Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, Economics

School of Law & Business

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics is designed for those who want to understand human communities and society. This program involves studying two degrees in a combined fashion, finishing with two degrees in five years. The Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) provides a gateway to a rewarding career in law and provides a strong foundation for other career opportunities too. This accredited degree will prepare you to work as a lawyer in private practice, government, corporate counsel or within a not-for-profit organisation.

• Why study this degree?

  The Bachelor of Laws (LLB or LLB(Hons)) with a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, Economics (BPPE) combination is a unique qualification that will set you apart both domestically and internationally. You will have the opportunity to test your critical thinking skills in an enriching learning experience that offers great diversity in curriculum and application in everyday and professional settings.

  Notre Dame’s LLB program offered in combination with the BPPE program focuses on the importance of the flourishing human person and the principle of the common good within society.

  Students can undertake an internship that helps them to apply their knowledge and skills, while gaining workplace experience and industry contacts. Similarly, students are able to meet with mentors from the legal profession and from industry through participation in the School of Law and Business Mentoring Program, which is available to all students studying law or business degrees at Notre Dame.

• Program summary

  The program combines studies in philosophy, politics and economics with an accredited law degree.

  Year One

  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
  • Introduction to World Politics
  • Ancient Philosophy
  • Legal History
  • Foundations of Wisdom
  • Economics
  • Politics, Democracy and Governance in Australia

  Year Two

  • Criminal Law A
  • Contract Law A
  • Torts A
  • Public Policy and Practice
  • CORE Elective
  • Criminal Law B
  • Contract Law B
  • Torts B
  • Microeconomic Theory and Policy
  • Political Philosophy

  Year Three

  • Advanced Economics
  • Property Law A
  • Moral Philosophy
  • Politics Internship, Philosophy/Theology Internship, Business Internship or POLI, BUSN or PHTH elective
  • Administrative Law
  • Property Law B
  • Philosophy of the Human Person
  • Macroeconomic Theory and Policy

  Year Four

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

  Year Five  

  • Remedies
  • Civil Procedure
  • Legal Philosophy
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution
  • Commercial Practice & Ethics
  • International Law Elective (Public International Law, Comparative Law, Private International Law, International Commercial Dispute Resolution, International Law Moot)
  • Law Elective Four
  • Law Elective Five

  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

  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, Politics, Economics, graduates will be able to:

  1. Identify and evaluate foundational principles and methods in the academic disciplines of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
  2. Evaluate, through comparison and contrast, the overlaps and divergences between methods and principles of the disciplines
  3. Apply knowledge of philosophy, politics, and economics, to issues and problems within society
  4. Apply skills of research to key philosophical, political and economic questions and issues, using appropriate resources and methods; and
  5. Communicate ideas about issues and problems in society, clearly and openly, to a range of audiences who may agree or disagree with a certain perspective, individually and in collaborative contexts.

• Career opportunities

  The following careers are open to graduates of this program:

  • Legal practice
  • Courts (federal and state/territory)
  • Government developments and sectors
  • Banking and Finance
  • Corporations
  • Not-for-profit organisations
  • Policy development
  • Politics
  • Foreign affairs
  • Leadership
  • Academia
  • Advocacy
  • Journalism and media

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• 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 Philosophy, Politics, Economics 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 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, Politics, Economics component of the Awards.

• 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.

  
  

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

• 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.