Hi Cranberries!
cranberries said:
I'm currently trying to decide between Commerce/Law at UNSW and Business/Law at UTS- in your opinion, which degree is more desirable to future employers? Right now I'm basing my descision on personal preference, but it's a bit hard because both UNSW and UTS have their pros and cons!
I am may be idealistic by suggesting that you go with your personal preference based on interest. This is because you would ideally like to base your employment opportunities based on what you find interesting! For example, I chose a science combination because I was interested in science and whilst other year 12 people cannot comprehend the opportunities available, this comes to light once you're in year 12. Having a specialised/different degree opens up a niche employment market.
You are choosing a course which you think you would enjoy the most (if that doesn't eventuate as hoped, then you can change) and you will do better and benefit more from it. Remember that you are doing law, and if you're keen in pursuing a law degree, it's the law aspect of your degree that matters most.
cranberries said:
Another question I have is: How come you can study modern languages as a comajor with a plain commerce degree at UNSW and not with commerce/law?
This is most likely because you can study languages as subjects and have it credited as elective subjects to your commerce degree. In a combined degree, the subjects credit to each other
(I hope that makes sense). The flexibility to choose electives is significantly less when you choose a combined degree (that's not a negative thing because you are effectively choosing electives which gives you a separate degree).
cranberries said:
Oh, and last question: I actually never really considered law before I got my HSC results and would like to know generally what the course is like. I don't really want to be a lawyer, but just want the law degree to broaden my options when I enter the commerce workforce
Yes, I think that is a valid reason for wanting to enter into the law degree. I am not sure whether it will broaden your options once entering the commerce work force (i.e. positions may not require a law degree to apply) but it will stand out more so than others when applying for jobs.
cranberries said:
What are the classes like? Do they concentrate on the actual practical lawyer situtations ( eg, going to trial, defending a case) or more on the theory?
A mix of both, I believe. There is a push towards having more practical classes but the theoretical aspects probably need to stay and this alone takes up quite some time! You add practical aspects of law into your profile by taking part in the extracurricular activities in the law school, such as competitions in mooting, client negotiation, and witness interviewing.
I hope that helps!