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.
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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.
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Program summary
Year One
- Legal Research & Writing
- Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
- Legal History
- Criminal Law A
- Criminal Law B
Year Two
- Contract Law A
- Torts A
- Property Law A
- Equity
- Contract Law B
- Torts B
- Property Law B
- Trusts
Year Three
- Advocacy
- Constitutional Law
- Corporations & Partnerships
- Evidence
- Administration Law
- Law Elective One
- Law Elective Two
- Law Elective Three
Year Four
- Remedies
- Civil Procedure
- Legal Philosophy
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Commercial Practice & Ethics
- Law Elective Four
- Law Elective Five
- Law Elective Six
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.
Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.
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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.
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Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws, graduates will be able to:
- Write effective and professional documents adapted to suit the purpose and audience
- Develop and deliver effective and professional presentations adapted to suit the purpose and audience, using appropriate technologies
- Synthesise, interpret, and apply information in order to resolve legal problems
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of foundational legal concepts, principles, and theories, and apply and transfer knowledge to diverse national, regional, and international legal contexts
- Undertake self-directed learning with an appreciation of the value and importance of engaging in continuing professional development
- Provide social justice in the community including the provision of legal advice on a pro bono basis.
- Use ethical and socially responsible decision-making skills
- Critically reflect on the influence of Catholic and other philosophical and intellectual traditions on the law and on their role in resolving legal issues
- Work responsibly and collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve shared outcomes
- 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
- Critically evaluate, analyse, and deploy evidence in support of a research thesis and communicate their findings in both oral and written form. (Honours Only)
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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.
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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.
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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 Business and Law.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Student profile data
Tables 1 and 2 below give 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 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)12 32% (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/P (C) Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)<5 N/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)
<5 N/P - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
<5 N/P - 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)
19 50% International students <5 N/P All students 38 100.0% TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Laws ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2022 INTAKE
RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers ATAR
(Excluding adjustment factors) *Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]Highest rank to receive an offer 95.90 95.90 Median rank to receive an offer 90.20 90.90 Lowest rank to receive an offer
82.35 86.65 TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 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)<5 100% All students N/P 100.0% Sydney Student Profile Data
TABLE 1a – Bachelor of Laws 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)<5 N/P (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study <5 N/P (C) Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)<5 N/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)
<5 N/A - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, interview, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
6 19% - 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)
22 71% International students N/A N/A All students 31 100.0% TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Laws ATAR PROFILE DATA FOR APPLICANTS ENTERING ON THE BASIS OF RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION IN SEMESTER 1, 2021 INTAKE
RECENT SECONDARY EDUCATION - ATAR-based offers ATAR
(Excluding adjustment factors) *Selection Rank
(ATAR plus any adjustment factors) *[only if relevant]Highest rank to receive an offer 90.25 94.25 Median rank to receive an offer 78.28 84.33 Lowest rank to receive an offer
70.20 77.20 TABLE 2a – Bachelor of Laws (Honours) 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)<5 100% All students N/P 100.0% 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 studentsIn 2022, due to COVID, additional adjustment factor points were granted to applicants from NSW, ACT and VIC.
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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.auSydney 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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Australia
Fremantle
Broome
Sydney