Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology

The University of Notre Dame Australia is one of two universities in Australia which offers this double degree in Law and Theology. The increasingly complex relationship between law and religion and contemporary challenges to religious freedoms make this a particularly valuable degree combination. Graduates may pursue a wide range of career options in law, business, politics and academia. The NSW Legal Profession Admission Board fully accredits your law degree. The Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Theology explores the increasingly complex relationship between the law and religion, religious freedom, and religious conflict. As a Catholic University, theology holds a central place in the life and mission of The University of Notre Dame Australia. By studying theology and various research methodologies, you will develop the skills to critically examine Scripture and Christian Tradition, thereby improving your understanding of the Catholic faith within a legal framework.

The Bachelor of Laws, meanwhile, focuses on the practical application of legal and ethical principles. This degree focuses on the basic building blocks of the law (the so-called “Priestley” subjects) and on developing practical skills such as public speaking, advocacy, alternative dispute resolution and commercial practice skills. Through our mentoring and internship programs, students have many opportunities to experience the law in practice. All of our academics have substantial experience in legal practice (either as solicitors, law experts, barristers or judges) in Australia or overseas. This allows each student to learn legal principles and how they apply them in legal practice. Graduates of this double degree program can work as a solicitor in private practice, become a barrister, join a corporation or not-for-profit organisation as an in-house solicitor, work in the courts as a judge’s associate or enter academia.

Sydney Entry Requirements

Applicants with recent Secondary Education

HSC Performance Band Results with a Band 5 in English, a minimum average of Bands 5s and an overall minimum average HSC mark of 80% in HSC Category A Courses (or Interstate equivalent). Applicants must be eligible for an ATAR or OP; or

Minimum International Baccalaureate (IB) score of 31.

Applicants with Higher Education Study

Other University Studies completed at undergraduate level or higher. A minimum number of 4 subjects with a high credit average is required.

Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the program of study, may be eligible for Advanced Standing.

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

Completed AQF Diploma or higher in a relevant discipline, from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

Applicants with relevant work and life experience who left secondary education more than two years ago and have not undertaken VET or higher education study since then may seek admission on the basis of:

Their experience. ‘Experience’ could include a combination of factors sufficient to demonstrate readiness for higher education. These include Mature Age entry and relevant professional experience particularly in a legal context such as paralegal, legal clerk, tipstaff, alternative dispute resolution, law enforcement, relevant social work or legal secretarial work. Work experience and community involvement involving commercial business practice, caring for others, working in religious activities, social welfare or social justice activities will also be considered. Evidence must be provided as to the type and duration of relevant employment or community involvement (more than two years). The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) may be required.

STAT – Scores of 160 in the Multiple Choice and Written English sections are required.

Higher School Certificate (HSC) (or equivalent) results if these have been completed within the last 5 years.