Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Global Studies brings together the core legal curriculum required for admission to practice with interdisciplinary modules that examine contemporary global challenges. Law subjects cover foundational and advanced areas such as contracts, torts, criminal law, property, constitutional and administrative law, equity and trusts, evidence, corporations law, legal research and writing, ethics and professional responsibility. Practical legal training is integrated through clinical legal education, mooting, negotiation and placement opportunities.

The Global Studies component explores international relations, global governance, human rights, development studies, migration and refugee studies, global political economy and regional studies. Students may also take language study and cross‑cultural communication units, comparative law or specialised electives such as environment and sustainability, Indigenous studies in a global context, and international humanitarian law. The course typically includes capstone projects or honours pathways and offers options for study abroad or an international internship to deepen global experience.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and based on academic achievement and equivalent qualifications. Typical entry pathways include completion of secondary school with a recognised tertiary entrance score, completion of recognised tertiary study, or admission as a mature‑age student with relevant work experience. Applicants who completed secondary education overseas must meet recognised equivalency and English language requirements.

Because laws degrees lead to professional accreditation, applicants should be prepared to meet character and fitness requirements for admission to legal practice after graduation and to complete any additional practical legal training required by the admitting authority in their jurisdiction. Specific entry criteria, pathways and English language tests accepted are published by the university for prospective applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with both legal qualifications and a global perspective, making them attractive to a wide range of employers. Common career paths include:

• Solicitor or barrister (subject to completing required practical legal training and admission processes)
• Policy adviser or analyst in government, international organisations and think‑tanks
• Roles in non‑governmental organisations and human rights or development agencies
• Compliance, risk and regulatory roles in corporate and financial sectors
• Diplomatic service, international relations, or migration and refugee advocacy
• In‑house legal counsel, corporate governance and commercial advisory roles

The combination of law and global studies also supports careers in research, academia, journalism and any field that values legal reasoning alongside intercultural literacy and international policy skills.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University emphasises socially engaged education with a focus on ethical practice and social justice — a strong match for students seeking to apply legal skills to global issues. The university offers practical legal training opportunities including clinical placements and mooting, and fosters international links that support study abroad and internship experiences.

ACU provides student support services such as academic skills programs, career development and counselling, and typically teaches in smaller cohorts that allow close access to academic staff. The combined degree is structured to integrate legal training with interdisciplinary international studies, giving graduates a distinctive profile for work in law, public policy and international sectors.