Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts

School of Law & Business

Do you want a well-rounded career in law? A combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts from The University of Notre Dame Australia provides a clear pathway into an exciting and challenging legal career while also building a solid foundation for other career opportunities. Designed with input from judges, barristers, and solicitors from around the country, this career-centric degree is known for producing job-ready graduates. Contact us today to enquire about this exciting opportunity.

• Why study this degree?

  Designed to be completed over 5.25 years of full-time study or part-time equivalent, the combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Arts is an accredited degree for admission to legal practice but also allows you to pursue your interest in the Humanities. Choose from a wide range of Arts courses, such as History, Journalism, Philosophy, Sociology, Theatre Studies, Applied Psychology and Writing.

  For example, students majoring in Applied Psychology will develop their insights into human behaviour. This skill will prove particularly useful when assembling a criminal profile or cross-examining a witness. Similarly, law students who undertake a major in Film & Screen Production will have more significant insights than their counterparts when dealing with Entertainment Law.

  Finally, students who wish to work in not-for-profits or NGOs will find that a major in Social Justice or Politics & International Relations sets them apart from the crowd.

  Regardless of the specialist area that you dream of pursuing, a combined degree in Law and Arts will ensure your legal training is supplemented by practical insights in your chosen industry.

  Furthermore, practical components such as mentoring, client interview competitions, internships, mock trials, and international commercial dispute resolution programs provide the perfect opportunity to test your skills in a real-world setting.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
  • Legal History
  • Arts Major Elective One
  • Arts Major Elective Two
  • Arts Major Elective Three
  • Arts Major Elective Four

  Year Two

  • Criminal Law A
  • Contract Law A
  • Torts A
  • Criminal Law B
  • Contract Law B
  • Torts B
  • Arts Major Elective Five
  • Arts Major Elective Six
  • Arts Elective

  Year Three

  • Property Law A
  • Property Law B
  • Arts Major Elective Seven
  • Arts Major Elective Eight
  • Three Arts Electives

  Year Four

  • Advocacy
  • Constitutional Law
  • Equity
  • Corporations & Partnerships
  • Evidence
  • Administrative Law
  • Trusts
  • Law Elective One

  Year Five

  • Remedies
  • Civil Procedure
  • Legal Philosophy
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Commercial Practice & Ethics
  • Law Elective Two
  • Law Elective Three
  • Law Elective Four

  Law Electives*

  • Advanced Administrative Law
  • Advanced Civil Procedure
  • Advanced Constitutional Law
  • Advanced Evidence
  • Advanced Research Project (i.e. Honours research - two courses)
  • Bioethics and the Law
  • Advanced Taxation Law
  • Commercial Drafting
  • Commercial Law
  • Construction and Building Contract Law
  • Contemporary Legal Issues
  • Directed Research Project
  • Employee Relations Law
  • Entertainment Law
  • Environmental Law
  • Family Law
  • Health Law
  • Human Rights Law
  • Indigenous Law
  • Insolvency
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • International Dispute Resolution
  • Canon Law (i.e. Church Law)
  • Law and Religion
  • Law in Context (Externships) – involves work experience
  • Mining and Petroleum Law
  • Occupational Safety and Health Law
  • Introduction to Australian Taxation Law
  • Succession
  • Competition and Consumer Law
  • Trial Advocacy

  *Available law electives are subject to change and may vary depending on your campus and year of study. Please check with your school for the current electives on offer.

  Arts Majors

  • Archaeology
  • Behavioural Science
  • English Literature
  • Film & Screen Production
  • History
  • Journalism
  • Philosophy
  • Politics & International Relations
  • Social Justice
  • Theatre Studies
  • Theology

  Core Curriculum

  • CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
  • CORE II: Elective
    • Electives in philosophy and\or theology
    • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and\or theology
    • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
    • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
    • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

  Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

  More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions pages Fremantle Sydney.

  Please note: the availability of these courses is indicative only and may be subject to change.

• Entry requirements

  Entry requirements WA

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank* of 80

  OR

  • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 29

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of at least 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*, with mid-credit average.

  Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Note: Tertiary Preparation Programs are not accepted for entry.

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher in a relevant discipline from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • In exceptional circumstances, applicants who have significant relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 150 in the Multiple Choice section and 150 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

  Entry requirements NSW

  Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency. We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program. See Individual Factors for further details regarding this.

  Applicants with recent Secondary Education

  • Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*

  OR

  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

  *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

  Applicants with Higher Education

  • Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*, with mid-credit average.

  Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

  Note: Tertiary Preparation Programs are not accepted for entry.

  Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

  • Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher in a relevant discipline from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

  Applicants with Work and Life Experience

  Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry. This includes applicants who have completed Steiner, Montessori or home school curriculums. To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:

  • In exceptional circumstances, applicants who have significant relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry. Applicants must provide evidence of their work experience, including duties undertaken and years of experience, and they must demonstrate that they have the academic capability to undertake undergraduate studies. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required*.

  OR

  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 160 in the Multiple Choice section and 160 in the Written English section*.

  OR

  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

  *STAT results must have been obtained within the last three calendar years in order to be considered (e.g. for 2024 admission, STAT results obtained in 2023, 2022 or 2021 can be considered).

• Learning outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) graduates will be able to:

  1. Write effective and professional documents adapted to suit the purpose and audience
  2. Develop and deliver effective and professional presentations adapted to suit the purpose and audience, using appropriate technologies
  3. Synthesise, interpret and apply information in order to resolve legal problems
  4. Demonstrate a sound knowledge of foundational legal concepts, principles and theories, and apply and transfer knowledge to diverse national, regional and international legal contexts
  5. Undertake self-directed learning with an appreciation of the value and importance of engaging in continuing professional development
  6. Provide social justice in the community including the provision of legal advice on a pro bono basis
  7. Use ethical and socially responsible decision-making skills
  8. Critically reflect on the influence of Catholic and other philosophical and intellectual traditions on the law and on their role in resolving legal issues
  9. Work responsibly and collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve shared outcomes
  10. Conduct independent legal research and employ appropriate legal research methods and sources to locate, evaluate, synthesise and present accurate, up-to-date and reliable legal sources
  11. Critically evaluate, analyse and deploy evidence in support of a research thesis and communicate their findings in both oral and written form (Honours Only)

  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate broad theoretical and practical knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts of one or more disciplines or practice areas
  2. Identify appropriate sources and evaluate information
  3. Demonstrate an awareness of different conceptual approaches and/or research methods
  4. Demonstrate the technical skills, professional skills and ethical practice required by one or more disciplines
  5. Synthesise knowledge and apply skills in order to solve complex problems
  6. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
  7. Work independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
  8. Reflect upon personal knowledge, skills and experiences.

• Career opportunities

  Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; career opportunities range from Solicitor, barrister, judge’s associate, and research assistant.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. This program has no practicum requirements, but students are encouraged to participate in law competitions and attend professional development outside the class. As part of the Bachelor of Arts, there are opportunities for industry practicums and internships.

• Honours

  An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Law (Honours) or by contacting the School of Law & Business.

• Opportunities and experiences

  At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit Opportunities and experiences to find out more.

• Professional accreditation

  The Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) accreditation requirements are according to the accreditation rules administered by the Legal Profession Admission Board in New South Wales and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

  These can be funded by Notre Dame, industry, individuals and non-profit organisations, to provide financial assistance to students to support costs associated with study. This could include buying food, paying rent, transport, and household bills, raising children as single parents, being a single-income household, becoming unemployed or caring for a sick loved one.

  Please visit the Scholarships Finder to see which scholarships are available to Undergraduate students.

• Fees and costs

  This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

  Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.

  In a Commonwealth Supported Place, your fees are subsidised by the Australian Government. Your fees will be split into two portions:

  The Commonwealth contribution, which is the portion paid by the Australian Government.

  The student contribution, which is the portion you pay. You may choose to pay upfront or defer your student contribution with a HECS-HELP Loan. The HECS-HELP loan scheme assists eligible students with the payment of all, or part, of their tuition fees, not including additional study costs such as accommodation or textbooks. Your HECS-HELP debt will be indexed each year in line with the Consumer Price Index.

  Eligible students will be offered a CSP – you do not need to apply.

  International Full-Fee Paying
  Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

  For indicative fees and information on how to pay, including Government loan schemes and our online calculator, visit our Fees, costs and scholarships page.

• Student profile data

  ATAR and selection rank profile

  The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

  Explore our detailed overview of ATAR offers and student profiles to find the ideal degree that matches your interests and aspirations.

  View our ATAR and selection rank profile data.

• More information

  Considering your uni options?
  Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.

  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, the Prospective Students Office can help. Book a 1-on-1 advice session with a career advisor or call us on 1800 878 916.

  Fremantle and Broome
  Email: future@nd.edu.au
  Address: 23 High St, Fremantle, WA 6160

  Sydney and Melbourne
  Email: sydney@nd.edu.au
  Address: 128-140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008

  International students
  If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.

  Fremantle and Broome International Office
  Phone: +61 8 9433 0873
  Address: 19 Mouat St, Fremantle, WA 6160
  Postal address: PO Box 1225, Fremantle WA 6959

  Sydney and Melbourne International Office
  Phone: +61 2 8204 4229
  Address: 140 Broadway, Chippendale, NSW 2008
  Postal address: PO Box 944, Broadway NSW 2007