Teaching Area: Legal Studies

Overview

The Legal Studies Teaching Area prepares future teachers to guide students in understanding how laws are created, interpreted and applied within society. It explores key concepts such as legal institutions, rights and responsibilities, dispute resolution, criminal and civil law, and the role of law in shaping social order and justice. Preservice teachers learn to design engaging, inquiry‑focused learning experiences that build students’ legal literacy, ethical reasoning and capacity to analyse real‑world legal issues. This teaching area equips graduates to foster informed, active citizenship and support students in navigating the legal dimensions of contemporary life.

Career opportunities

Includes:

• Secondary school teacher (Legal Studies, Humanities)
• Curriculum leader or Head of Humanities
• Lawyer or solicitor (with further study)
• Barrister (with further study)
• Legal advisor or legal consultant
• Paralegal or legal assistant
• Policy analyst or government advisor
• Public administration or regulatory roles
• Police officer or law enforcement professional
• Corrections or justice services officer
• Court officer or legal support professional
• Dispute resolution or mediation specialist
• Compliance officer or risk advisor
• Corporate governance or ethics officer
• Community legal services or advocacy roles
• Human rights or social justice officer
• Research assistant or academic (with further study)
• Legal journalist or communications specialist