Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) provides a comprehensive coverage of core legal subjects together with advanced and elective options that allow you to specialise. Core study areas typically include Legal Method and Ethics, Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property, Administrative Law, Evidence and Civil Procedure. You will also study commercial and regulatory topics such as Corporations Law, Taxation, Commercial Law and Family Law, alongside public law subjects like Human Rights, Administrative Law and Indigenous and Social Justice law.

The honours component requires higher-level research and an extended honours thesis or capstone research project, demonstrating advanced understanding and independent legal research skills. Practical learning is embedded through legal skills subjects — legal research and writing, negotiation, advocacy and drafting — and through clinical legal education, simulated court exercises (mooting), pro bono opportunities and workplace placements with law firms, courts or community legal centres.

• Core legal foundations (Contracts, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property)
• Professional practice and ethics (Legal Ethics, Evidence, Civil Procedure)
• Advanced electives (Commercial Law, Corporations, Taxation, Family Law, Environmental Law, Human Rights)
• Honours research project or thesis demonstrating independent scholarship
• Clinical placements, mooting and experiential skills training

Entry requirements

Admission is typically based on successful completion of secondary school (or recognised equivalent) with an appropriate selection rank or ATAR-equivalent score, along with demonstrated proficiency in English. Mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study or relevant work experience may be considered through alternative admission pathways.

Some applicants may be required to submit a personal statement or attend an interview as part of a holistic assessment process. International applicants must meet ACU's English language requirements and provide certified academic transcripts. Meeting minimum entry criteria does not guarantee a place, as offers are made on a competitive basis.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) are prepared for a wide range of legal and non-legal careers. Typical pathways include admission to practice as a solicitor or barrister (upon completion of any required practical legal training and state/territory admission requirements), roles in government and regulatory agencies, corporate legal teams, compliance and risk roles, policy and legislative advising, and positions with non-government organisations and community legal centres.

Beyond traditional legal practice, law graduates frequently move into careers in public policy, dispute resolution, academia and research, human rights and advocacy, and senior management roles where legal, analytical and ethical reasoning are valued. The honours component is particularly beneficial for graduates intending to pursue higher research degrees or academic careers.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises a values-based legal education with a focus on social justice, professional ethics and community engagement. The program integrates practical experiential learning — including clinical placements, mooting and advocacy training — to develop job-ready skills and professional confidence.

Students benefit from smaller class sizes, supportive academic staff, and opportunities to engage with community legal services and pro bono work. ACU’s law curriculum is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australian jurisdictions (subject to local admission rules and completion of practical legal training), while also encouraging critical thinking, ethical practice and service-oriented leadership.