First published 13 January 2017

Looking to employ a QUT Bachelor of Laws (Honours) graduate? Here's what you need to know about the new degree.

What’s changed?

Previously students graduated with either a pass degree or a level of honours as determined by their results across the degree. From 2015 all QUT Law students will graduate with an honours degree.

Why did it change?

As a result of recent government changes to the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) the previous approach was no longer possible. Honours can no longer be awarded based on the grades obtained throughout the degree, but rather reflects the attainment of different graduate capabilities. The new QUT degree is a level 8 Bachelor Honours degree. This means that graduates are expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge, reasoning and research skills.

What does this mean for students?

Upon completion of the degree, a student’s level of honours will be calculated using the Grade Point Average (GPA) of the 7 units which have been classified as honours units. The honours units are distributed throughout the 4 year degree.

What does this mean for the legal profession?

All law students graduating from QUT will have a level of honours as well as a course GPA on their transcript. These range from First Class (highest level possible) to Second Class A, Second Class B and Third Class Honours.

Contact our Director, Undergraduate Programs (Curriculum) for more information.