Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a unique double degree that combines rigorous legal education with in-depth theological and ethical study. It is designed for students who are interested in law, ethics, religion, social justice, and public life, and who want to understand how legal systems interact with moral, philosophical, and spiritual frameworks. Campus Location: North Sydney Campus, New South Wales, placing students close to Sydney’s legal district, courts, government institutions, and major professional organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both law and theology. Law units include Legal Foundations, Australian Legal System and Methods, and Contracts Law, introducing students to legal reasoning and the structure of the Australian legal system. Theology studies begin with Introduction to Theology and Biblical Studies, helping students explore core religious texts, traditions, and theological thinking.

Year 2

The second year deepens legal knowledge through subjects such as Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, and Torts, which develop understanding of legal responsibility, government power, and civil obligations. In theology, students study Christian Ethics, Church History, and Theological Anthropology, exploring moral reasoning, historical development of religious thought, and human identity from a theological perspective.

Year 3

In the third year, students progress to more advanced legal areas including Administrative Law, Corporations Law, and Equity and Trusts, strengthening their understanding of regulatory systems and commercial law. Theology units such as Systematic Theology and Moral Theology encourage deeper reflection on ethical frameworks and applied religious thought in modern society.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on professional legal practice and advanced theological inquiry. Law units such as Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility prepare students for real-world legal practice. Theology studies continue with Contemporary Theology and Faith and Society, examining the role of religion in modern social, cultural, and legal contexts.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced law electives and practical legal studies, including Lawyers’ Practice and Advocacy, Advanced Legal Research, and Capstone Legal Project. Theology studies culminate in Theology Integration and Reflection, allowing students to critically integrate legal and theological perspectives in addressing complex ethical and social issues.

Focus Areas:

Legal Ethics, Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Theology, Moral Philosophy, Church History, Human Rights, Legal Practice, Religious Studies, Social Justice, Legal Research, Ethical Decision-Making.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills; analyse legal and theological frameworks; apply ethical and moral reasoning to legal issues; demonstrate professional legal practice capabilities; critically engage with social justice and religious perspectives; and communicate complex ideas effectively in legal and theological contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Law component is accredited by the relevant Australian legal admissions authorities, meeting academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia after completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Australian Catholic University is recognised globally for its strong emphasis on ethics, social justice, and graduate employability, consistently achieving strong graduate employment outcomes and industry engagement across its professional programs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to give students hands-on experience in both legal practice and theological inquiry, allowing them to apply ethical reasoning, legal analysis, and faith-informed perspectives to real-world issues. Students learn in a learning environment shaped by ACU’s strong tradition in ethics, social justice, and professional legal education, supported by modern law facilities, theological libraries, and industry-connected learning opportunities. This combination ensures graduates are not only academically strong but also professionally prepared for legal, pastoral, policy, and community leadership roles.

This program emphasizes practical learning through structured legal training, theological reflection, and community engagement:

ACU Law Moot Courts and Advocacy Training Rooms – Students participate in simulated court proceedings, developing courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and procedural law skills in realistic environments.
Pro Bono Legal Experience (80 hours) – Students undertake supervised legal work with community legal centres and justice organisations, gaining real client experience while contributing to access-to-justice initiatives.
Theology Learning and Research Spaces – Access to specialised theology libraries, research collections, and seminar spaces supporting study in scripture, ethics, moral theology, and religious traditions.
Work-Integrated Learning and Community Engagement – Opportunities to engage with legal and community organisations that align with ACU’s mission of social justice, including advocacy and outreach programs.
Legal Research Databases and Digital Tools – Students use professional legal research platforms such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and legal case databases, developing research and analytical skills used in legal practice.
Group-Based Legal and Ethical Projects – Collaborative assignments where students analyse case studies, legal problems, and ethical dilemmas from both legal and theological perspectives.
Access to ACU Law and Theology Libraries – Dedicated academic libraries provide specialist collections in law, theology, philosophy, and ethics, supporting advanced research and independent study.
Industry and Community Exposure – Partnerships with legal aid organisations and community legal services provide real-world insight into justice systems and ethical decision-making in practice.
Internships and Professional Pathway Opportunities – Students are supported in finding placements and practical experiences that align with legal practice, community work, and faith-based organisations.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws at Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares graduates for careers that combine legal expertise with deep ethical, moral, and theological understanding. This unique blend equips students to engage with complex questions of justice, morality, governance, and human dignity, making them well suited for roles such as Solicitor, Policy Adviser, Ethics Consultant, Community Legal Officer, and positions within faith-based organisations, NGOs, and public sector agencies. Graduates are particularly valued in environments where legal decision-making intersects with ethical leadership and social responsibility.

This strong career preparation is supported by several key advantages:

Excellent Graduate Employment Outcomes – ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, demonstrating strong industry alignment and a focus on professional readiness across disciplines.
Career Development Services – Students benefit from ACU’s dedicated employability support, including career counselling, mentoring programs, networking events, resume and interview workshops, internship guidance, and graduate employment preparation services.
Industry and Community Partnerships – ACU 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, offering students exposure to legal practice and community-based justice work.
Practical Pro Bono Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono legal experience, applying legal knowledge in real-world contexts while contributing to access-to-justice initiatives and developing professional legal skills.
Long-Term Professional Accreditation Value – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited and recognised by legal admission authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, meeting the academic requirements required for admission to legal practice after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, policy, ethics, and community-focused professions typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $105,000 per year, depending on role, sector, and experience level. Salaries increase significantly with legal admission, postgraduate qualifications, and professional experience.
Strong Ethical, Legal, and Community Pathways – Graduates are well prepared for careers in legal practice, policy development, ethics advisory roles, community legal services, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and faith-based or values-driven institutions.
Transferable Professional Skills – Students graduate with strong capabilities in legal analysis, ethical reasoning, theological reflection, communication, advocacy, research, and critical thinking, making them highly adaptable across legal, social, and community sectors.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Theology/Bachelor of Laws, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students interested in further legal specialisation may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as human rights law, ethics and law, constitutional law, or dispute resolution. The theology component also provides pathways into postgraduate study in theology, divinity, philosophy, ethics, pastoral studies, or religious education. Graduates interested in academic, research, or leadership roles can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, leading to opportunities in legal scholarship, ethical advisory roles, theological research, public policy, and senior positions in community, faith-based, and international organisations.