Course Title: Take instructions in relation to a conveyancing transaction

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: LAW5755C

Course Title: Take instructions in relation to a conveyancing transaction

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6170 - Advanced Diploma of Conveyancing

Course Contact: Theresa Lyford

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5444

Course Contact Email: theresa.lyford@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Joseph Detering

joseph.detering@rmit.edu.au

Bill Unkles

bill.unkles@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 120

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

In this course you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to take instructions from a potential client to initiate a conveyancing transaction.

This includes developing the skills to communicate with clients to establish the client’s needs, and identify conflicts of interest, parties, properties and other interests, and determining terms of engagement and contingency strategies.

 

This course addresses the following units of competency:  

  • BSBCNV511 - Take instructions in relation to a conveyancing transaction 
  • BSBLEG528 - Apply legal principles in property law matters

These units are clustered for delivery and assessment.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBCNV511 Take instructions in relation to a conveyancing transaction

Element:

1. Establish client needs

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify and verify the client identity according to practice policies and procedures 

1.2 Identify and clarify client needs and expectations according to practice policies and procedures 

1.3 Determine and discuss optional courses of action with client 

1.4 Check information and documentation in relation to the transaction for accuracy and relevance 

1.5 Obtain mutual agreement regarding responsibilities, obligations and expectations of all parties to the transaction 

1.6 Record and document client’s needs and responsibilities 

Element:

2. Identify any conflict of interest

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify and record existing or potential conflicts of interest associated with the transaction 

2.2 Evaluate conflicts of interest and determine required action for the client and practice, and advise client of any necessary action 

Element:

3. Identify parties, properties and other interests

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify the roles of various parties involved in the conveyancing transaction 

3.2 Analyse estates and interests in land according to relevant transaction 

3.3 Analyse relevant searches, Certificates of Title and other relevant documents and confirm facts pertaining to the transaction 

3.4 Communicate to the client the title and contract details and respective consequences of the conveyancing transaction 

Element:

4. Determine terms of engagement

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Document terms of engagement which comply with legislative, regulatory and practice requirements and articulate to client clearly and promptly 

4.2 Establish and record client’s agreement with terms 

4.3 Obtain relevant authorities from client and other relevant parties 

4.4 Verify identity of client according to firm policies and procedures 

4.5 Check estimates of fees, disbursements and time for accuracy and completeness and provide to client 

Element:

5. Determine contingency strategies

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Identify contingencies relating to the transaction and advise the client 

5.2 Determine contingency strategies and options and agree in consultation with client 

Element:

6. Initiate the transaction

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Select a course of action which meets the client’s needs according to legislative requirements and practice policy and procedures 

6.2 Advise client of all actions to be implemented to meet their agreed needs and expectations 

6.3 Confirm and record instructions from client to proceed or not to proceed 

6.4 Make referrals to other professionals or third parties, where required 

6.5 Formally open, organise and document all relevant instructions, information, facts and evidence in client file 

Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.

 


Details of Learning Activities

ImportantInformation

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. T

  Course Description

In this course you will acquire the skills and knowledge required to take instructions from a potential client to initiate a conveyancing transaction.

This includes developing the skills to communicate with clients to establish the client’s needs, and identify conflicts of interest, parties, properties and other interests, and determining terms of engagement and contingency strategies.

 

This course addresses the following units of competency:  

  • BSBCNV511 - Take instructions in relation to a conveyancing transaction 
  • BSBLEG528 - Apply legal principles in property law matters

These units are clustered for delivery and assessment.

  Pre-requisites, Co-requisites and Assumed Knowledge

None

  Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements

  Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and discussion activities.

The activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and may include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.   The collaborative activities will include group discussions, group problem-solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

Teaching Schedule

Semester 1, 2025 - subject to variation

Week commencing

Topic

Learning Activities

Assessment

1

10 February

Introduction

Introduction to the course, Library research and topic 1 commencement

Engagement Activity 1

2

17 February

Property law

Interests in Land, Fixtures & Chattels

Engagement Activity 2

 3

24 February

Taking instructions

Client Instructions and file opening documentation

Engagement Activity 3

Quiz 1 due end week 3

4

4 March

Co-ownership

Tenants in common and Joint tenants forms of co-ownership

Engagement Activity 4

5

9 March

Titles

Torrens system and old law system titles

Engagement Activity 5

Quiz 2 due end week 5

6

16 March

Titles

Cases and legislation - Transfer of Land Act

Individual student consultation appointments may commence

Ass 1 Meeting requirement with teacher 

7

23 March

Assessment 1 Review Requirement

Individual student consultation appointments

Ass1 Due end of week 7

Mid Semester Break 29/03/24 to 3/04/2024

8

8 April

Titles - Possessory

Adverse possession

Quiz 3 due end week 8

9

14 April

Leasing

Leases and tenancies

 

10

21 April

Leasing Continued

Mortgages Introduction

Leases exercises and Mortgages introduction

Quiz 4 due end week 10

11

28 April

Mortgages

Mortgages, plus exercises

 

12

5 May

Ass 2 Review Requirement

Student consultation and appointments

Ass 2 Meeting requirement with teacher

13

12 May

Easements 

Easements cases and legislation

 Quiz 5 Due end of week 13

14

19 May

Covenants

Covenants cases and legislation

Ass 2 Due end of week 14

15

26 May

Review and revision

Consultation if required

Quiz 6 due end of week 15

16

2 June

Resit and Resubmit

This week will be dedicated to re-submission of assessments if needed

  

17

9 June

Resit and Resubmit

This week will be dedicated to re-submission of assessments if needed

  

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

  • "Conveyancing in Victoria" - 9th Edtion - by Simon Libbis is recommended for students to read this text. 
  • Book is available electronically from the RMIT Library.
  • Lecture notes and PowerPoints will address all significant issues.  


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.


Assessment Tasks

There will be two assignments requiring students to complete a portfolio of documents incorporating  cases studies.

Assignment 1 is due to be submitted on 29 March  2025 and

Assignment 2 on the 25 May 2025.

 

Students must also complete a series of 6 knowledge quizzes on canvas.  The due dates are:

KQ1 3/03/2025

KQ2 10/03/2025

KQ3 14/04/2025

KQ4 28/04/2025

KQ5 19/05/2025

KQ6 2/06/2025

 

 

 


Assessment Matrix

All the assessment matrices can be found on canvas

Other Information

Submission Requirements

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
  • Always retain backup copies of your assessment tasks.
  • When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

 

Resubmissions (VET Programs)

If you are found to be unsuccessful (Not satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.

 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

 

Penalties for Late Submission 

Late submissions of assignments without special consideration or extension will automatically be considered a re-submission (see above).

 

Extensions, Special Consideration and Adjustment to Assessments

Extensions:

Extensions are available for unforeseen circumstances of a short-term nature.

An application form must be submitted to the school at least one working day before the due date of the assessment, submitted to suzanne.bevacqua@rmit.edu.au

Extensions can be approved for a maximum of one week (seven calendar days) past the due date for an assessment. (Where students need an extension exceeding one week they must instead apply for special consideration.)

 

Special consideration:

Special consideration is available for unexpected circumstances outside students’ control. These include but are not limited to: unexpected short-term ill health, and unavoidable family, work, cultural or religious commitments.

An application for special consideration is made in advance of an assessment wherever possible but will normally be accepted within five working days after the assessment date.

For more information, see the Special Consideration page of the RMIT website.

 

Adjustments to Assessment:

RMIT provides several adjustments to assessment for students experiencing ongoing or long-term circumstances. Find the right one for your circumstances here.

 

Changes to the Assessment Scheme

Where a change to assessment approved by the Dean/head of school changes an assessment due date, students will be given at least five working days’ notice of the new due date.

 

Feedback

You can expect to receive marks and feedback on in-course assessment work in time to improve your performance in related assessment tasks later in the course.

 

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

Students demonstrate academic integrity in their assessment practices by:

  • engaging with assessment activities in an honest way;
  • providing accountability for the authorship and originality of work submitted;
  • acknowledging the work of others and the re-use of original work.

Academic misconduct is addressed in accordance with the Student conduct policy

 

For further information see the Academic Integrity website.

 

Review and Appeal

A student may request a review of an assessment result or appeal a final course grade in accordance with the Conduct of assessment and appeals section of the Assessment Processes.

 

Grade Criteria

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

The following grades are available for this course.

 

Vocational education grades:

CA - Competency Achieved

NYC - Not Yet Competent

DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment

Course Overview: Access Course Overview