University of Newcastle Law School
University of Newcastle Law School
The University of Newcastle offers undergraduate and postgraduate law degrees through the Newcastle Law School at their Newcastle City campus.
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences had 41 First Nations law students in 2019.
University of Newcastle Law School entry requirements
If you’re a high school leaver or haven’t been to university before, an undergraduate Bachelor of Laws is for you. University graduates can study a postgraduate Juris Doctor degree. To learn more about the different types of law degrees, see our Law Degrees Explained page.
High school leavers can apply through UAC to study a 5-year Combined Bachelor of Laws with Bachelors of Arts, Business, Commerce, Communication, Development Studies, Global Indigenous Studies, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Social Science or Diploma of Legal Practice. Â
Students are assessed based on their ATAR. The 2020 ATAR cut-off was 92.Â
Applicants with higher degrees are assessed based on their academic performance, or their ATAR if completed less than one year before the degree.Â
Mature age students can apply to study a Bachelor of Laws by applying to UAC.
Alternative entry
The University of Newcastle offers two alternative entry programs for First Nations:Â
- The Indigenous Early Entry Scheme (Law) provides First Nations students the opportunity to apply for a guaranteed place in a Combined Bachelor of Law degree before completing their HSC, as well as a guaranteed place in University accommodation at the Callaghan campus.Â
- The Yapug Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Entry Program is a one-year full-time (or two-year part-time) pathway program. Upon successful completion, students can transition into any undergraduate degree.Â
The University of Newcastle also offers a number of additional pathways for all students:.Â
- The Year 12 Subject Spotlight is open to students who achieve a Band 4 in specified HSC subjects. These will be automatically applied through UAC.Â
- The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) provides students with up to four bonus ATAR points or adjustment factors if they have experienced educational or other disadvantages. Students can apply for the EAS through UAC.Â
- The Regional and Rural Adjustment Point Scheme provides high school leavers who attended schools in regional and rural areas with up to 5 bonus ATAR points or adjustment factors that can be applied to an undergraduate Combined Bachelor of Law. The adjustment factors will be automatically applied through UAC.
University graduates can apply to study a Juris Doctor at the University of Newcastle directly through the University of Newcastle website. Applicants are assessed based on performance in their undergraduate degree, other academic and professional qualifications and relevant work experience.Â
There is not an alternative entry program for First Nations students.
High school leavers applying to study at the University of Newcastle through UAC should follow the important dates outlined by UAC. On the UAC website, students can find the dates of all open days for universities in NSW, as well as the application deadlines.Â
Students should also follow the key dates on the University of Newcastle website here.
Studying law at Newcastle law school
The University of Newcastle operates on a two semester calendar with an optional Summer and Winter semester. A full-time study load is 6-8 subjects per year.
For information about the Combined Bachelor of Laws course information and typical study pattern, click here.Â
For information about the required subjects and course information in a Juris Doctor, click here.Â
Support for First Nations law students
Indigenous Support CentreÂ
Wollotuka Institute is the Indigenous Support Centre located across all Newcastle campuses
Law school contacts
Wollotuka Institute AdminÂ
wollotuka@newcastle.edu.auÂ
Birabahn Building, Callaghan campus
Phone: (02) 4921 6863Â
Room X111, NeW Space, City Campus
Phone: (02) 4921 5307
Room IRC-209, Ourimbah Campus
Phone: (02) 4349 4500
Indigenous tutoring program
The University of Newcastle operates the Indigenous Tutorial Program for all First Nations students. Â
Scholarships
Bungaree Discovery Yapung Scholarship
- Awarded to First Nations students enrolled in the Yapung program.Â
- Value is $4,000.Â
- Awarded to First Nations undergraduate and postgraduate students who can demonstrate impact of personal circumstances on study life. Â
- Value is $5,000.Â
- Awarded to students commencing undergraduate study in midyear admissions (semester 2) and who can demonstrate financial hardship or educational disadvantage.Â
Newcastle Bar Association Indigenous Student ScholarshipÂ
- Awarded to eligible First Nations students enrolled in their 4th or 5th year of a Bachelor of Laws program or in the Juris Doctor program.Â
- Value is $4,000.
Ma & Morley Scholarship Program – IndigenousÂ
- Awarded to First Nations first-year students who will participate in a number of specified programs and can satisfy the additional criteria.Â
- Value is up to $50,000 for the entire degree (paid in lump sums of $5,000 each semester).Â
- Awarded to students enrolled in an undergraduate degree who can demonstrate the impact of personal circumstances on study life.Â
- Value is $4,000.
Shaping Futures Postgraduate Scholarship
- Awarded to students enrolled in a postgraduate coursework degree program who can demonstrate impact of personal circumstances on study life.Â
- Value is $4,000.
Practical Legal Training (PLT)
Practical Legal Training (PLT) is integrated into the last two years of each Law degree. This means that students can be admitted to practice immediately upon completion of their degree.
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