Internships

At UNSW Law & Justice, we offer a diverse range of internships, giving students the chance to put theory into practice, providing training, practical experience and a real insight into future career paths in law and criminology. 

We encourage students to gain practical experience to complement the theory in their programs by offering a range of outstanding internships.

Law internships

The internship program provides formal and informal training, supervised practical legal experience, in planning and implementing key aspects of research, writing, advocacy and related activities, as well as client engagement and legal representation. 

Students have the opportunity to intern at an organisation focused on legal practice, strategic litigation or advocacy work, policy areas, research and/or law reform. This may be at a range of organisations such as law firms, government departments, non-government organisations (NGOs), social justice organisations, or at UNSW Law & Justice research centres. Students also have opportunities to gain valuable experience as student editors of law publications and journals. 

The Law internship courses offer students the opportunity to critically analyse the law, the legal profession and the legal system. Students are supported by experts in the field as well as UNSW academics to gain training and practical legal experience as well as a unique insight into future career paths.  

Law internships are available to eligible students enrolled in UNSW Bachelor of Laws (Double degree), Juris Doctor and Master of Laws programs. Enrolment is by course authority and is subject to a selection process.

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and Juris Doctor can apply to extend their internship for an additional 6UOC. The extended course will build upon the initial internship by introducing an in depth applied research component.

Criminology Work Integrated Learning placement

Criminology Work Integrated Learning placements provide students with the unique opportunity to gain practical experience and a deeper understanding of criminal justice and related agencies. Aligned with UNSW’s emphasis on work-integrated learning, this course is a structured and supported work placement designed to give students practical experience in tackling criminal justice challenges through working with a criminal justice related government or non-government organisation. This will be a one-of a kind experience to help students understand how criminal justice works in practice.

Criminology placements are only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Program (BCCJ) single or double degree (excluding BCCJ/Social Work) and students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Psychological Sciences or Bachelor of Arts and Business with a Criminology Major. Enrolment is by course authority and is subject to a selection process.

How to apply

All applications and expressions of interest, other than the UNSW Law Journal, are to be submitted within the application period to InPlace, opens in a new window.

UNSW Law Journal applicants can find more information on the UNSW Law Journal website, opens in a new window.

For application dates and deadlines, current UNSW Law & Justice students should visit InPlace, opens in a new window or, for further information, go to MyLaw>Law & Justice in Action, opens in a new window or contact Student Services.