Paralegal studies - VET study in para-legal studies
VET study in para-legal studies
Careers for para-legal VET graduates
Although an increasing number of courses in para-legal sub-fields are being established at degree level, study in the VET sector is still the main ticket into many of the important para-legal occupations.
Related occupations are in legal administration, security, prison corrections, law enforcement, even investigations. Careers in these areas can be very rewarding as the prospects in these fields are very positive.
These careers are also rewarding as graduates of VET courses in the above areas will be able to work independently in their chosen occupation, rather than being associates of legal or other professionals.
The range of occupations is vast, as is the list of possible workplaces. Depending on which course and career you choose, you could be bound for a law firm, a security company, a private investigations firm, or even a prison — in a good way.
Courses and specialisations
The VET sector remains the place to go if you are looking to get into many areas in the para-legal field. Advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificates are available in a wide range of specialisations, some of which are listed below.
Specialisations
●Justice studies ●Law enforcement ●Business (legal practice) ●Legal administration ●Security operations ●Local government
These courses will all lead directly into relevant occupations; your job prospects will probably improve the higher up the qualifications ladder you go. A few of the specialisations available at degree level, like criminology, strategy and defence are not offered in the VET sector.
Getting in
Advanced diplomas, diplomas and certificate IV courses will usually always have higher entry requirements than lower certificates, requiring completion of Year 12. On the other hand, many certificate courses (I, II and III) may have no entry requirements.
Where to study
VET courses in this field are widely available but the options for particular specialisations might be limited in each institute or location.
Pathways
In some instances courses in this field may provide articulation pathways to higher levels of study both within the VET sector and the university sector. Credit and recognition of prior learning may be given for some of the lower level VET courses (such as certificate II, III or IV) towards diploma courses in the same or related subject areas.
Similarly, students who complete diploma or advanced diploma courses may be eligible for entry into degree courses in para-legal studies. In such instances, recognition of prior learning may result in exemption from one to two years of the bachelor course.
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