Law & Justice Study Hall: a collaborative approach

A joint initiative between UNSW College language teachers and Law & Justice tutors drives a new integrated model of academic support. 

The Law & Justice Study Hall is designed to support international students in mastering both legal content and academic English. 

Open to all Law students – including those in the Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and Juris Doctor programs – it offers integrated support that bridges language and discipline-specific learning, reflecting a shared commitment to student success and the development of English proficiency.

"The Law & Justice Study Hall exemplifies our vision to open worlds of opportunity through education – by reimagining support as a shared, collaborative space, we’re helping students thrive in both language and learning, and equipping them for success in complex academic and professional contexts," said UNSW College CEO Sarah Lightfoot.

Originally launched as separate drop-in sessions, the program has evolved into a co-teaching model, responding directly to student needs. Key innovations include:

• tools to help students identify language vs legal content questions
• library workshops to build academic and research skills
• guest speakers and structured sessions facilitated by law professors
• a 'third space' for practice between lectures, tutorials and independent study.

Student feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. In the Study Hall environment students reported feeling supported to develop their academic skills, build confidence navigating complex legal discourse and practise effective participation in a way that feels both structured and safe.

"This program reflects the best of what we can achieve when we work together across the University. Study Hall not only supports our students’ legal learning but fosters their confidence and voice, empowering them to fully engage in the study of law and criminology," Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean at UNSW Law & Justice, said.

The model’s success, showcased at UNSW College’s recent Academic Collaboration and Innovation Day, has sparked interest across other faculties. With consistently strong student feedback, the Law & Justice Study Hall stands as a powerful exemplar of cross-disciplinary collaboration driving student confidence and academic success.

Caption: L-R Tania Bencic; Ruchira Abeyratna; Prof. Chantal Bostock; Vicki Kelly Dos Santos; Carmel Walsh; Maria Naidoo, Sarah Wilkinson and Mia Shouha.