Bachelor of Laws

School of Law & Business

Have you always supported the concept of a ‘fair go’? Do you argue passionately for what you believe in? The Bachelor of Laws from The University of Notre Dame Australia provides a gateway to an exciting and rewarding legal career. Completed over four years of full-time study, this program combines comprehensive coverage of legal and ethical principles and the skills to apply these principles in legal practice. Start your legal career today.

• Why study this degree?

  If you want a solid grounding in legal theory and practice and the qualifications to practice law, this challenging but rewarding career could be for you. The University of Notre Dame Australia Bachelor of Laws degree has been formulated with the help of leading judges, senior barristers and solicitors to design a quality degree that is rigorous, ethical, practical and relevant to the current Australian legal landscape.

  The Bachelor of Laws program will allow you to hone your negotiation, advocacy and mooting skills. Through our Legal Clinic, mentoring program, courtroom visits, mooting and internship programs, our law students have multiple opportunities to experience the law in practice.

  Students are also encouraged to learn outside the classroom by attending seminars and professional development events such as our Eminent Speakers Series. This prestigious forum connects students and graduates with leading experts in discussing contemporary legal and professional matters.

  Notre Dame is the only university in Australia with a historic, fully functioning courthouse for student use. Known as the oldest surviving courthouse in Fremantle, the University community has restored the Justice Owen Moot Court. It now provides students the perfect setting to perfect their advocacy and mooting skills.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • LAWS1000 Legal Research & Writing
  • LAWS1010 Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
  • LAWS2510 Criminal Law A
  • LAWS2110 Contract Law A
  • LAWS1020 Legal History
  • LAWS2520 Criminal Law B
  • LAWS2120 Contract Law B
  • CORE1000 Foundations of Wisdom

  Year Two

  • LAWS2210 Torts A
  • LAWS2410 Property Law A
  • LAWS2310 Equity
  • LAWS2220 Torts B
  • LAWS3002 Administrative Law
  • LAWS2420 Property Law B
  • LAWS2320 Trusts
  • One (1) CORE Elective Course

  Year Three

  • LAWS3600 Advocacy
  • LAWS3003 Constitutional Law
  • LAWS3210 Corporations & Partnerships
  • LAWS3001 Evidence
  • Four (4) Laws Elective Courses, including at least one (1) international law elective

  Year Four

  • LAWS4001 Civil Procedure
  • LAWS4050 Remedies
  • LAWS3500 Legal Philosophy
  • LAWS4620 Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • LAWS4710 Commercial Practice & Ethics
  • Three (3) Laws Elective Courses

  Law Electives*

  • LAWS2300 Contemporary Legal Issues
  • LAWS3000 Health Law
  • LAWS3004 Contemporary Issues in Administrative Law
  • LAWS3005 Advanced Evidence
  • LAWS3006 Advanced Constitutional Law
  • LAWS3007 Advanced Civil Procedure
  • LAWS3008 Media Law
  • LAWS3010 Banking Law
  • LAWS3011 Refugee Law
  • LAWS3012 International Business and Trade in Antiquities, Art and Cultural Property
  • LAWS3020 Mining and Petroleum Law
  • LAWS3030 Competition and Consumer Law
  • LAWS3040 Employment Law
  • LAWS3050 Family Law
  • LAWS3070 Intellectual Property Law
  • LAWS3090 Human Rights Law
  • LAWS3110 Indigenous Law
  • LAWS3120 Insolvency
  • LAWS3130 Succession
  • LAWS3150 Bioethics and the Law
  • LAWS3170 The Law of Lender Liability
  • LAWS3180 Trial Advocacy
  • LAWS3250 Work Health and Safety Law
  • LAWS3260 Environmental Law
  • LAWS3280 International Commercial Dispute Resolution
  • LAWS3330 Construction and Building Contract Law
  • LAWS3360 Entertainment Law
  • LAWS3382 Mental Health law
  • LAWS3390 Introduction to Canon Law
  • LAWS3430 Commercial Drafting
  • LAWS3440 Law and Religion
  • LAWS3450 Law of Corporate Finance
  • LAWS3470 Introduction to Australian Income Tax Law
  • LAWS3480 Advanced Taxation Law
  • LAWS3490 Insurance Law
  • LAWS3510 Law and War
  • LAWS3520 Special Topics in Law I
  • LAWS3521 Special Topics in Law II
  • LAWS3730 Law in Context (Externships)
  • LAWS3741 International Immersion Law I
  • LAWS3742 International Immersion in Law II
  • LAWS3800 Law Review A
  • LAWS3801 Law Review B
  • LAWS3950 Commercial Law
  • LAWS4020 Comparative Law
  • LAWS4030 Private International Law
  • LAWS4200 Public International Law
  • LAWS4220 International Law Moot
  • LAWS4410 Advanced Research Project A
  • LAWS4411 Advanced Research Project B
  • LAWS4420 Directed Research Project

  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 GPA greater than 5.5.

  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 at least 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher, with GPA greater than 5.5.

  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 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; and
  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).

• 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.

• Honours

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

  Students can immerse themselves in other cultures with Study abroad, through our international exchange programs, study tours, and professional placements. These experiences provide valuable academic and personal growth while earning credit toward your degree.

  You can also engage with the world through Global experiences, volunteer opportunities and cross-cultural initiatives designed to develop your global citizenship and broaden your understanding of international communities.

  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