Course coordinator
Associate Professor Francesca Bartlett
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2026 (02/02/2026 - 28/03/2026)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Law School
This course allows students to apply knowledge and skills gained in the LLB within an international environment. It will explore opportunities for interjurisdictional learning, including exposure to civil law, and assist students in developing their cross-cultural competence and regional employability prospects.
In this course students will undertake a 28 day international placement with the Office of Public Legal Service, Republic of Kiribati (OPLS).
Students accepted into the course will receive fundingﾠthrough the New Colombo Mobility Programﾠto provide assistance for costs of participating in an international placement. Students will be required to meet their own costs of travel (airfare and accommodation) and most meals while on the placement. Students should be aware that where they have received New Colombo Mobility Program funding they must attend for the full 4 weeks of the placement and fully participate in the activities of the placement and course or be liable for possible repayment of funding.
The placement with OPLS will take place from 26 January 2026-21 February 2026 (please allow for travel time around these dates). Students must also attend a meeting with OPLS staff and a workshop in January 2026 (dates to be agreed with students) at UQ where there will be a general induction session and discussion of the first assessment regarding the placement commitment document.ﾠ
Students will mix academic study with field-based learning, such as research for a working legal advisory office, court observations, institutional visits and legal education opportunities. The course will equip students with many professional skills to be applied in the practise of law generally and a distinct advantage for the pursuit of future opportunities throughout the Indo-Pacific.
The course will require students to undertake research on key issues facing citizens of Kiribati, provide training to legal staff on mediation, observe client interviews and court appearances, prepare legal educational materials. They will develop their knowledge of the Kiribati legal system over the course of their placement under the guidance of dedicated senior legal staff supervisors.
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
All Level 1 and 2 LAWS courses + LAWS3700 + LAWS3705 + permission from Head of School
Restrictions
LLB(Hons) and LLB(Hons) duals
Course contact
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
Education Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Law is to educate you in and about the law. We seek to assist you to think critically about the law and to investigate its structures, principles, policies, and values. This is achieved by engaging with you as fellow investigators in a range of critical and intellectual conversations about the law and its place in society. Our role is thus to guide you in your own intellectual journey in the law and to equip you with the necessary skills that will enable you to continue that journey long after you have left the School.
Course Aims
This course allows students to work with an international organisation to develop an understanding of transnational justice issues, increase cultural competence and professional skills within a global environment.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Evaluate justice issues from a transnational perspective and identify ways justice issues can be improved / resolved.
LO2.
Create resources / develop research projects / undertake tasks as required for international justice partners.
LO3.
Identify and apply a range of advanced legal research and writing skills appropriate for the project/ resources/ tasks.
LO4.
Tailor legal skills and communication skills to the needs of particular audiences / cultural groups.
LO5.
Demonstrate intercultural competencies.
LO6.
Reflect upon and evaluate workplace skills and experiences in the placement and apply these to a future workplace context.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution |
Statement of objectives
|
5% |
19/01/2026 2:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Presentation
|
45% |
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026
The exact date and time to be determined during the placement. |
| Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection |
Reflective Journal
|
15% |
6/03/2026 2:00 pm |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation |
Research Assignment
|
35% |
16/03/2026 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
Statement of objectives
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution
- Weight
- 5%
- Due date
19/01/2026 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05
Task description
Description of activity: Before commencing the placement, you must attend the first workshop and discuss the placement and read the information relating to the Office of Public Legal Services under the Ministry of Justice, Republic of Kiribati (OPLS) Office of the Public Legal Service (OPLS) - Kiribati and Strategic Plan (supplied by coordinator). You must read the course profile including the learning activities and objectives of the course (LAWS5233). You must then identify your key learning objectives and contributions, and make a commitment to professional behaviour, for the entire period of the placement. The objectives should provide specific goals to achieve during the placement and set the direction of your placement role having regard to the nature of the environment in which you will be working and the placement activities. You are also asked to state how you hope skills and knowledge acquired will contribute to your future career. This is all to be made in a written Statement within the format provided: a pro forma for the Statement of Objectives will be provided.
This Statement must be approved and signed by Dr Bartlett before commencement of the placement and a copy given to the designated officer at the host institution on the first day of the placement in Kiribati for signature.
There is no word limit for this task, but the Statement would not normally be expected to exceed two pages of A4, using a 12 point font.
Grading: Completion of a statement that is approved by the course coordinator and OPLS supervisor will be awarded full marks (5%). Where the statement is not of sufficient quality or depth the student will be provided feedback and an opportunity to amend the statement and resubmit.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
By email to the course coordinator
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Presentation
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Online
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 45%
- Due date
16/02/2026 - 20/02/2026
The exact date and time to be determined during the placement.
- Other conditions
- Secure.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L03, L04, L05
Task description
Description: this is a group assignment and will be graded as such.
Students will undertake research while on placement under the supervision of the course coordinator (in person and remotely) regarding mediation approaches and techniques. Students will consult with the OPLS designated staff on the needs and interests of the OPLS regarding mediation to tailor their presentation to the audience.
The students will work as a team to present their findings to the OPLS. The assessment is comprised of two elements – written and oral.
Written: A short report will be provided with key information including links to accessible further information and training available online. The report will be no less than 2 pages and no more than 4 pages and be written in clear, accurate and accessible language. The written aspect of the assignment will be marked by the Director or his delegate in consultation with the course coordinator.
Oral: An oral presentation to the OPLS staff. Students will have 40 minutes to present including an interactive session. The presentation will be marked by the Director or his delegate.
The presentation will be marked according to the following criteria:
- Content and understanding of topic
- Organisation and clarity
- Legal analysis/application
- Delivery and communication
- Engagement with audience
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
Please see task instructions.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
The maximum extension for an assessment item due within the semester / teaching period in which the course is offered is 7 days. In exceptional circumstances, an extension may be approved for a further 7 days. Where a student is incapacitated for a period longer than 14 days, they are advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure.
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
A request for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time. Requests for extensions received after the application due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Decision-Maker Tables in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to determine whether to accept the request for consideration.
Reflective Journal
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Notebook/ Logbook, Reflection
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
6/03/2026 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L05, L06
Task description
Students will write a description of the activities undertaken and observations and reflections during each week of the internship. The weekly journal should contain details and analysis of the activities undertaken, problems encountered (if any) and details of any knowledge or skills gained. A draft must be signed by the designated officer at OPLS each week. The full set of journal entries for the 4 weeks of placement (4 total) must be submitted by the due date 6 March 2026. The total reflection on the placement should be no longer than 6 pages.
The journal should include reflection on how the internship has influenced your understanding of the law, cultural competence, transnational justice issues, social justice lawyering. You are encouraged to reflect on the specific ways of doing things in the OPLS office and how this might be similar or differ to a similar office in Australia. You may record information about actual cases, to put your impressions in context, although you must ensure that confidentiality is preserved.
The journal will be marked according to the following criteria:
• the effort which is reflected in the journal;
• the extent to which you have explored and discussed issues;
• quality of writing – clarity of expression, creativity and diversity of concepts;
• demonstration of learning from the experience, quality of insight, and conceptual depth;
• moving from the descriptive to the critical analysis of the experience; and
• making connections between theoretical principles and your own experience and observations of the real and practical application of the law and lawyers in action.
The course coordinator will provide online materials and a short lecture regarding the ‘theoretical’ component which will relate to cultural competence and reflective practice.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
Please submit by email to the course coordinator and on the course site under 'assessment'
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
The maximum extension for an assessment item due within the semester / teaching period in which the course is offered is 7 days. In exceptional circumstances, an extension may be approved for a further 7 days. Where a student is incapacitated for a period longer than 14 days, they are advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure.
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
A request for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time. Requests for extensions received after the application due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Decision-Maker Tables in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to determine whether to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Research Assignment
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
16/03/2026 2:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L03
Task description
You must conduct research and submit a research essay on a topic to be advised.
The paper must demonstrate application of the relevant law, and draw on the experience and observations from the internship, and present a comparative law analysis.
The word limit for the paper is 1,500 words excluding footnotes. The marker will stop reading at the word limit. The essay should be appropriately referenced applying AGLC citation conventions. The essay should footnote all sources and quotations. A bibliography is required and is not part of the total wordcount.
Your essay must reflect some independent research undertaken and applied to the above topic you select. However, note that the marker is not looking for how many references you find, but rather whether they are appropriate (reliable, reputable) and most importantly how you use the material found to inform your essay. See the rubric for more information about the criteria and standard.
The essay will be marked according to the following criteria:
- quality and use of research material found;
- the extent to which you have explored and discussed relevant legal issues, and quality of legal argument;
- clarity of expression, creativity and diversity of concepts;
- demonstration of learning from the experience, quality of insight, and conceptual depth.
This task has been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst you may use AI technologies, successful completion of this assessment task will require you to critically engage with your experiences. Artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. Please ensure that your reference any use of AI (and any other external source). A failure to reference AI use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. Please note that you may be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of your written submission independent of AI tools or other sources where there is a concern about authenticity of the submission.
Submission guidelines
Please submit by email to the course coordinator and on the course site under 'assessment'
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Extension to Assessment Due Date
The maximum extension for an assessment item due within the semester / teaching period in which the course is offered is 7 days. In exceptional circumstances, an extension may be approved for a further 7 days. Where a student is incapacitated for a period longer than 14 days, they are advised to apply for removal of course.
A student may apply for an extension to assessment due date if they are unable to meet an assessment deadline due to extenuating circumstances. Please refer to the Applying for an extension page on my.UQ for further details on acceptable reasons for an extension and for instructions on how to apply. Additional information on extensions can be found within the Assessment Procedure.
Spoken or written notification of difficulties with assessment deadlines to a course coordinator or the School does not constitute an authorised extension.
A request for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through my.UQ as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed, but no later than one calendar day after the assessment task submission due date and time. Requests for extensions received after the application due date and time, must include evidence of the reason for the late request, and will require the decision maker listed in the Decision-Maker Tables in the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure to determine whether to accept the request for consideration.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Penalties for Late Submission
The following penalties apply to late submission of an assessment item, assuming that an extension has not been approved, and that late submission is academically possible (e.g., it does not delay feedback to a cohort, or interfere with course delivery).
First 7 periods of 24 hours (or part thereof) - 10% per 24 hours of the maximum possible mark for the assessment item. For example, a report worth a maximum of 40 marks, submitted 28 hours late will attract a penalty of 8 marks, calculated as 2 periods of 24 hours x 10% x 40 marks.
More than 7 periods of 24 hours - 100%.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 19 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Fails to demonstrate knowledge in the area; and/or reflection and analysis; and/or research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and or an appropriate structure and style. ﾠ |
| 2 (Fail) | 20 - 47 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Displays deficiencies in knowledge in the area; and/or inadequate reflection and analysis; and/or inadequate research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and or uses an inappropriate structure and style. ﾠ |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 48 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Displays superficial or only partial knowledge in the area; and/or superficial reflection and analysis; and/or undeveloped research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and or uses a structure and style which is not entirely appropriate. ﾠ |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Displays adequate knowledge in the area; and adequate reflection and analysis; and adequate research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and uses an appropriate structure and style. ﾠ |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Displays substantial knowledge in the area; and substantial reflection and analysis; and substantial research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and uses a good structure and style. ﾠ |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Frequently displays profound knowledge and originality in the area; and substantial reflection and analysis; and substantial research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and uses an advanced structure and/or style. ﾠ |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Consistently displays profound knowledge and originality in the area; scholarly reflection and analysis; and advanced research skills (including methodology) and use of materials; and uses an advanced structure and style. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Identification, categorisation and citation of appropriate sources are a major part of this course. Ask your supervisor for assistance if you are in doubt as to what is required.
Additional resources related to Kiribati law and practice are provided on Blackbaord.
The library's 'How- to' guides may be a useful starting point: http://www.library.uq.edu.au/useit/
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks |
Placement |
Work / Tasks / Activities You will be required to complete tasks for the legal organisation and receive training within the placement. Most tasks may be required to be completed in groups. See general description above. A detailed itinerary to be circulated to students in the course prior to the placement. Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Team Based Learning |
Cultural Activities Students will participate in cultural activities organised by the international organisation. Exact dates / times will be provided as part of the itinerary to be circulated to students in the course prior to the placement. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Applied Class |
Mediation training The course coordinator will provide in person and online training throughout the placement in mediation theory and practice to assist students' understanding of this subject. The students will also work with the OPLS team to understand the training needs of the organisation to prepare a presentation for the final week. Learning outcomes: L01, L03, L04 |
|
Workshop |
Induction workshop (1 hr) This is a compulsory activity that will introduce students to the course and provide an important cultural and practical discussion about completing a placement and to meet the OPLS team. EXACT DATE and TIME TO BE COMFIRMED. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Placement |
Induction and discussion of statements of objectives This session will consist of a general induction to the OPLS and Kiribati law and culture in the first two days of the placement. Students will also work with their allocated supervisor to discuss their understanding of the OPLS and their professional behaviour and contribution to the OPLS during the placement. Learning outcomes: L05 |
|
Workshop |
Post placement workshop This is a compulsory activity that will provide a debrief session with students about the placement. It will also discuss the reflection exercise and essay. A part of the workshop will be to receive feedback from the OPLS team. EXACT DATE and TIME TO BE COMFIRMED. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
- AI for Assessment Guide
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: