Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Charles Darwin University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Charles Darwin University is an accelerated three-year degree designed for students who already hold a recognised bachelor's degree and want to transition into a legal career. Students develop a strong foundation in Australian legal systems, legal research, advocacy, and problem-solving while also exploring transnational law, comparative law, and legal issues of particular significance to the Northern Territory and Indigenous communities. Campus Location: Danala – Education and Community Precinct, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build essential legal foundations and learn how legal systems operate in practice. Core units such as LWZ115 Legal Process, LWZ114 Criminal Law, and LWZ118 Contracts introduce students to legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, criminal responsibility, and contractual relationships. Students also begin exploring specialist electives that allow them to broaden their understanding of legal contexts and contemporary issues.

Year 2

The second year focuses on the legal principles that underpin Australia's constitutional and property frameworks. Through units such as LWZ210 Equity, LWZ223 Property Law, and LWZ204 Constitutional Law, students examine rights, obligations, ownership structures, and the relationship between governments and citizens. Elective studies provide opportunities to explore areas such as Human Rights Law, Comparative Legal Systems, and Environmental and Planning Law.

Year 3

In the final year, students develop advanced legal expertise and prepare for professional practice. Core units including LWZ304 Administrative Law, LWZ315 Corporations Law, and LWZ316 Evidence strengthen students' ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply legal principles in professional settings. Students also complete advanced electives such as Legal Clinic, Moot Court, Research Paper, or Public International Law, gaining practical and research-oriented experience before graduation.

Focus Areas

Australian Legal Systems, Criminal Law, Contracts, Constitutional Law, Property Law, Equity and Trusts, Administrative Law, Corporations Law, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Professional Responsibility, Transnational Law, Comparative Law, Human Rights Law, Indigenous Legal Issues, International Law, Legal Research and Advocacy.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to analyse and solve legal problems, conduct sophisticated legal research, communicate legal arguments effectively, apply ethical and professional standards, interpret legislation and case law, and evaluate legal issues from both domestic and international perspectives. Students also develop critical thinking, advocacy, negotiation, and professional communication skills required for legal and policy-related careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admission Board of the Northern Territory and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. Graduates can progress to Practical Legal Training and pursue admission as a legal practitioner anywhere in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Charles Darwin University is recognised as a strong performer in legal education and graduate outcomes. CDU is ranked #4 in Australia for Law and Paralegal Employment Outcomes (Good Universities Guide 2024) and has achieved a Five-Star rating for Graduate Employment Outcomes, highlighting the strong employability of its graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Charles Darwin University is designed to move beyond legal theory and immerse students in authentic legal practice. Throughout the program, students develop practical skills in legal research, advocacy, negotiation, problem-solving, and professional communication while engaging with contemporary legal issues relevant to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. CDU’s flexible learning environment combines academic rigour with hands-on experiences, allowing students to apply legal concepts to real-world scenarios and build the competencies expected by the legal profession.

This practical, career-focused approach is strengthened through a range of experiential learning opportunities and specialised resources:

Legal Clinic (LWA298): Students can enrol in CDU’s Legal Clinic elective, gaining practical exposure to real legal matters and client-focused legal work under professional guidance. This provides valuable experience in legal practice and professional responsibility.
Moot Court Program (LWA322): Students can participate in Moot Court, where they develop courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, oral presentation, and case preparation skills by simulating real court proceedings.
Research-Based Learning: Through units such as Research Paper (LWA317), students undertake independent legal research projects, strengthening their analytical, writing, and legal reasoning skills while investigating complex legal issues.
Digital Learning Platform: Students have 24/7 access to CDU’s online learning environment, including recorded lectures, online tutorial support, digital learning resources, and legal research materials. This allows students to develop digital literacy and independent learning skills essential for modern legal practice.
Professional Development Opportunities: CDU law students have opportunities to attend professional development events involving lawyers, judges, and legal officers, providing insights into legal careers and helping students build professional networks within the legal sector.
Specialist Legal Electives: Students can apply their learning through practical electives including Dispute Resolution, Human Rights Law, Environmental and Planning Law, Conveyancing Law, Resources and Energy Law, and Indigenous Peoples and the Legal System, exposing them to specialised areas of legal practice.
Focus on Indigenous and Northern Territory Legal Issues: The curriculum incorporates Aboriginal legal issues, customary law, and intercultural perspectives, giving students exposure to legal challenges unique to Northern Australia and enhancing their cultural competency.
Library and Research Resources: Students have access to CDU Library services, digital legal databases, academic journals, research support services, and extensive online legal resources that support advanced legal research and case analysis.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at Charles Darwin University is designed for students who already hold a recognised bachelor’s degree and want to transition into the legal profession through an accelerated pathway. The program combines rigorous legal training with practical, industry-focused learning, enabling graduates to enter the workforce with highly sought-after analytical, advocacy, and problem-solving skills. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Lawyers, Legal Officers, Policy Advisors, and Corporate Compliance Managers, with opportunities across government, private practice, community organisations, and business sectors.

This strong career foundation is supported by:

Dedicated employability support: CDU provides students with access to career planning services, professional mentoring opportunities, networking events, employability workshops, and personalised career guidance. Students can also receive support with job applications, interview preparation, and professional development throughout their studies.
Industry partnerships and practical experience: The law program maintains strong relationships with the Northern Territory legal profession, including local courts, legal aid services, government departments, community legal centres, and private law firms. These connections help students gain valuable professional exposure and develop industry networks before graduation.
Employment outcomes and salary potential: Graduates are well positioned for careers in legal practice, public administration, policy development, compliance, and corporate governance. Early-career salaries typically range from approximately AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year, with a median salary of around AUD $80,000 annually, depending on the employer, location, and area of legal practice. Career earnings often increase significantly as graduates gain professional experience and specialised expertise.
Long-term accreditation value: The degree satisfies the academic requirements prescribed by the Legal Admissions Committee of the Northern Territory for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT) and other admission requirements. This professional recognition provides graduates with a pathway to legal careers throughout Australia.
Strong graduate outcomes: Graduates develop advanced legal research, advocacy, communication, negotiation, and critical thinking skills that are highly transferable across legal and non-legal professions. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for careers in government, policy, regulatory affairs, business management, and community advocacy.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry), graduates can continue their professional and academic development through a variety of postgraduate pathways. Students intending to practise law can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) before applying for admission as a legal practitioner. Graduates may also pursue advanced qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, Master of Public Policy, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or research-based master's and doctoral degrees. These postgraduate options allow graduates to specialise in areas such as commercial law, international law, environmental law, Indigenous legal issues, dispute resolution, or public policy, supporting progression into senior professional, leadership, research, and academic roles.