Outline

Overview

Land law (or the law of real property) plays an important role in Australian economic, social and political life. Australian real property law draws common law principle from historical English real property law; but over the last 100 years, the Australian law of real property law has developed its own unique character. This is particularly evident in two key aspects of modern Australian law: the Torrens system of land registration (which forms a large part of this unit of study) and the developing law of Indigenous title to land at common law, and under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). This unit considers the following topics: systems of title to land; the Torrens system of land registration; priorities between competing interests in land; co-ownership of land (joint tenancies and tenancies in common); leases and licences; mortgages, and easements. The course introduces statutory regulation of land use and considers the law of covenants in that context. The unit aims to develop problem solving skills, and skills in interpreting complex statutory provisions in the Real Property Act 1900 (NSW) and the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW).

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Law
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	LAWS2012
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	LAWS5012
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Cameron Stewart, cameron.stewart@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Patricia Lane, patricia.lane@sydney.edu.au
	April Klineberg, april.klineberg@sydney.edu.au
	Maximilian Rabie, maximilian.rabie@sydney.edu.au
	Sandra Noakes, sandra.noakes@sydney.edu.au
	Seung Chan Rhee, seungchan.rhee@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 1 September 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Written exam ?	Final Exam (60%) Open book exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
Out-of-class quiz	Early Feedback Task (0%) Quiz	0%	Week 02 Due date: 17 Aug 2025 at 23:59	15 mins	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written test ?	In-semester test (40%) Open book test	40%	Week 06 Due date: 08 Sep 2025 at 14:00	1 hour	AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed:
= early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Early Feedback Task: This unit includes an Early Feedback Task that is designed to provide students with timely insights into their understanding and engagement with the unit content. The Early Feedback Task in this unit is a Quiz released Week 1 to be completed by end of Week 2, Sydney Australia time and includes 5 MCQs based on land law issues from Week 1. Students will be provided with immediate automated feedback upon completion of the task.

In-semester test (40%): The in-semester test will be a "pen and paper" test. It will be "open book". It will be 1 hour in duration with an additional 15 minutes reading time. It will take place at 2pm on 8 September 2025. It will consist of two questions. It will cover the material up to and including Week 5.

Students should show that they understand the relevant principles and their application, having regard to the unit of study materials covered by the assessment. The assessment is designed to test not just disciplinary expertise but also to test written communication skills and understanding of the broader context of the subject.

Final Exam (60%): The final exam will be a "pen and paper" exam. It will be "open book". It will be 2 hours in duration with an additional 30 minutes reading time. This assessment covers the whole unit of study. The final exam will take place during the university's formal exam period (17 to 29 November). The exam timetable will be released by the Exams Office in due course. For further information, please refer to: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/exams/timetables.html.

This assessment is designed to test students’ understanding of the whole subject, particularly the concepts and principles of the Torrens system. The assessment will include problem questions. It will test students’ ability efficiently to identify the key issues raised by a problem and to provide a reasoned response that identifies the applicable principles, and applies them having regard to the facts, bearing in mind the need for clear and concise expression.

Special consideration: Successful grants of Special Consideration may involve alternative tasks, as appropriate.

Assessment requirements to pass a unit of study: A student must make a genuine attempt at all assessment tasks set out in this Unit of Study in order to obtain a Pass mark and grade (or above); otherwise an Absent Fail grade will be recorded as the student’s result for this Unit of Study.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2021 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	• Completely answers the question. • Contains striking originality of approach or analysis. • Demonstrates exhaustive or innovative research (where independent research required). • Exceptionally well written, structured and expressed. • Is otherwise exceptional in some way.
Distinction	75 - 84	• Completely answers the question. • Achieves a critical and evaluative approach to the issues. • Content and structure is well organised in support of the argument. • Demonstrates extensive research and analysis to support a well-documented argument. • Generally well expressed and free from errors. • Has a clear structure and is well articulated.
Credit	65 - 74	• Covers main issues fairly well in answering the question. • Contains no significant errors • Demonstrates an attempted critical approach to the issues. • Demonstrates reasonably sound research and analysis in addressing the key issues. • Has a clear structure and reasonably clear expression.
Pass	50 - 64	• Identifies the key issues, but does not follow through with a reasoned argument. • Contains some significant errors. • Displays satisfactory engagement with the key issues. • Offers descriptive summary of material relevant to the question. • Superficial use of material, and may display a tendency to paraphrase. • Demonstrates little evidence of in-depth research or analysis. • Adequate expression. • Overall, demonstrates the minimum level of competence in the assessment and satisfies the requirements to proceed to higher-level studies in the degree or subject area.
Fail	0 - 49	• Does not answer the question. • Contains significant or numerous errors. • Few or no identifiable arguments. • Content that is inappropriate or irrelevant. • Lack of research or analysis. • Difficult or impossible to understand through poor grammar, expression or structure. • Overall, does not demonstrate the minimum level of competence in the assessment.

For more information see Guide to Grades.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

Late penalties do not apply to exams and tests and any late submission will not be accepted.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Lecture 1: Fundamentals of Land Law – tenures and estates; systems of land title in NSW	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 01	Lecture 2: Fundamentals of Land Law – Legal and Equitable interests; Native title	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Lecture 3: Fundamentals of Land Law: Native Title	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 02	Tutorial A: Fundamentals of Land Law/Native Title	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 03	Lecture 4: Torrens - the Register; eConveyancing; indefeasibility; Unregistered interests	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 03	Tutorial B: Torrens	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 04	Lecture 5: Torrens - Exceptions to Indefeasibility	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 04	Tutorial C: Torrens cont’d	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 05	Lecture 6: Torrens – the Assurance Fund; Caveats; Priority Notices; Priorities between Unregistered interests	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 05	Tutorial D: Torrens cont’d	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 07	Lecture 7: Co-ownership #1	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 07	Tutorial E: Co-ownership	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 8: Leases	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 08	Lecture 9: Leases/Mortgages	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Lecture 10: Mortgages	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 10	Tutorial F: Leases and Mortgages	Tutorial (2 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 11: Easements and Profits	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 12: Easements and Profits/Restrictive Covenants	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Lecture 13: Restrictive Covenants	Lecture (2 hr)
Week 12	Tutorial G: Easements, Profits and Covenants	Tutorial (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: All students are required to attend 70% of tutorials or seminars (as applicable), to satisfy the pass requirements for this unit. Failure to meet this requirement will result in an Absent Fail grade being recorded as the student’s result for this unit (see The University of Sydney Law School Resolutions: Coursework Awards cl 11).

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

You will need an up-to-date copy of the following statutes (online via Austlii or NSW Govt):

Prescribed text is Brendan Edgeworth, Butt’s Land Law (7th ed, 2017).

The Learning Guide which will contain the full list of readings will be posted on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the historical, social, and economic contexts of property law to critically evaluate current legal practice and formulate solutions to real-world property problems
LO2. identify, synthesise and apply the fundamental legal principles of land law to resolve typical and hypothetical problems
LO3. recognise and reflect on the ethical responsibilities of the legal profession to protect the interests of clients and the law in transactions involving interests in land
LO4. understand and critically evaluate the concept of recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander laws under Anglo-Australian common law and statute

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

We have added more tutorials in response to requests from students.

Additional information

Sydney Law Students:

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

LAWS2017: Land Law

Semester 2, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Early feedback task

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links