Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together core legal subjects and a chosen arts major. The law component covers foundational and advanced areas of law, legal method and professional practice. The arts component allows you to specialise in one or more disciplines such as Criminology, International Studies, Philosophy, History, Languages, Psychology, or Communication.

• Core law subjects: Contract Law, Torts, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Property Law, Administrative Law, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Legal Research and Writing, Ethics and Professional Responsibility.
• Advanced law / honours: Legal Theory, Comparative Law, Public Law electives, specialised electives (for example, Family Law, Commercial Law or Environmental Law), an honours research thesis or project in law and advanced legal research training.
• Arts major examples: Criminology and Justice, International Relations, Philosophy, History, Languages, Media and Communication, or Psychology. Study options include disciplinary core units plus themed electives.
• Practical learning: Mooting and advocacy, clinical legal placement or community legal service work, internship opportunities and guided research projects.

The programme emphasises critical thinking, research skills and communication. Assessment typically includes essays, case analyses, examinations, oral advocacy and an honours thesis or capstone project in the law component.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and normally requires successful completion of secondary school or an approved equivalent. Applicants are assessed on academic achievement and, where applicable, on performance in recognised tertiary admissions tests or interviews used by the university.

• Academic qualifications: A secondary school credential or recognised equivalent that meets the university's standard for admission to undergraduate study.
• Prerequisites and assumed knowledge: There are generally no mandatory subject prerequisites for law, but demonstrated competence in English is required and evidence of strong written and critical reasoning skills is advantageous.
• English language proficiency: International applicants must satisfy ACU's English language requirements through recognised tests or equivalent qualifications.
• Honours eligibility: Admission to the honours component in law typically requires a high standard of academic performance in the law subjects during the undergraduate period.

Career prospects

Graduates combine legal knowledge with disciplinary breadth from the arts, making them attractive to a wide range of employers. Typical career pathways include:

• Legal practice: Solicitor or barrister after completing the required postgraduate practical legal training and admission processes.
• Government and policy: Policy officer, legislative adviser, regulatory roles at local, state/territory or federal levels.
• Justice and community services: Roles in policing, corrections, youth justice, community legal centres and non‑government organisations.
• Business and consulting: Compliance officer, in‑house legal roles, corporate governance, and advisory positions.
• Research and education: Further study at honours, masters or doctoral level leading to careers in academia, research institutions or secondary and tertiary education.

Many graduates pursue postgraduate practical legal training or specialised masters to meet professional admission requirements or to develop expertise in areas such as commercial law, human rights, environmental law or international law.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises values-driven education with a focus on social justice and community engagement, which is reflected in its law teaching and clinical programs. Small cohort teaching in many law units supports close interaction with academics and intensive skills development.

• Clinical and practical experience: Opportunities to gain hands-on experience through legal clinics, pro bono projects and workplace placements that connect classroom learning with community service.
• Interdisciplinary learning: The university’s structure supports cross-disciplinary study, enabling students to pair law with complementary arts majors that enhance career flexibility.
• Student support: Structured academic support, career services and pathways for practical legal training help students transition from study to practice.
• Campus access: ACU’s campuses in major Australian cities provide links to courts, legal firms, government agencies and NGOs for internships and networking.

Together, these features make the Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at ACU a good choice for students who want rigorous legal training coupled with a broad, humanities‑based perspective.