Australian Catholic University

What you'll study

This combined degree brings together core commerce subjects and a full program of legal study with honours-level research or advanced coursework. Commerce study typically covers foundational topics such as financial accounting, management, marketing, economics and quantitative methods, alongside specialist streams you can choose from — for example accounting, finance, management, marketing or international business. Law components follow a progressive structure: foundational subjects (contract, torts, criminal law, property, constitutional law), followed by commercial and regulatory subjects (corporate law, commercial law, taxation, administrative law, evidence) and practical practice-oriented units (legal research and writing, advocacy and professional ethics).

The honours component in the law degree usually involves an advanced research project or specialised coursework in the final year, building skills in legal analysis, independent research and critical scholarship. Practical learning features across the program through mooting, negotiation exercises, simulated client work and placements or clinics that expose you to real-world legal and business problems.

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and typically requires completion of secondary education or an equivalent recognised qualification. Domestic applicants apply through the relevant state application centre and are assessed on their senior secondary results and any supplementary information. ACU also considers mature-age applicants and those with prior tertiary study or workplace experience.

Recommended preparation includes strong performance in English; mathematics or quantitative subjects are beneficial for the commerce component. International applicants must meet ACU’s English language requirements and provide certified academic transcripts. Prospective law students should be prepared for fitness-to-practise and character checks as part of later admission to legal practice.

Career prospects

Graduates leave with a versatile skill set valued in both commercial and legal workplaces. Common career paths include:

• Solicitor in private practice or in-house counsel roles within corporations
• Specialist commercial lawyer in areas such as corporate law, taxation, insolvency or compliance
• Regulatory or policy advisor in government agencies and industry bodies
• Business roles such as financial analyst, management consultant, compliance officer or corporate strategist
• Careers in accounting or finance, with pathways to professional accreditation where commerce majors align with required coursework
• Academic or research careers for those who pursue further study following the honours component

To practise as a lawyer in Australia graduates must complete an accredited practical legal training program and satisfy admission requirements of the relevant state or territory legal admissions board.

Why study at Australian Catholic University

ACU emphasises ethical practice and social responsibility across both business and law education, encouraging graduates to consider public interest, human rights and community impact alongside commercial objectives. The university offers small-class learning environments and support services aimed at developing professional skills, including legal clinics, internships and industry-linked projects that connect students with employers.

Students benefit from practical learning opportunities such as mooting, placement programs and clinical legal services, plus dedicated career and professional development support. The combined degree structure is designed to produce graduates who can navigate complex legal issues in commercial contexts and who are prepared for the formal steps required to enter the legal profession or pursue accredited business pathways.