Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined program integrates the core professional law curriculum with a comprehensive philosophy programme. The law component covers foundational subjects required for an accredited law degree, while the philosophy component emphasises ethical theory, logic, and the history of ideas.

• Core law topics: contract law, torts, criminal law, property, constitutional and administrative law, evidence, legal method and legal research and writing.
• Professional and practice-focused units: practical legal skills, client interviewing and advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution. Clinical experiences and simulated practice are available through legal centres and practical skills subjects.
• Core philosophy topics: introductory philosophy, logic and critical thinking, ethics and moral philosophy, history of western philosophy, political philosophy and philosophy of law.
• Advanced and elective philosophy units: metaphysics, philosophy of mind, bioethics, applied ethics, philosophy of religion and specialised seminars in contemporary philosophical issues.
• Interdisciplinary and capstone work: opportunities to undertake cross-disciplinary subjects that connect legal theory and philosophical analysis, plus a research project or honours pathway for students who wish to pursue deeper academic research.

The typical structure is workload-balanced across both degrees so students progressively build legal competencies while developing the conceptual and argumentation skills of philosophy. Part-time and flexible study options may be available depending on campus and study mode.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and normally requires completion of secondary school qualifications (for domestic students, a comparable university entrance rank or equivalent). Applicants with prior tertiary study, relevant work experience, or vocational qualifications may be considered through alternative admission pathways. International applicants must meet ACU English language requirements (for example, through recognised tests or prior study in English).

There are no mandatory specific secondary school subjects for the philosophy component, but successful applicants typically demonstrate strong written communication and critical thinking skills. For the law component, some campuses may require a personal statement, interview or additional selection criteria; applicants should consult ACU admissions for the precise requirements applicable to their enrolment pathway.

Career prospects

Graduates from this combined degree are prepared for a wide range of careers where legal knowledge, ethical judgement and analytical reasoning are valued. Common career pathways include:

• Solicitor or barrister — upon completion of required professional accreditation or practical legal training, graduates may seek admission to practice law.
• Government and public policy roles — policy analyst, legislative advisor or regulatory lawyer in local, state or federal agencies.
• Corporate and in-house legal roles — compliance officer, contracts manager or corporate counsel (often following additional professional accreditation or experience).
• Human rights, community and non‑profit work — advocacy, program management, and legal support roles in NGOs and community legal centres.
• Ethics and advisory roles — bioethics committees, corporate ethics officers, or positions requiring specialist ethical analysis.
• Academic and research careers — further study (honours, masters, PhD) leading to teaching and research in law, philosophy or interdisciplinary fields.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises teaching that combines professional competence with ethical reflection and social justice — a close fit for students who want law training informed by philosophy. Small class sizes and supportive teaching mean students receive personalised feedback on legal skills and philosophical argumentation.

• Practical learning opportunities: access to legal clinics, simulated practice and placements that develop workplace-ready legal skills.
• Ethics and social justice focus: courses and extra‑curricular programs that foreground ethical reasoning and community engagement.
• Flexible delivery: a mix of on-campus and online study options across ACU campuses to suit different circumstances.
• Pathways to professional practice: an accredited law program that, when combined with required professional legal training, supports progression to legal admission; philosophy complements employability in a broad range of roles.

Prospective students should contact ACU for campus-specific information and advice on course planning, enrolment pathways and opportunities for honours or postgraduate progression.