Excellence in research
Outstanding ratings of 'at world standard' or above in 23 research fields 1
Top 100 Young Universities
Ranked in the top 100 universities in the world that are 50 years old or younger 2
Outstanding student support
5-Star Student Support across undergraduate and postgraduate studies 1
1 Good Universities Guide 2023
2 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023
The SCU Online Master of Laws (Business Law) difference
Are you thinking about studying for a LLM Master of Laws online? At SCU, we’re cultivating the leaders of tomorrow, today, right in our very own backyard. We aim to provide an exceptional education experience through our unique learning model and innovative online platform. We’re committed to lifelong learning and providing equal access to education for everyone, regardless of background or location.
As one of the top universities in the world at only 25 years young, we’re pioneers in online education and have been doing so since 2015. We’re a rising, dynamic university that is proud to be a game changer and leader in education. That’s the SCU Online difference and why you should study an online master’s degree in law with us.
Quick facts
- Units
8 - Duration
16 months part-time - Fees
$3,125 per unit, FEE-HELP available - Intakes
Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct
The SCU Master of Laws (Business Law) online benefits
Get qualified sooner
Our accelerated learning model is designed with busy lawyers in mind, allowing you to complete your degree in just 16 months, studying part-time.
Accessible and attainable business law degree
Build on your legal expertise relevant to business contexts, with one of Australia’s most accessible postgraduate courses of its kind.
Tailor your degree to your interests
Focus on the areas of business law that are important to you, choosing seven electives in areas of property law, competition law, consumer law, taxation, contract law or corporate governance.
Unique learning model
Find the ideal balance between work, life and study through our unique seven-week study units. Apply the knowledge and skills you learn immediately to real-world situations.
Expand your network
Engage in our learning platform, building your global network of professional contacts, business connections and other like-minded peers.
Unparalleled support
Receive academic and non-academic support to assist with your study from enrolment through to graduation. Have full access to SCU campuses, including the library and other facilities.
How does the online Master of Laws (Business Law) work with SCU?
- With no exams, you’ll learn through quizzes, videos, interactive presentations and more.
- Connect with academics and students through online chat platforms and discussion boards.
- Access support throughout the course, including feedback from a learning coach and a dedicated student success advisor from enrolment through to graduation.
- Live classes are optional but encouraged for networking, while the course is self-paced.
- To make the most of your learning experience, we recommend dedicating around 20 hours per week to your studies.
A typical study period at SCU Online
Career and salary outcomes
Legal Manager, typical annual salary: $175,000
Lawyer, typical annual salary: $95,000
Property Lawyer, typical annual salary: $115,000
Employment Lawyer, typical annual salary: $135,000
Solicitor, typical annual salary: $90,000
Legal Counsel, typical annual salary: $145,000
* Salary outcomes captured by Seek.com.au, accurate as of July 2023.
Entry requirements
To gain entry into the Master of Laws (Business Law) online, you must have:
- A Bachelor degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at Honours standard, or equivalent; OR
- A Bachelor degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) and two years of documented relevant professional experience; AND
- Students must also be proficient in English.
Don't have an undergraduate degree in law? You could be eligible for the Master of Business Law degree.
Find out more about Rules Relating to Awards and Specific Award Rules.
Units of study
Formulate and refine a research topic, locate source materials using advanced technologies and present a research proposal in the Advanced Legal Research unit.
Get detailed information about each unit in our course guide.
Learning outcomes
Focus on the core components of business law, giving you a specialised skillset to confidently practice in the challenging areas of commercial and corporate law.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the nature and objectives of legal research. Formulate and refine a research topic, locate source materials with advanced technologies and present a research proposal.
Take your professional practice to new heights with stronger critical thinking and analytical skills, elevating your expertise in business law. You will be exposed to modern case studies you can apply in practical settings.
Meet our course coordinator
Dr John Orr is a lecturer and course coordinator in Law & Justice at Southern Cross University. John has a Bachelor of Human Movement Studies from the UQ, a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours (and university medal) from SCU and a Doctor of Philosophy from QUT. John is available to provide valuable support and expertise to students studying the SCU Online Master of Laws (LLM) through:
- Extensive knowledge
Understand legal principles and research skills through John’s extensive academic background and research excellence. - Hands-on learning
Learn how to bridge the gap between theory and practice, understanding how legal principles are applied in the business world. - Networking opportunities
Be connected to a network of professionals within the legal sector and expand your industry connections and opportunities for mentorship, internship and job prospects. - Dedicated one-on-one support
Have a question regarding an assignment, a unit topic or deadline? John is available throughout the course to provide any support and feedback that you need to succeed.
“I chose SCU Online because I was attracted to the flexibility of the program. I am able to study at times that are suitable to me rather than having to adhere to a structured attendance timetable. This was an important feature for me as someone who is working full-time and managing a household.”
Doing this study, particularly online, enables me to stay in full-time employment whilst enjoying the intellectual challenges study presents. I would not be able to do further study if there was no online component offered.
Frequently asked questions
We may recognise and grant credit for past education or qualifications in a process called advanced standing. If you're eligible for advanced standing, this can impact the number of units you need to study, reducing the time and cost of your overall degree. To find out more about advanced standing, get in touch with one of our Enrolment Advisors on 1300 863 819.
To qualify for the Master of Laws (Business Law) online, you must have:
- A Bachelor degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at Honours standard, or equivalent; OR
- A Bachelor degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent) and two years of documented relevant professional experience; AND
- Students must also be proficient in English.
Don't have an undergraduate degree in law? You could be eligible for the Master of Business Law degree.
The online Master of Laws degree from Southern Cross University, specialising in business law, develops your advanced understanding of the various fields of corporate and commercial law, and equips you with highly sought-after skills. Receive productive learning outcomes with cutting-edge content in emerging business law fields such as Intellectual Property and Consumer Law, combined with traditional business law subjects.
Each unit is to be completed across a seven-week period, with six study periods per year.
To gain your LLM degree, you will need to complete the Advanced Legal Research unit and seven of the electives available.
We recommend dedicating approximately 15 hours a week to your study, excluding your online classes.
If you are a lawyer looking to enhance your skills in the challenging area of corporate and commercial law, then the online Master of Laws (Business Law) is the right choice for you.
Southern Cross University Online helps you seamlessly integrate your studies into your current lifestyle and work commitments. Offering six intakes per year, you can study six units in a year and complete a Masters in as little as 16 months part-time.
A Master of Laws (Business Law) online will prepare graduates for senior and specialist roles across private and public sectors, in both law firms and organisations.
A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) is not equivalent to a Master of Laws (LLM) degree as they are classified at different levels on the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). You can find out more about the AQF levels here.
Ultimately, the Bachelor of Laws course is for students who want to become a lawyer, whereas SCU Online's Master of Laws is specifically designed for lawyers wanting to further their understanding in business law and help them move into this field of law.
Advanced standing focuses primarily on receiving credit from previous academic study, such as an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, while RPL encompasses a wider range of learning experiences as well as professional work experience. Both processes provide the opportunity for you to have your prior learning recognised, thereby reducing the amount of time and effort required to complete the online Master of Business Law (LLM).
