Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together a humanities major in Western Civilisation with the core professional curriculum required for an honours law degree. You will study the ideas, texts and institutions that have shaped Western political, legal and cultural traditions alongside foundational and advanced legal subjects.

• Western Civilisation / Arts component: introductory and survey units in ancient, medieval and modern Western history; courses in political thought and intellectual history; literature and cultural studies; philosophy (including ethics and political philosophy); elective studies in classical languages, art history and religious studies.
• Law component (LLB Honours): core legal subjects such as constitutional law, contract, tort, criminal law, property, administrative law and equity; civil procedure and professional practice; evidence and criminal procedure; statutory interpretation and comparative public law.
• Skills and practice: legal research and writing, advocacy and mooting, negotiation and client interviewing, plus experiential placements. The honours pathway typically requires completion of an advanced research project or thesis in law, demonstrating capacity for independent legal research.
• Capstone and electives: interdisciplinary capstones that integrate humanities perspectives with law, electives allowing deeper focus on topics such as human rights, legal history, jurisprudence, public policy or international law.

Entry requirements

Admission to this double degree normally requires successful completion of secondary education or equivalent, meeting the university's minimum academic entry standard and English language proficiency. Applicants are considered on the basis of their secondary school results (or recognised tertiary study), and may be required to meet specific prerequisites or selection criteria for law.

• Domestic applicants: an ATAR-equivalent score or recognised alternative qualification as specified by the university;
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualifications and demonstrated English language competence via an approved test or prior study in English;
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be invited to provide a personal statement, referee reports or attend an interview; a clear criminal history check or declaration may be required for professional placement components.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with the professional legal qualifications required for admission to legal practice (subject to meeting the jurisdictional requirements for practical legal training and admission) alongside broad skills in critical thinking, writing and cultural literacy from the Western Civilisation major.

• Direct legal careers: solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel, legal adviser or roles in litigation, commercial law, family law and criminal law (following completion of required practical legal training and admission processes).
• Policy and government: policy adviser, legislative analyst, public servant or roles in regulatory bodies where knowledge of legal frameworks and historical/political context is valued.
• Broader opportunities: careers in journalism, publishing, education, heritage and cultural institutions, non-government organisations, and consultancy where strong research, communication and ethical reasoning skills are required.
• Further study: pathways to postgraduate legal specialisations, research degrees, or master’s programs in public policy, international relations, humanities or legal practice.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises a values-based and student-centred approach to learning, combining a humanities perspective with rigorous professional legal education. The university offers small-group teaching, supportive academic services and a focus on ethical and socially engaged practice.

• Practical learning: opportunities for experiential education such as mooting, simulated legal practice, placements and pro bono or community legal projects that build workplace-ready skills.
• Interdisciplinary strengths: the combination of Western Civilisation study and law encourages historical awareness and ethical reflection, enriching legal reasoning and policy analysis.
• Student support and development: dedicated academic and careers support, mentoring programs and extracurricular activities including law societies and public lecture series.
• National network: multiple campus locations provide access to legal and cultural institutions, industry connections and internship possibilities across cities and regions.