Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy

School of Law & Business

If you want to study law with a deeper understanding of humankind, The University of Notre Dame Australia, combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, is the ideal double degree. Unique to Notre Dame, the degree is completed over five years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. By combining these two disciplines, graduates develop the skills to think creatively and communicate convincingly. As a result, our graduates choose to follow a range of careers in law, journalism, politics, business and academia. Contact us today to find out more about this unique degree program.

  • Why study this degree?

    Are you considering studying for a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in conjunction with the Bachelor of Laws degree? The University of Notre Dame Australia is the only university in Australia which offers this double degree. Students taking this degree combination will develop the ability to consider issues using two of the most advanced forms of thinking and analysis in Western civilisation: law and philosophy. This combination equips students with an array of skills they can draw upon to resolve problems for themselves and their clients.

    The Bachelor of Laws degree is accredited for admission to legal practice. It combines excellent coverage of underlying legal and ethical principles with an explanation of how they are applied in legal practice.

    However, as a student of the School of Philosophy, you will encounter the works of great minds such as Aquinas, Socrates and Plato. In doing so, you will be encouraged to reflect deeply and critically on the fundamental questions of existence, as well as question your preconceptions of ethics and morality. As a result, graduates from the School of Philosophy can analyse and evaluate arguments about our current political, religious, and ethical systems – all valuable skills for a lawyer.

    Similarly, the training you receive in the legal component of your degree will further develop your analytical mindset. Considered to be a degree of methodology rather than one solely of content, a Bachelor of Laws from Notre Dame teaches students to consider new approaches to problem-solving and analysis. By participating in lively debate and the free exchange of ideas in intimate class settings, you will develop mastery of public speaking, advocacy, research, and dispute resolution.

  • Program summary

    Year One

    • Legal Research & Writing
    • Legal History
    • Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
    • Three Philosophy Electives

    Year Two

    • Criminal Law A
    • Contract Law A
    • Torts A
    • Torts B
    • Criminal Law B
    • Contract Law B
    • Four Philosophy Subjects

    Year Three

    • Property Law A
    • Property Law B
    • Five Philosophy Electives

    Year Four

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

    Year Five

    • Remedies
    • Civil Procedure
    • Public International Law
    • Legal Philosophy
    • Commercial Practice & Ethics
    • Alternative Dispute Resolution
    • Two Law Electives

    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

    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

    *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.

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

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

  • 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 85

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 32

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • Successful completion of at least 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 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:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of 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).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

    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

    • Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank*

    OR

    • International Baccalaureate (IB) score

    *Selection Ranks include ATAR plus Adjustment Factors.

    Applicants with Higher Education Study

    • 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:

    • Applicants who have completed at least two years of 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).

    Please note: all applicants must be of school leaving age or older to apply.

  • 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 Philosophy, graduates will be able to:

    1. Articulate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of philosophy as a basis for independent lifelong learning
    2. Critically analyse, consolidate, and synthesise knowledge
    3. Demonstrate technical skills to a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in philosophy
    4. Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
    5. Communicate and present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of philosophical knowledge and concepts; and
    6. Apply philosophical reflection, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement, and ethical responsibility.
  • 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 in law.

  • Real-world experience

    You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

  • Honours

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

  • Study abroad

    A global perspective adds a valuable dimension to your university education. At Notre Dame University you can study while experiencing the world. We encourage students to become active global citizens through a range of exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities. Visit International Opportunities to find out more.

  • Fees and costs

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


    CSP
    A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at university where the 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, 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.

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


    HECS-HELP
    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.


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

  • 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. There are no professional accreditation requirements applicable to the Bachelor of Philosophy component of the Awards.

  • Student profile data

    The tables below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this Program. It provides data on all students who commenced in this Program in the most relevant recent intake period, including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia.

    Fremantle Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    N/A N/A
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    N/AN/A
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5 N/A
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All students<5100.0%

    TABLE 1b –  Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer N/A N/A
    Median rank to receive an offer N/A N/A

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    N/A N/A

    Sydney Student Profile Data

    TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy BASIS OF ADMISSION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    Applicant background

    Semester 1 2022

    Number of students

    Percentage of all students

    (A) Higher education study
    (includes a bridging or enabling course)
    <5N/P
    (B) Vocational education and training (VET) studyN/AN/A
    (C) Work and life experience
    (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)
    <5N/P
    (D) Recent secondary education:
    • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points)
    N/AN/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    N/A N/A
    • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, interview, school marks &   recommendation with no minimum ATAR requirement)
    <5 N/P
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    TABLE 1b –  Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE

    RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offersATAR
    (Excluding adjustment factors) *
    Selection Rank
    (ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *
    [only if relevant]
    Highest rank to receive an offer N/A N/A
    Median rank to receive an offer N/A N/A

    Lowest rank to receive an offer

    N/A N/A

    Notes:  

    “<5” – the number of students is less than 5
    N/A – Students not accepted in this category
    N/P – Not published: the number is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students

    In 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.

  • More information

    Considering your uni options?

    Talk to one of our career advisors for a personalised advice session. Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process. Book my session.


    For more information, please contact our Prospective Students Office.

    Fremantle and Broome
    Phone: +61 8 9433 0533
    Email: future@nd.edu.au
    Sydney and Melbourne
    Phone: +61 2 8204 4404
    Email: sydney@nd.edu.au

    All international enquiries should contact the International Students Office on international@nd.edu.au.

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