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Careers: Legal Studies and Politics

Legal Studies and Politics

Legal Studies and Politics

Click here for a list of examples of where an interest in Legal Studies or National Politics can lead  you, including University Courses, TAFE courses and Apprenticeships. Information provided by the IMVC in their Subject Selection Kit

Why Study Legal Studies?

Legal Studies provides students with an analytical evaluation of the processes of law-making and the methods of dispute resolution. Students are able to develop an understanding of the impact our legal system has upon the lives of citizens and the implications of legal decisions on the Australian society. This study will also assist in the development of students’ knowledge of their basic legal rights and responsibilities.

The course provides an insight into the legal heritage which has shaped, and continues to shape, the development of Australian society. Students are encouraged to examine the dynamic nature of our lawmaking institutions and procedures, and explore how our legal system endeavours to be all inclusive, thus enabling our law to reflect the changing values of our society.

Students are encouraged to analyse the traditional and contemporary workings of the Australian legal system. By comparing elements of this system with international structures and procedures, students are able to gain an appreciation of the Australian system and its capacity to achieve and maintain social cohesion.

Skills, as well as knowledge, play an important part in the study of Legal Studies. In particular, students develop an ability to identify, collect and process data from a range of sources; use the inquiry process to develop legal reasoning; apply legal reasoning to real or hypothetical cases and develop informed opinions.

Why study Politics?

In the twenty-first century, political decisions and actions taken by individuals, groups, organisations and governments are increasingly global in their impact. International Politics will enable students to understand and reflect on contemporary national and international political issues, problems and events, and the forces that shape them. The study offers students the opportunity to engage with key political, social and economic issues, to become more informed citizens, voters and participants in their local, national and international communities.

The study includes the development of a conceptual framework within which students develop an understanding of the exercise of national and international political power. Consideration is given to the values and motivations that drive the exercise of political power, and the ways in which this power can benefit or undermine the welfare of individuals, groups and states.

Students will develop the knowledge and skills to identify the influences and events that shape national and international relationships. They investigate and analyse information from a range of sources, to clarify and inform their conclusions about issues which affect their lives, and which have ramifications for the lives of future generations. The study of International Politics prepares students for further formal study at tertiary level or in vocational education and training settings, as well as broadens students’ knowledge of, and ability to participate in, key global issues.   

Extracted from V.C.A.A. Study Summaries, Legal (2006-2009)& International Politics Studies (2006-2010)

 

Career possibilities related to LEGAL & POLITICAL studies:

  • Bailiff
  • Company       secretary
  • Conveyancer
  • Correctional       officer
  • Councillor       (local)
  • Court       officer
  • Court/       Shorthand reporter
  • Criminologist
  • Customs       officer
  • Detective/Police       officer
  • Economist
  • Foreign       affairs & trade officer
  • Forensic       scientist

 

  • Historian
  • Human Resources Officer
  • Industrial       relations officer
  • Insurance       investigator
  • Journalist/Political       correspondent
  • Judge
  • Law clerk
  • Lawyer
  • Lecturer
  • Magistrate       or Master
  • Parliamentarian/       Politician
  • Parole       officer/probation officer
  • Patent       examiner
  • Policy       analyst
  • Political commentator/scientist
  • Private       investigator
  • Public       servant (state/federal)
  • Receptionist
  • Research       officer
  • Secretary
  • Security       officer/Transport services officer
  • Settlement       clerk
  • Sheriff
  • Teacher
  • Trade       union official

See www.myfuture.edu.au for details

Legal & Political – industry & related information

www.liv.asn.au/ The Law Institute of Victoria (LIV) is the state's peak body for lawyers and those who work with them in the legal sector. The LIV's purpose is to be a dynamic leader and innovator of the legal profession; support and inform members; raise the profile and standing of the legal profession; and advocate justice for all.

www.graduatecareers.com.au/ Graduate Careers Australia: provides information on salary ranges, graduate opportunities, employment, case studies and profiles from a wide range of career options including the legal industry.

Education Courses: If researching for course and institution information for programs related to the Legal Industry, locally and nation wide, use the links at www.myfuture.edu.au

Scholarship Information: there are a number of tertiary institutions that provide scholarship[s for students undertaking courses with a legal focus.  Search for these at www.myfuture.edu.au  take the Scholarships link.

www.auspsa.org.au/ The Australian Political Studies Association is the professional association for those teaching and researching political science in Australia and New Zealand. We encourage practitioners, policy makers, students and researchers in cognate disciplines to join the Association.

APSA works in association with similar bodies internationally.

www.peo.gov.au/ The Parliamentary Education Office (PEO) provides parliamentary education services to schools, teachers and students

Acknowledgement of St Kevins Careers Department for sharing this content. 2014

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