Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

The combined Bachelor of Human Rights and Bachelor of Laws brings together core legal subjects with interdisciplinary human rights study. Law components cover the foundational areas required for legal practice including contract law, torts, criminal law, constitutional and administrative law, property, evidence, civil procedure and legal research and writing. Advanced and elective law subjects often include commercial and corporations law, family law, dispute resolution and professional responsibility.

• Human rights and social justice topics: human rights theory, international human rights law, refugee and migration law, indigenous rights, gender and sexuality, transitional justice and public policy approaches to rights protection.
• Clinical and practical learning: clinical legal education, mooting and advocacy, placement or internship opportunities with community legal centres, NGOs, government agencies and human rights organisations.
• Capstone and research: opportunities for an honours-style project or capstone research in human rights or applied legal research, depending on elective choices and campus offerings.

The degree is structured so students complete the prescribed law sequence required for an undergraduate law qualification alongside specialised human rights units. Cross-crediting and elective choices allow students to tailor study towards litigation and practice, policy and advocacy, or international human rights work.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to have completed secondary school or an equivalent qualification with a competitive entry rank, or to hold recognised tertiary qualifications for alternative entry. Mature-age applicants and those with relevant work experience may be considered through ACU's alternative pathways.

• Academic requirements: completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with sufficient results to meet ACU entry thresholds, or an approved tertiary or bridging program.
• English language proficiency: demonstrated competence in academic English is required for domestic and international applicants; international students must meet ACU's English language requirements through an accepted test or prior study in English.
• Other considerations: selection may take into account personal statements, referees or interviews where specified; prior study in humanities, social sciences or legal studies can be helpful but is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a combination of legal qualification and specialised knowledge in human rights, making them suitable for a broad range of careers. Common pathways include:

• Admission to legal practice (following the required practical legal training) and careers as solicitors, barristers, in-house counsel or public defenders.
• Roles in non-government organisations, community legal centres, and human rights advocacy bodies focusing on policy, litigation support and program delivery.
• Employment in government departments, regulatory agencies, human rights commissions and international organisations on policy, compliance and treaty implementation work.
• Positions in corporate social responsibility, compliance and ethical governance where human rights frameworks are applied to business practice.
• Further study and research opportunities in human rights law, public policy or related postgraduate qualifications.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises a values-driven education with a strong focus on social justice, ethics and community engagement, making it a natural fit for students interested in human rights and public interest law. The university offers practical learning experiences including clinical legal education, placements and opportunities to engage with community partners and advocacy organisations.

• Practical focus: integrated clinical programs, mooting and internships that build workplace-ready legal and advocacy skills.
• Supportive learning environment: small-group tutorials, academic support services and opportunities for one-on-one supervision in research projects.
• Flexible pathways: multiple campus delivery and exchange options, plus pathways for mature-age students and those with prior study or experience.
• Graduate outcomes: preparation for both legal practice and human rights-focused careers across the public, private and non-profit sectors.