Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This programme covers the core legal subjects required for a comprehensive legal education alongside elective topics that allow you to tailor your studies to particular interests. Core areas typically include contract law, torts, criminal law, property law, constitutional and administrative law, evidence, civil procedure and legal research and writing.

• Commercial and corporate law: company law, commercial litigation, contract drafting and consumer protection.
• Public law and human rights: constitutional law, administrative law, human rights and discrimination law.
• Practice-focused subjects: legal ethics and professional responsibility, advocacy, negotiation, dispute resolution and practical legal clinics or simulated practice units.
• Specialist electives: family law, property and succession, taxation, employment law, environmental law and Indigenous legal issues.

Assessment typically combines written examinations, research essays, case analyses, client-based projects, mooting and oral advocacy. Many students augment classroom learning with internships, pro bono work and clinical placements to develop practical skills and professional networks.

Entry requirements

Admission is normally based on completion of secondary education with an appropriate entrance rank (such as an ATAR) or equivalent qualifications. Applicants who already hold a tertiary qualification or relevant vocational diploma may be eligible for credit or accelerated entry. Mature-age applicants with relevant work or life experience are also considered.

• Academic background: completion of Year 12 or recognised equivalent, or a prior tertiary qualification for advanced standing.
• English proficiency: non-native English speakers must meet the university's English language requirements (for example through IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent tests).
• Additional requirements: some practical placements may require police checks, working-with-children clearances or health declarations.

There are no universally mandated subject prerequisites at secondary level, but successful applicants commonly demonstrate strengths in written communication, critical thinking and research.

Career prospects

Graduates of the LLB are prepared for a range of legal and related careers. To practise as a solicitor or barrister in Australia, graduates must complete the required practical legal training (PLT) or supervised practice and satisfy state or territory admission requirements.

• Legal practice: solicitor, barrister, in-house lawyer, government legal officer.
• Regulatory and compliance roles: compliance officer, regulatory advisor, corporate counsel.
• Policy and advocacy: policy analyst, human rights advocate, NGO legal advisor, community legal centre lawyer.
• Alternative careers: mediation and dispute resolution practitioner, parliamentary or political adviser, legal publishing, academia and business roles that value legal expertise.

Many graduates also pursue postgraduate study such as Master of Laws (LLM), specialist graduate diplomas or professional doctorates to deepen expertise or move into niche practice areas.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values-driven legal education with a focus on social justice, professional ethics and service to the community. The university offers relatively small class sizes and access to practical learning experiences designed to develop advocacy, problem-solving and client-management skills.

• Practical learning: opportunities for simulated legal practice, mooting, internships and community-facing clinics that connect students with real clients and matters.
• Supportive environment: academic support, career services and structured mentoring to help students transition into legal practice.
• Accreditation and pathways: the curriculum is structured to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australian jurisdictions, with clear pathways to Practical Legal Training and postgraduate study.
• Commitment to inclusion: emphasis on Indigenous legal issues, human rights and serving disadvantaged communities as an integral part of the learning experience.