays and argumentative writing are few and far between. One of the main reasons I would recommend taking law as breadth is to develop your communication skills. Be it interacting with colleagues at work or answering exam questions, I cannot stress enough how far my communication skills have come studying law.

Jack Edwards, Bachelor of Science student

Consumer Law

Have you ever bought something based on advertising only to find the advertisement was false? This subject examines the principal components of Australian consumer law and is designed to assist you to know, understand and pursue your rights as a consumer. Professor Philip Clarke outlines what to expect in the subject.

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AI, Ethics and the Law

Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) read your emotions, assess your CV or decide whether you committed a crime?  This subject investigates the technical, ethical and the many legal challenges raised by the increasingly widespread of AI in society.

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Health Law, Ethics and Society

Did you know two states in Australia have passed laws so that adults who are terminally ill can request assistance to die? Dr Carolyn Johnston outlines what to expect in Health Law, Ethics and Society.

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Free Speech and Media Law

Did you know that Australia has some of the most outdated defamation laws out of anywhere in the world? Associate Professor Jason Bosland outlines what to expect in Free Speech and Media Law.

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What subjects can I take as breadth in law?

Subject Handbook details 2023 study period Study levelDelivery mode
AI, Ethics and the LawLAWS10009 Semester 2 Level 1 On Campus
Consumer LawBLAW20003 Summer Term Level 2Online
Corporate LawBLAW20001Semester 1 Level 2On Campus
Free Speech and Media LawBLAW10002 Semester 2 Level 1 On Campus
Global Human Rights Law LAWS20012Semester 2 Level 2On Campus
Health Law, Ethics and Society LAWS20013Semester 2 Level 2 On Campus
Intellectual Property Law LAWS20014 Semester 1 Level 2 On Campus
Legal Language LAWS20008Semester 1 Level 2On Campus
Principles of Business LawBLAW10001 Semester 1 Level 1Online
Principles of Business LawBLAW10001 Semester 2 Level 1Online
Public Trials LAWS30024 Semester 2 Level 3On Campus
Regulating Digital Platforms BLAW20002Summer Term Level 2 On Campus
Sport and the Law LAWS20011Semester 1 Level 2 On Campus
Taxation Law I BLAW30002 Semester 2 Level 3 On Campus
Taxation Law II BLAW30003 Semester 1 Level 3 On Campus
Environmental Rights & ResponsibilitiesLAWS20009 Semester 1 Level 2On Campus

Breadth tracks

A breadth track is a grouping of three or more subjects that allow you to progressively develop knowledge and skills in a study area.

What law breadth tracks are available?

Students planning to undertake single units of study are advised to check the handbook to ensure that prerequisites are met.

The Melbourne JD

Undergraduate law subjects provide a useful introduction to the study of law. These subjects are popular with students thinking about graduate legal study, in particular those considering applying to the Melbourne JD (Juris Doctor). However, it is not a condition of entry to the JD to have studied law breadth subjects.

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