BSB50720

Diploma of Paralegal Services

Redesign your career with this high-level course. Develop specialised skills and knowledge to become a paralegal.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane

WAYS TO STUDY On campus Online

NEXT INTAKE Start date: 15 Sep 2025 Duration: Average course duration up to 2 years View all intakes

WHAT YOU'LL PAY

Full Fee

$9,640 - $12,195

Eligibility calculator

Course overview

Redesign your career with this high-level course. Develop specialised skills and knowledge to become a paralegal.

According to the Australian Government's Jobs Outlook service, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to increase by 12 per cent in the next decade.

In this course you will gain an in-depth understanding of the Australian legal system, while enhancing your administrative skills to be able to support a team of law professionals. You will learn how to carry out legal research, maintain a legal filing system and follow legal instructions, and also develop the skills to write complex documents and communicate in a legal service environment.

Our highly-experienced teaching staff will give you one-on-one guidance and the industry knowledge you need to succeed in the legal sector.

Successful completion of this course will give you the confidence and skills to seek employment as a paralegal or legal assistant. It will also give you the knowledge required to pursue further study.

What can I do?

Legal Assistant
Paralegal

Course outcome:

BSB50720 Diploma of Paralegal Services

Further study options

At TAFE Queensland we believe in providing quality pathways to further education opportunities. Give yourself the best chance to continue to advance your career with further study options that will open up more exciting employment opportunities in the world of justice or legal services.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 7 elective units from the list below.

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG421

Apply understanding of the Australian legal system

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG421

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply understanding of the Australian legal system. This includes understanding and applying knowledge of the Federal system, sources of law, and the trial system for resolving disputes.
UNIT NAME
Apply understanding of the Australian legal system

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG422

Maintain a file in a legal services environment

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG422

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to maintain a file under the instruction of a designated individual.
UNIT NAME
Maintain a file in a legal services environment

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG521

Conduct and apply legal research

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG521

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake and apply legal research under supervision.
UNIT NAME
Conduct and apply legal research

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG534

Take instructions in a legal services environment

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG534

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to take instructions from a client in a legal services environment to support the organisation's operations.
UNIT NAME
Take instructions in a legal services environment

UNIT CODE
BSBWRT411

Write complex documents

UNIT CODE :
BSBWRT411

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan, draft and finalise complex documents.
UNIT NAME
Write complex documents

UNIT CODE
UNIT NAME

UNIT CODE
BSBCRT511

Develop critical thinking in others

UNIT CODE :
BSBCRT511

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop critical and creative thinking skills in others within a workplace context.
UNIT NAME
Develop critical thinking in others

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG526

Apply legal principles in criminal law matters

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG526

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out administrative tasks within criminal law frameworks.
UNIT NAME
Apply legal principles in criminal law matters

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG527

Apply legal principles in family law matters

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG527

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to apply legal principles within the family law framework.
UNIT NAME
Apply legal principles in family law matters

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG528

Apply legal principles in property law matters

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG528

Unit description :
This unit describes skills and knowledge required to apply legal principles in real property law matters.
UNIT NAME
Apply legal principles in property law matters

UNIT CODE
BSBLEG532

Assist with court procedure

UNIT CODE :
BSBLEG532

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to assist in court procedure contexts and processes of litigation.
UNIT NAME
Assist with court procedure

UNIT CODE
BSBTWK401

Build and maintain business relationships

UNIT CODE :
BSBTWK401

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to establish, develop and maintain effective work relationships and networks through relationship building and negotiation skills required by workers. These workers may be within an organisation as well as freelance or contract workers.
UNIT NAME
Build and maintain business relationships

UNIT CODE
BSBPEF502

Develop and use emotional intelligence

UNIT CODE :
BSBPEF502

Unit description :
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and use emotional intelligence to increase self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management in the workplace.
UNIT NAME
Develop and use emotional intelligence

Note: For some courses, not all electives are available at all campuses.

Ways to study

Choose your study location

On campus with some online

You’ll primarily learn face to face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces such as a classroom or simulated workplace environment. Some of your training may also take place via video or Zoom. Learn more
View comparison chart

CAMPUS	STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
South Bank	On campus with some online	27 Jan 2026	1 year	Full time up to 3 days per week	Full fee: $12,195 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
South Bank On campus with some online Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 20% On Campus Time 80% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 27 Jan 2026 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. 1 year The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Full time up to 3 days per week The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $12,195 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Teacher-led, Scheduled Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online, On-Campus The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Face-to-face, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Choose your study location

Online self-directed

All of your study will be done online and you can work through your studies at your own pace. You can access your learning materials 24/7 through our online learning management system Connect. Learn more
View comparison chart

STUDY MODE	START DATE	DURATION	WORKLOAD	WHAT YOU'LL PAY
Online self-directed	15 Sep 2025	Average course duration up to 2 years	Part time up to 2 units per intake. 12 weeks per intake.	Full fee: $9,640 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. More Apply
Online self-directed Online Time How much of the course will be delivered online. 100% On Campus Time 0% START DATE The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. 15 Sep 2025 The date the course starts. Apply early as intakes fill up quickly. DURATION The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Average course duration up to 2 years The total length of time it takes to complete the course. Workload The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. Part time up to 2 units per intake. 12 weeks per intake. The average amount of time students will need to allocate to study each week. WHAT YOU'LL PAY Full fee: $9,640 This is the total course fee. Read more about student loans and payment plans. Class format Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. Self-paced Some courses include classes at scheduled times while others can be completed in your own time. VIRTUAL CLASS Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). No Scheduled online classes using video conferencing software (such as Zoom). ASSESSMENT The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. Online The primary location assessments will take place. Some courses also require vocational placement. TEACHER COMMS The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Phone, Email, Zoom The different ways you can contact your teacher throughout the course. Less Ask a question Apply

Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools. Learn more

Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students are expected to undertake additional personal study to complete the course requirements.

You will be able to access your learning materials 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from the first day of your study period for the relevant units of competency. You must be enrolled to access your learning materials.

Online self-directed study allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study. Direct your own learning with all your study materials online, allowing you to manage your own workload and fit your studies around your lifestyle. Learn more

Online self-directed courses are structured into fixed intakes that have set durations of 12 weeks from the study commencement date. To ensure you can manage your study load, we recommend limiting your workload to no more than 2 units of competency per intake or the units required to complete a cluster/stage.

Online virtual classroom study allows you to enjoy the freedom of choosing where you study, with no on-campus commitments. Virtual classes are delivered online, to a scheduled timetable, allowing you to interact with fellow students and high-quality educators from the comfort of a location that best suits you. You will be expected to undertake additional self-directed study in order to complete the course requirements. Learn more

Online with on campus practical allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of choosing when and where you study to complete the online component of your course followed up by a scheduled practical component on campus.

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Diploma of Paralegal Services (BSB50720)

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Diploma of Paralegal Services

COURSE CODE: BSB50720

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what’s right for you, get in touch. We’re here to help.

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more

Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

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VET Student Loan - $12,557 cap

The VET Student Loans program assists eligible students enrolled in approved courses to pay their tuition fees. The Australian Government charges full fee-paying (non-subsidised) students a 20 per cent loan fee in addition to their tuition fees. A VET Student Loan is a debt that must be repaid.

Learn more

Entry requirements

Skills check

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology.

The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 4 in English, 4 in Maths and 4 in Digital Technology.

If you are applying for a VET Student Loan the required levels to meet academic eligibility, as outlined by Commonwealth guidelines, is Level 4 English and Maths.

Access and instructions on how to complete the Skills Check will be emailed to you once you have submitted your application.

Read the Skills Check FAQs.

Entry to this qualification is limited to those who:

Have completed the following units (or equivalent competencies), these units are from BSBSS00106 Introduction to Paralegal Services:

BSBLEG314 Protect information in a legal services environment;
BSBLEG423 Conduct simple legal research; and
BSBLEG424 Support the drafting of complex legal documents.

Equivalent competencies are predecessors to these units, which have been mapped as equivalent.

Have two years equivalent full-time relevant work experience.

Applicants that have two years equivalent full-time relevant work experience will be required to send a resume to be checked by a legal content expert. A letter of offer will be sent to successful applicants, response time is approximately 5 days.

Important information

Order of Study
When studying Online self-directed it is strongly recommended students follow the order of study and enrol in no more than two units per intake or the units required to complete one cluster/stage, unless otherwise advised.

Assessment methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.

Pathways

University pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Learn more about University Pathways

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online.

Apply through QTAC

You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland. Visit the QTAC website for campus locations.

Course disclaimer

All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees, available subsidies, and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Learn more

Related courses

Certificate III in Legal Services

Kick start your career in the legal profession with this entry-level qualification and get the skills you need to become a legal secretary or receptionist.

Careers

Legal Secretary
Legal Receptionist
Law Clerk

Part Time : Average course duration up to 18 months

Next Start : 15 Sep 2025

Introduction to Paralegal Services Skill Set

Accredited Skill Set

Add to your industry knowledge and learn the skills needed to support paralegal services.

Part Time : 20 weeks

Next Start : 15 Sep 2025

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Diploma of Paralegal Services

Course overview

What can I do?

Course outcome:

Further study options

Core units

Elective units

South Bank

Download Brochure

Ask a question

Diploma of Paralegal Services

Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

Payment plan

Upfront payment

VET Student Loan - $12,557 cap

Entry requirements

Skills check

Important information

Assessment methods

Pathways

University pathways

How to apply

Direct application

Apply through QTAC

Course disclaimer

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) and credit transfers

Related courses

Certificate III in Legal Services

Careers

Introduction to Paralegal Services Skill Set