Beyond the classroom learning
One of the key features that sets UNSW Law apart from other law schools is our distinctive approach to experiential learning and the professional development of our students. We provide an extensive range of learning experiences for students outside of the classroom environment including clinical practice, internships, mooting and exchange, all of which can be counted towards the completion of a degree program.
Clinical legal practice
Students learn about legal practice by working for real clients and handling real files at the Kingsford Legal Centre. Students have the opportunity to work one or two days per week for a session with experienced solicitors and interview clients, develop legal strategies for conduct of the case, undertake legal research, write letters, prepare briefs to counsel, make submissions and instruct barristers in court.
Internships
Students have the opportunity to undertake an Internship as an elective course which is credited to their degree. Students gain practical expereince of the law by working one day each week in the host organisation. Internships provide unique learning opportunities and are often the highlight of a student's time at Law School.
Mooting
In mooting students work in pairs or sides to argue a case before a 'judge' in a courtroom. The facts of the case are given to each side and students rely on legal precedents, legislation and lots of reading to argue the case before the judge.
Students can take part in mooting competitions for beginners, juniors, intermediate and seniors. Senior students can choose to take part in the International Moot Program, the first program in Australia to provide a select group of Law students with the opportunity to prepare and conduct a mock case before an international tribunal. The program funds students to participate in prestigious international moot competitions in Australia and overseas and to receive intense training and guidance in their preparation for these competitions.
International exchange
Students can take part in the International Exchange Program - a reciprocal arrangement whereby UNSW students complete up to one year of their degree at an overseas university, while students from the other institutions come to study at UNSW. UNSW students pay normal fees to UNSW while they are away, and thereby they are able to do courses which are credited to their UNSW degree. There is no requirement to pay any additional tuition fees to the host institution. This arrangement applies similarly to incoming exchange students.
Law students generally undertake international exchanges in their final or penultimate year and can go on exchange twice during their degree; a maximum of 2 semesters in total.
Peer tutor program
The Peer Tutor Program assists students in developing legal skills and understanding in their first year at UNSW Law.
Senior students are trained to act as paid peer tutors and work with a small group of first year students for about one to two hours per week. They assist the first year students in practising for class participation, dealing with difficult materials and practising legal skills such as case-reading and statutory interpretation.
Peer mentor program
The Peer Mentor Program helps first year Law students adjust to university life.
The mentoring program aims to encourage inter-year student involvement to establish an inclusive and welcoming school environment and to ease new students through the transition from high school, workplace or another field of study into Law School.
Students from 2nd year up volunteer to act as Peer Mentors and are trained for this role.
UNSW Law Journal
The University of New South Wales Law Journal is one of Australia's leading academic legal journals and one of the few to be produced entirely by a voluntary student board.
Positions on the Editorial Board are highly sought after and recruitment usually takes place twice a year. Applications are invited from students who have completed the first year of the Law dual degree program, or the first semester of a graduate degree in law.
Appointment as a member of the Editorial Board is highly regarded both within UNSW Law and by the wider legal profession.
