Monash University

Credit for prior studies - Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law awards credit towards the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) course for units passed in other tertiary studies within the previous ten years, provided that the units for which credit is sought are equivalent to Monash law units in terms of the curriculum, contact hours and standard of assessment . For credit to be granted for a specified Monash unit, the unit of previous study must be equivalent to at least 80 per cent of the curriculum and credit point value of the specified Monash unit. Credit for prior studies is not granted automatically, and must be applied for.

Students must complete the relevant credit application form and provide supporting documentation concerning previous studies for which credit is sought, together with an official academic transcript of results. The documentation should be provided at the time of application or at the very latest, by the end of the first week of the first semester of study.

Applications for credit must be accompanied by documentary evidence that is sufficient to enable an assessment of equivalence to be made. This will include:

  • an official academic transcript (original or certified copy) listing the units undertaken
  • the credit point value for each unit
  • whether units were undertaken as part of a law admission degree
  • a reading list for each unit
  • complete unit guide relating to the units, including syllabus, learning objectives, prescribed textbook, contact hours per week and assessment regime.

If the prior studies were part of a law admission degree, the applicant must also provide confirmation on whether the degree has been accredited by the Victorian Council of Legal Education or by an equivalent regulator in another State or Territory.

Generally credit will not be given unless the unit is taught or credited by an Australian law school or by a reputable overseas law school as part of a degree that qualifies students for admission to legal practice.

Where a student is granted credit for previous studies, the total time allowed to complete their Bachelor of Laws (Honours) or related double degree will be reduced accordingly. Students must be aware of the adjusted time and ensure they complete their degree requirements within that time limit.

Maximum credit allowed

Students enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws course must complete at least 96 credit points of law units at Monash.

For double degrees, students are obliged to meet the requirements of both individual awards and need to complete a set number of credit points of Monash University units within the course per award. Students should refer to the relevant faculty and double degree course maps for details.