Bachelor of Laws

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws at The University of Notre Dame Australia is a professionally accredited degree designed for students who are passionate about justice, advocacy, and making a meaningful impact through the legal system. Through a combination of legal theory, practical skills training, and ethical decision-making, students develop the knowledge required for legal practice and a wide range of law-related careers. Campus Locations: Sydney Campus – Broadway, New South Wales; Fremantle Campus – Fremantle, Western Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in legal principles and research techniques. Subjects such as Legal Research & Writing, Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation, and Legal History introduce students to legal reasoning, statutory analysis, and the historical development of Australian law. Students also begin exploring criminal law through Criminal Law A and Criminal Law B.

Year 2

The second year focuses on core private law disciplines that underpin legal practice. Through units including Contract Law A, Contract Law B, and Torts A, students learn how legal obligations are created, enforced, and disputed, while developing their ability to analyse complex legal problems and apply legal principles to real-world scenarios.

Year 3

Students advance into public law and litigation-related studies while strengthening advocacy skills. Courses such as Advocacy, Constitutional Law, and Evidence provide practical experience in legal argumentation, courtroom procedure, and the operation of Australia's constitutional framework, alongside opportunities to undertake law electives aligned with personal interests.

Year 4

The final year prepares students for professional legal practice through advanced and applied legal studies. Units including Civil Procedure, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Commercial Practice & Ethics focus on dispute resolution, professional responsibility, and the practical realities of legal work, while elective options allow students to specialise in areas such as Human Rights Law, Family Law, Environmental Law, or Intellectual Property Law.

Focus Areas

Legal Research and Writing, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Tort Law, Property Law, Constitutional Law, Advocacy, Evidence, Civil Procedure, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Practice and Ethics, Legal Philosophy, Professional Responsibility.

Learning Outcomes

Develop professional legal communication skills; conduct independent legal research; analyse and resolve complex legal problems; apply legal principles across diverse contexts; demonstrate ethical and socially responsible decision-making; work effectively in professional teams; engage in lifelong learning and professional development; contribute to social justice initiatives and community legal service.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws is accredited in accordance with the requirements administered by the Legal Profession Admission Board (New South Wales) and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia, providing the academic qualification required for progression toward legal admission in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Notre Dame's law curriculum has been developed with input from leading judges, senior barristers, solicitors, and legal professionals. The University highlights very high graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes, supported by practical learning opportunities including legal clinics, internships, mentoring programs, courtroom visits, and mooting competitions.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws at The University of Notre Dame Australia (Sydney Campus) is designed to give students practical exposure to the legal profession from the beginning of their studies. Beyond learning legal theory, students develop advocacy, negotiation, legal research, and professional communication skills through real-world experiences, mentorship opportunities, courtroom engagement, and industry-focused activities. The program was developed in consultation with judges, senior barristers, and solicitors to ensure graduates are prepared for contemporary legal practice.

Students are encouraged to apply their knowledge in authentic legal settings throughout the degree, creating a strong bridge between classroom learning and professional practice:

Legal Clinic opportunities that allow students to experience law in practice and develop professional legal skills through practical engagement.
Mooting and advocacy programs where students build courtroom presentation, legal argumentation, and dispute-resolution skills in simulated legal environments.
Mentorship Program connecting students with judges, government lawyers, parliamentarians, senior barristers, and law firm partners who provide career guidance and professional insights.
Courtroom visits that expose students to the operation of the Australian legal system and professional court procedures.
Internship opportunities that enable students to gain industry experience and strengthen their professional networks before graduation.
Law in Context (Externships) elective, which incorporates work experience into the academic curriculum and allows students to apply legal knowledge in professional settings.
Eminent Speakers Series, featuring leading legal professionals and experts discussing contemporary legal and professional issues.
Small-class learning environment, supporting active participation, public speaking development, advocacy exercises, and alternative dispute resolution practice.
Access to extensive legal research resources, law databases, digital library collections, and academic support services through the University's library network.
Opportunities to participate in study abroad, international experiences, professional placements, and global engagement activities that broaden legal and cultural perspectives.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws at The University of Notre Dame Australia develop the legal knowledge, ethical foundation, and practical skills needed to succeed in a wide range of legal and professional careers. The program emphasises critical thinking, advocacy, legal research, and professional responsibility, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions across the legal profession and beyond. Typical career paths include: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Advisor, and Policy Officer.

University Services: Notre Dame's Career and Employability team supports students through career planning, resume and interview workshops, networking events, employer engagement activities, and professional development opportunities designed to enhance graduate employability.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Law graduates in Australia typically achieve median salary ranges of approximately AUD $75,000 – $140,000, with earnings increasing significantly through professional admission, experience, and specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from strong links with law firms, courts, legal practitioners, government departments, community legal centres, and professional legal organisations, supporting practical learning and industry engagement.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws provides the accredited academic qualification required for progression toward legal admission in Australia, ensuring lasting professional recognition and career flexibility.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with advanced legal analysis, research, advocacy, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across legal, corporate, and public sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the Bachelor of Laws, graduates may undertake a Practical Legal Training (PLT) program to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students can also pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), specialised legal master's degrees, or higher research programs including a PhD, enabling further specialisation in areas such as commercial law, international law, human rights law, public policy, or legal research.