Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science

School of Law & Business

Do you have a curious mind? Scientists and lawyers have much in common. Scientific minds are curious, questioning the status quo and looking for new answers and ways of thinking. Similarly, legal professionals espouse that same sense of enquiry, constantly searching for innovative ways to solve legal problems. When you undertake a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia, you have the opportunity to explore the many synergies between these two exciting fields. Contact us today for further information.

  • Why study this degree?

    The field of science is continuously evolving, with areas such as genetics, biotechnology, public health and safety underpinned by a rigorous legal framework. Designed to be completed over five years of full-time study, the combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science is perfect if you wish to combine your love of the law with your passion for science.

    When you undertake the legal component of your degree, you will receive an education plan in collaboration with some of Australia’s top judges, barristers and solicitors. A focus on experiential learning also means that you have multiple opportunities to develop valuable skills such as public speaking, advocacy, dispute resolution and mooting.

    The scientific elements of your double degree are equally practical. Over your studies, you will complete five core Science courses and seven courses to form a Science stream in Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science or Multidisciplinary Science. You will then undertake a Science Internship in your third year to develop your skills in data analysis and research.

    Held over six weeks, this industry placement assigns you to a government department or private organisation in Western Australia, nationally or internationally, where you are expected to apply the expertise you have gained so far. See Bachelor of Science for more details.

    As a graduate of the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science, you will gain a sound practical and theoretical understanding of both scientific and legal disciplines. As such, graduates can expect employment in various roles, including pharmaceutical and biotechnical research and development, environmental regulation, scientific patents and more.

  • Program summary

    Year One

    • Legal Research and Writing
    • Legal Process and Statutory Interpretation
    • Legal History
    • Four Science Courses

    Year Two

    • Criminal Law A
    • Contract Law A
    • Torts A
    • Criminal Law B
    • Contract Law B
    • Torts B
    • Four Science Courses

    Year Three

    • Property Law A
    • Property Law  B
    • Three Science Courses
    • Science Internship

    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 Law
    • Advanced Research Project (i.e. Honours Research)
    • Bioethics and the Law
    • Advanced Taxation Law
    • Commercial Law
    • Commercial Drafting
    • 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
    • International Commercial Dispute Resolution
    • Intellectual Property Law
    • Introduction to Canon Law (i.e. Church Law)
    • Law and Religion
    • Law in Context (Externships) – involves work experience
    • Legal History
    • 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 page.

    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.

  • 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 Science, graduates will be able to:

    1. Articulate the methods and philosophy of Science and explain why current scientific knowledge is both contestable and testable
    2. Explain the role and relevance of Science in society
    3. Apply broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines
    4. Synthesise and critically evaluate information from a range of sources
    5. Design scientific investigations, collect and interpret data and draw conclusions showing creativity in problem solving
    6. Conduct investigations using practical and theoretical approaches
    7. Communicate results, information, and arguments to audiences for a range of purposes and in a variety of modes
    8. Apply current regulatory frameworks and exercise high personal and professional ethical standards; and
    9. Work independently as a reflective, self-directed learner and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others.
  • Practical component

    As part of the Bachelor of Science, you will complete an Internship over six weeks of at least 225 hours. This industry placement assigns you to a government department or private organisation, nationally or internationally, where you are expected to apply the expertise you have gained.

  • 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 in the fields of pharmaceutical and biotechnical research and development, environmental regulation, scientific patents and more.

  • 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.

  • Honours

    An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Law (Honours), Bachelor of Science 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.

  • Professional accreditation

    The Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) accreditation requirements are according to the accreditation rules administered by the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. There are no professional accreditation requirements applicable to the Bachelor of Science component of the Awards.

  • 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.

  • 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 Science 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/A N/A
    • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
    <5100%
    • 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)
    5 100%
    International studentsN/AN/A
    All studentsN/P100.0%

    TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science 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 call our Prospective Students Office on +61 8 9433 0533 or email future@nd.edu.au.


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

Our students give us top marks

  • No.1 in WA Overall Satisfaction*

  • No.1 in WA Full-time Employment*

  • No.1 in WA Overall Employment*

  • No.1 uni in Australia Overall Employment**

  • No.1 uni in WA
    Skills Development ***

  • No.1 uni in NSW & WA
    Learner Engagement ****

*2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey, undergraduate and postgraduate coursework categories, **2021 Graduate Outcomes Survey-Longitudinal (medium term outcome), undergraduate category, ***2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category and ****2021 Student Experience Survey, postgraduate category - qilt.edu.au

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