This course builds on the knowledge acquired in previous courses within the program by focusing on the practical skills needed by migration agents to conduct an effective and successful migration practice. These skills include information retrieval, research, consultancy, advocacy, communication and personal and professional development.

LAWS8170 covers:

• strategies for providing effective migration advice to clients
• consultancy advocacy and communication skills
• professional conduct
• communication strategies
• operation of a migration agent business
• personal and professional development.

At the completion of LAWS8170 you should be able to:

• formulate and implement appropriate strategies for providing effective advice to clients
• demonstrate consultancy, advocacy and communication skills required to deal effectively with clients' issues
• plan, organise and deliver effective migration services
• demonstrate propensity to adhere to the Code of Conduct for Migration Agents
• construct a personal and professional development plan
• identify the requirements needed to establish and manage a professional migration agent business
• formulate and implement appropriate strategies for providing effective advice to clients.

The course aims to equip you with:

• the skills needed to work as a registered migration agent.

The graduate attributes you are developing in this course are:

• practical, technical and technological knowledge
• critical and analytical thinking
• problem solving
• effective written communication
• self-reliance
• legal research and critical evaluation skills
• a knowledge of relevant social and ethical issues.

At the completion of the course you will be expected to understand and demonstrate values that support professional practices and development.

A mix of assessment tasks to test competencies including written assignments, case studies and simulated client interviews will be used in the program.

Students are generally expected to devote approximately 10-15 hours per week to this course.  This is a blended Program that includes online (distance study) with some face to face weekends.  Online access to course materials, study resources, discussion forums with teachers and other students, makes this Program highly flexible.

This course does not assume you have knowledge of Australian Law or legal research skills.  However if you have a background in a legal area or have previously studied law, you will be able to use this to assist in your study of migration and immigration law.

LAWS8167 - Australian Migration Law and MARA
LAWS8168 - Australia's Visa System

Student must have successfully completed LAWS8167 and LAWS8168 to enrol in this course.

Students are expected to conduct extensive online research and wide reading during their study. Prior to the start of the course students should familiarise themselves with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC), ComLaw and Austlii websites.

The reading guide will be available on the course website.

This course makes extensive use of online technology for accessing resources, activities and assessment.  It is in your best interests to ensure you have a secure computer, preferably at home, where you can access all on-line information without restriction or difficulty.

If you intend using IT supplied by your employer, please be aware that you are likely to experience difficulties accessing key on-line resources due to firewall and security restrictions.

The computer you intend to use should meet the following minimum specifications:

Hardware

• CD ROM/ DVD Player
• Sound Card and speakers
• Video Card
• Modem
• Broadband (dial-up access is not recommended) access to an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
• Printer

Software

• Firefox is the recommended web browser
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (Free download)
• Real Player (Free download)
• Microsoft Word

WATTLE relies heavily on the use of "pop ups". You will need to disable "pop up blockers" for WATTLE on your internet browser and or Firewall/Anti virus software and toolbars.