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.
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.
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.
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.
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Did you know that Australia has some of the most outdated defamation laws out of anywhere in the world?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.
What subjects can I take as breadth in law?
| Subject | Handbook details | 2023 study period | Study level | Delivery mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI, Ethics and the Law | LAWS10009 | Semester 2 | Level 1 | On Campus |
| Consumer Law | BLAW20003 | Summer Term | Level 2 | Online |
| Corporate Law | BLAW20001 | Semester 1 | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Free Speech and Media Law | BLAW10002 | Semester 2 | Level 1 | On Campus |
| Global Human Rights Law | LAWS20012 | Semester 2 | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Health Law, Ethics and Society | LAWS20013 | Semester 2 | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Intellectual Property Law | LAWS20014 | Semester 1 | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Legal Language | LAWS20008 | Semester 1 | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Principles of Business Law | BLAW10001 | Semester 1 | Level 1 | Online |
| Principles of Business Law | BLAW10001 | Semester 2 | Level 1 | Online |
| Public Trials | LAWS30024 | Semester 2 | Level 3 | On Campus |
| Regulating Digital Platforms | BLAW20002 | Summer Term | Level 2 | On Campus |
| Sport and the Law | LAWS20011 | Semester 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 & Responsibilities | LAWS20009 | Semester 1 | Level 2 | On 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.