Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined program integrates core legal subjects with the study of an Arts major. Law study covers foundational topics such as contract law, torts, criminal law, property, equity, constitutional and administrative law, evidence, civil procedure, legal research and writing, and professional responsibility. You will also take practical modules including dispute resolution, advocacy/mooting and a clinical/placement component that develops client interviewing, negotiation and file management skills.

• Typical law units: Contract Law, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Property and Equity, Corporations Law, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, Professional Ethics.
• Arts major options: common choices include Criminology, Politics and International Relations, Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, History and Languages. Majors combine core disciplinary theory with research and elective subjects.
• Skills development: legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, advocacy, client interviewing, negotiation, legal drafting and project work. Many cohorts undertake mooting, simulated court exercises and community legal clinic placements.
• Structure: the degree is delivered over multiple years of full‑time study, with a mix of compulsory law subjects, major-specific Arts subjects and elective units to tailor study to personal interests and career goals.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and typically requires completion of senior secondary education or an equivalent qualification. Domestic applicants are usually assessed on a selection rank derived from the school leaving certificate (ATAR or equivalent) and may also be considered via alternative pathways such as recognised prior learning, work experience or a personal statement.

• Academic: successful applicants ordinarily have strong results in their secondary studies; academic thresholds vary by intake and campus.
• English proficiency: applicants whose prior study was not in English must provide evidence of English language proficiency (for example IELTS or TOEFL) to the university's published standard.
• Additional checks: because graduates may work with vulnerable people and in court settings, admission to professional practice later may require character, police and/or fitness‑to‑practise checks.
• Pathways: mature‑age applicants and those with relevant tertiary study or professional experience can apply through alternative entry schemes or articulation agreements.

Career prospects

Graduates who complete the qualifying law components may pursue admission to legal practice as solicitors and, after additional requirements such as supervised practice, as barristers. The Arts major enhances employability across a wide range of non‑legal careers.

• Legal careers: solicitor in private firms, in‑house counsel roles (often after further experience), public defender or prosecutor, regulatory and compliance roles, policy adviser, and, with further steps, barrister.
• Non‑legal careers: roles in public policy, government agencies, non‑government organisations, community services, journalism, international development, and business—particularly where strong research, communication and critical thinking are valued.
• Further study: some graduates undertake specialist postgraduate study (for example in human rights, environmental law, taxation or corporate law) or professional legal training required for admission and practice.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University combines professional legal education with a values-based emphasis on social justice, ethics and community engagement. The law curriculum includes experiential learning through clinics, placements and mooting, enabling students to apply legal knowledge in real‑world contexts while developing practical skills.

• Practical focus: opportunities for clinical placements and pro bono work connect students with real clients and community legal services.
• Supportive learning: smaller tutorial groups, academic support services and career advice help students transition from study to professional life.
• Interdisciplinary advantage: pairing law with an Arts major gives graduates a broader perspective and transferable skills valued by employers across sectors.