Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is an accelerated law degree designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in another discipline and want to transition into the legal profession. The program develops advanced legal knowledge, advocacy skills, ethical reasoning, and practical legal expertise while providing opportunities to engage with social justice initiatives and real-world legal experiences. Campus Locations: Melbourne (Victoria), North Sydney (New South Wales), and Brisbane (Queensland).

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students establish a strong foundation in legal principles and the Australian legal system. Core units such as Legal Research and Writing, Legal Institutions and Method, and Contract Law introduce students to legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, legal communication, and the operation of Australian law. Students also begin exploring public law concepts through subjects including Constitutional Law.

Year 2

The second year focuses on expanding legal knowledge across major areas of professional practice. Students study subjects such as Criminal Law and Procedure, Administrative Law, and Torts, examining legal responsibility, government decision-making, and civil liability. They also develop deeper analytical skills through advanced legal research and case analysis.

Year 3

In the final year, students engage with complex and specialised areas of law while preparing for professional practice. Units including Corporations Law, Equity and Trusts, and Professional Ethics strengthen students' understanding of commercial regulation, fiduciary obligations, and professional responsibilities. Students also complete practical learning experiences and the university's distinctive pro bono placement program, applying legal knowledge in community and professional settings.

Focus Areas:

Australian Legal System, Contract Law, Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Corporate Law, Equity and Trusts, Professional Ethics, Legal Research, Advocacy, Social Justice, Human Rights, Dispute Resolution.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal research and analytical skills; interpret and apply legislation and case law; communicate legal arguments effectively; evaluate complex legal issues using ethical and professional frameworks; advocate for clients and communities; and apply legal knowledge in practical and socially responsible contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The degree is accredited by the relevant legal admission authorities and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. Graduates can proceed to Practical Legal Training (PLT) as the next step toward becoming an Australian legal practitioner.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, reflecting strong graduate outcomes and employer confidence in ACU qualifications. The university is also ranked among the Top 10 Catholic universities globally and the Top 40 young universities worldwide, highlighting its growing international reputation and commitment to graduate success.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to ensure students develop practical legal skills alongside their academic studies. A standout feature of the program is its strong emphasis on community engagement and real-world legal practice, allowing students to apply legal knowledge in professional environments while contributing to social justice initiatives. Through pro bono work, community legal engagement, legal research training, and interaction with industry partners, students gain firsthand experience of how the law operates in practice and how lawyers serve clients and communities.

This practical approach is supported by a range of experiential learning opportunities and facilities:

80 Hours of Pro Bono Professional Experience – Students complete a minimum of 80 hours of pro bono placement after their first year, working on real legal activities that support disadvantaged and marginalised communities while gaining valuable workplace experience.
Community Legal Engagement Program – The compulsory unit LAWS213 Community Legal Engagement: Pro Bono allows students to engage directly with legal and social justice issues while developing professional legal skills and ethical awareness.
Industry Partner Placements – Students may undertake pro bono activities with ACU's legal and community partners, including AED Legal, JobWatch, Knowmore Legal Service, Refugee Legal, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Justice Reform Initiative, and the Young Workers Centre. These partnerships provide authentic legal workplace exposure and networking opportunities.
Practical Legal Research Training – From the first semester, students develop professional legal research skills through units such as Foundations of Law and Legal Research, learning how to locate, analyse, and apply legal authorities and case law.
Advocacy and Mooting Opportunities – Students can strengthen advocacy and courtroom communication skills through elective opportunities such as Advocacy and The Philip C Jessup Moot Seminar, exposing them to simulated legal proceedings and international legal problem-solving.
International Learning Opportunities – ACU law students can access a range of international experiences and global engagement opportunities during their studies, helping them develop broader legal and cultural perspectives.
Law Library Resources and Legal Databases – Students have access to ACU Library collections, specialist law resources, legal journals, online databases, and research materials that support legal scholarship and professional research skills.
Collaborative Learning Environment – Many law units involve case analysis, legal problem-solving exercises, group discussions, and practical legal scenarios that mirror professional legal practice.
Professional Ethics and Social Justice Focus – Practical experiences encourage students to reflect on collaboration, equality, mutual respect, professional ethics, and the role of law in addressing social justice issues.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed for graduates who want to fast-track their pathway into the legal profession while developing a strong foundation in ethics, social justice, and legal practice. Graduates gain advanced skills in legal analysis, advocacy, research, negotiation, and critical thinking, preparing them for careers as Solicitors, Barristers, Legal Advisers, Policy Officers, and professionals within government, regulatory, and corporate sectors. The accelerated structure allows students to achieve a professionally recognised law qualification in just three years while benefiting from ACU's strong industry connections and practical learning opportunities.

This strong career preparation is supported by several key advantages:

Outstanding Graduate Employment Outcomes – ACU reports that 95% of its graduates are employed, demonstrating the university's strong focus on employability, industry engagement, and career readiness.
Career Development Services – Students have access to ACU's dedicated career support services, including professional mentoring, employability workshops, networking events, career consultations, resume and interview coaching, internship guidance, and graduate recruitment support.
Industry Partnerships and Professional Networks – ACU Law collaborates with organisations such as AED Legal, JobWatch, Knowmore Legal Service, Refugee Legal, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Justice Reform Initiative, and Young Workers Centre, providing students with valuable industry exposure and networking opportunities.
Practical Pro Bono Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono legal experience, allowing them to apply legal knowledge in real-world settings while contributing to community-based legal initiatives and developing professional skills.
Professional Accreditation – The degree is accredited and recognised by legal admission authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, satisfying the academic requirements necessary for admission to legal practice following the completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal and law-related professions typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on their area of practice, employer, and location. Earnings generally increase significantly after admission to legal practice and with professional experience.
Highly Transferable Professional Skills – Graduates develop expertise in legal reasoning, advocacy, dispute resolution, communication, ethical decision-making, policy analysis, and complex problem-solving, making them attractive to employers across multiple industries.
Broad Graduate Outcomes – In addition to traditional legal careers, graduates are well positioned for opportunities in government administration, public policy, compliance, corporate governance, international organisations, human rights advocacy, and regulatory agencies.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to meet the practical requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Those seeking further specialisation may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as commercial law, international law, human rights law, dispute resolution, environmental law, or taxation law. Graduates interested in research, academia, or policy development can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs in law and related disciplines. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate studies in public policy, governance, international relations, business administration, and leadership, supporting long-term career advancement across legal and professional sectors.