Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media

School of Law & Business

Are you passionate about working in the media and communications industry? Are you curious about how the law affects issues such as intellectual property and competition policy? A combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media at The University of Notre Dame Australia provides the perfect opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the legal framework in which the media industry operates. Completed in five years of full-time study, or the equivalent part-time, this program allows you to specialise in your chosen field of advertising, journalism or film and screen production.

• Why study this degree?

  Do you want to complete a practical degree that will make you job-ready? The University of Notre Dame Australia Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media is a convenient degree that delivers job-ready graduates who are fully trained to excel in the workplace.

  As a student in the School of Law, we encourage you to take advantage of our intimate seminar settings. With small class sizes, this is the perfect environment for exploring and developing your skills in public speaking, advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution.

  Students are encouraged to learn outside the classroom, particularly by attending our Eminent Speakers Series. This unique forum connects students and graduates with leading experts in discussing contemporary legal and professional matters.

  In your degree's Communications & Media component, you will consider how people find, evaluate, and present information in modern society. You will explore various media types such as electronic, print and broadcast journalism, web design, screenwriting, film production and digital photography.

• Program summary

  Year One

  • Legal Research & Writing
  • Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
  • Media Ethics and Law
  • Legal History
  • Media and Society
  • Two Communications and Media Subjects

  Year Two

  • Criminal Law A
  • Contract Law A
  • Torts A
  • Criminal Law B
  • Contract Law B
  • Torts B
  • Three Communications and Media Subjects

  Year Three

  • Property Law A
  • Property Law B
  • Arts Major Elective Seven
  • Arts Major Elective Eight
  • Four Communications and Media Subjects
  • One Communications and Media Elective

  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 (International)
  • Law Elective Three
  • Law Elective Four

  Law Electives*

  • Advanced Administrative Law
  • Advanced Civil Procedure
  • Advanced Constitutional Law
  • Advanced Evidence
  • Advanced Research Project (i.e. Honours research - 2 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

  *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.

  Communications & Media Majors

  • Advertising
  • Film & Screen Production
  • Journalism

  Communications &  Media Electives

  • Screenwriting
  • Documentary Studies
  • Advanced Screen Production:  Drama
  • Digital Media Production
  • Journalism for TV & Video
  • Australian and World Cinema
  • Radio
  • Interactive Media
  • Online Newsroom
  • Digital Photography
  • Photojournalism

  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 Communications and Media, graduates will be able to:

  1. Analyse the cultural, political, ethical and aesthetic contexts of media production including relevant international and intercultural perspectives
  2. Evaluate practical and theoretical knowledge with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in one or more communications and media discipline areas
  3. Apply analytical, creative and practical skills in one or more media and communications industry contexts
  4. Integrate theory and practice in media and communication projects
  5. Communicate arguments and/or ideas in a range of forms
  6. Create innovative and practical solutions to communications problems, independently and, where appropriate, in collaboration with others; and
  7. Exemplify the creative and practical skills, and the ethical, legal and professional standards relevant to their chosen discipline area in the creation of media.

• 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. This double degree's Bachelor of Communications & Media component will prepare you to specialise in a law career in journalism or marketing.

• Real-world experience

  You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum or internship requirements applicable to these Awards but there are internship courses and work-integrated learning opportunities available in the Bachelor of Communications and Media component of the Awards.

• Honours

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

• 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 Communications and Media 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.

  
  

  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 data profile

  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 2a – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media 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) study	N/A	N/A
  (C) Work and life experience (Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories)	N/A	N/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)	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	100%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 2b – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media 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	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 Communications & Media 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) study	N/A	N/A
  (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)	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)	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	100%
  International students	N/A	N/A
  All students	N/P	100.0%

  TABLE 1b – Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Communications & Media 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	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.