Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce

School of Law & Business

Do you dream of having your own legal practice? The University of Notre Dame Australia’s combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce will give you a competitive edge as it draws upon the teachings of both disciplines within the School of Law and Business. For students who wish to become lawyers, having a solid understanding of business can help you succeed both in your legal practice and in assisting your business clients. Alternatively, if you wish to start your own business or work within the corporate environment, having a sound understanding of the legalities surrounding your work will also serve you well. Start your learning journey today.

• Why study this degree?

  Designed with some of Australia’s most prominent legal professionals, this combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Commerce places a strong focus on experiential and case-based learning. When undertaking the legal component of the degree, you will find that Notre Dame’s small class sizes give you ample opportunity to engage in spirited debate and discussion.

  Furthermore, we also encourage students to participate in our Mentorship Program. Working in collaboration with highly respected law practitioners, this unique program bridges the gap between law students and the legal profession. The program connects penultimate and final year students with experienced legal practitioners who provide guidance and advice on matters such as elective choices and applying for clerkships.

  Similarly, the inclusion of a Business Internship in the Commerce component of your degree forms yet another opportunity for you to implement the skills you have learned in a real working context. Held over three phases, you will undertake classroom-based learning in phases one and two before undertaking a four-week industry placement in your third phase. By adding this industry experience to your already impressive formal qualifications, you will graduate with a keen competitive edge.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • LAWS100 Legal Research & Writing
  • LAWS1010 Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
  • LAWS 1020 Legal History
  • CORE1000 Foundations of Wisdom
  • 6 Business courses

  Year Two

  • LAWS2510 Criminal Law A
  • LAWS2110 Contract Law A
  • LAWS2210 Torts A
  • LAWS2520 Criminal Law B
  • LASWS2120 Contract Law B
  • LAWS2220 Torts B
  • 4-6 Business courses

  Year Three

  • LAWS2410 Property Law A
  • BUSN3900 Business internship
  • LAWS3002 Administrative Law
  • LAWS2420 Property Law B
  • Core Curriculum Elective
  • 3-6 Business courses

  Year Four

  • LAWS3600 Advocacy
  • LAWS3003 Constitutional Law
  • LAWS2310 Equity
  • LAWS3210 Corporations & Partnerships
  • LAWS3001 Evidence
  • LAWS2320 Trusts
  • Law Elective One*
  • Law Elective Two*

  Year Five

  • LAWS4050 Remedies
  • LAWS4001 Civil Procedure
  • LAWS3500 Legal Philosophy
  • LAWS4620 Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • LAWS4710 Commercial Practice & Ethics
  • International Law Elective*
  • Law Elective Four*
  • Law Elective Five*

  *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.

  Bachelor of Commerce

  For the Bachelor of Commerce component of the Award, the number of Commerce courses will vary depending on the Major(s) chosen. As such, the program structure and total units of credit will also vary in this regard. See the Bachelor of Commerce Program Requirements for information. Commerce Majors include:

  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Finance
  • Human Resource Management
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Sport and Recreation Management

  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 an average grade of 61% or higher.

  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 an average grade of 65% or higher.

  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 Commerce graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply the professional skills of their chosen business discipline through the ethical delivery of strategy, advice and services
  2. Reflect on their performance and implement change as necessary
  3. Think critically, reason and use judgment in preparation for their professional practice
  4. Identify relevant evidence-based research for use in professional analysis and advice; and
  5. Identify their own values and beliefs and be empowered to act on these values to advocate for people with whom they are engaged.

• Practical component

  You are required to complete BUSN3900 Business Internship that includes a minimum of 150 hours of practicum.

• 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. This double degree will also provide you with the know-how to start your own business or practice.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from academics who are industry leaders and, through our practicum placements and internship programs, you will gain real professional experience and make valuable contacts with potential employers.

• 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.

• Honours

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

• 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.

  The Bachelor of Commerce (Major: Accounting) is fully accredited by the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, CPA Australia and the Institute of Public Accountants.

  The Bachelor of Commerce (Major: Human Resource Management) is accredited with the Australian Human Resource Institute.

• 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

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

  Sydney and Melbourne

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