The University of Tasmania is the fourth-oldest university in Australia. It is highly regarded internationally as a teaching and research institution.
The Faculty of Law was founded in 1893 and is situated on the Hobart campus. Generations of dedicated staff have ensured that, over one hundred years later, the Law School has built an enviable reputation for academic achievement and excellence in legal teaching.
A natural outcome of being a small faculty is that the students and staff form a supportive community with many lasting friendships. New students are welcomed into this network.
Law is the study of the legal system; its institutions, doctrines, principles and rules. Areas of law studied include the laws that regulate commercial matters such as contracts and corporations, laws that deals with civil wrongs (torts), legal rights in relation to property, criminal law, administrative law, international law and environmental law. Legal philosophy is also an important area of study.
The study of law is not merely concerned with learning rules and principles. It aims to give students an understanding of the role of law in society and to appreciate that the law operates in many contexts. It also aims to develop intellectual qualities and skills of general application, including the ability to think independently and critically, to reason logically and systematically and to communicate ideas clearly, both orally and in writing.
Undergraduate students can study law as part of a combined degree with either arts, science, economics, business, information systems or computing, or as a single Bachelor of Laws degree.
The University, through the Centre for Legal Studies, offers a six-month Tasmanian Legal Practice Course. Successful completion of this course is required for admission to practice in Tasmania.
The Faculty of Law’s dynamic and highly qualified staff have reached the top academic ranks in Australia. Achievements include:
Margaret Otlowski, LLB (Hons), University of Tasmania; PhD, University of Tasmania
The majority of Professor Otlowski’s research has been in the area of health law.
This has been reinforced through a number of her professional involvements including her work as Chair of the University Human Research Ethics Committee, Deputy Director for the Centre of Law and Genetics and a member of the Royal Hobart Hospital’s Clinical Ethics Committee.
She is currently a member of two of the National Health and Medical Research Council’s principal committees: the Human Genetics Advisory Committee and the Australian Health Ethics Committee.
Professor Otlowski provides research supervision of PhD and research masters degrees in the areas of Ethical Legal and Social Implications of Human Genetics, Family Law and Law and Ethics of Health Care/Medical Law.
Students of the Faculty have access to excellent facilities including an up-to-date library, with texts and journals on all aspects of local, national and international law, which makes research more straightforward. Comprehensive IT facilities include legal databases, fast WiFi and computer labs. The Law School is also equipped with a moot court, which gives students the opportunity to develop advocacy skills in an ideal environment.
In addition to these physical facilities, the Faculty of Law offers students high levels of personal contact with staff. This contact allows for one-on-one mentoring and support, which assists students to reach their full potential.
The Faculty of Law warmly welcomes international students and offers a unique and innovative support program for international students studying law. The International Student Support Program has received national recognition for its ability to support student learning.
The program aims to help international students improve their results and maximise the benefits from their Australian law degree by providing proactive academic support as well as pastoral care throughout the year. The ISSP consists of:
The ISSP is a formal, fully funded program of support. It provides extra tuition for each compulsory unit, in addition to normal lectures and tutorials. It also aims to improve students’ approaches to study, assessment and examinations. The progress of each international student is monitored throughout the year and any issues are dealt with as soon as they arise.
The program also helps foster relationships and networks between students and staff. It enhances cross-cultural exchange and encourages students to experience and enjoy the new culture in which they are living and studying.
International students need to complete an International Student Application Form (PDF 49.4KB).
The International Students website contains a list of the certified documentation that is required in support of an application and information on applying for credit/advanced standing.
The Tasmania University Law Society (TULS) is the representative society for law students at the University of Tasmania and caters for both social and academic needs. TULS is also the avenue through which the legal profession communicates with students.
Services and Activities:
Many students study law with the intention of becoming legal practitioners. A law degree is the first stage of legal education. Before a person can practise as a lawyer, all Australian states require a further period of practical legal training. In Tasmania, a six-month Legal Practice Course is required, which is taught by the University’s Centre for Legal Studies. Upon completion of this course students can expect to be admitted as a practitioner.
There are many law graduates who do not seek admission to practise. Law is highly valued by all employers as a discipline that develops powerful clarity of thought, penetrating research techniques and essential problem-solving skills. Law graduates are sought after by employers in very diverse areas. Some examples are:
One of the hallmarks of the University of Tasmania Faculty of Law has been the achievement of its graduates. Many graduates have become significant figures not only in the legal profession but also at the highest levels in state and federal politics and in many other areas of public life. Alumni include Rhodes Scholars and University medallists, eminent legal professionals, Australian State and Federal politicians, international legal officers and Professors of Law.