Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at The University of Notre Dame Australia is an accelerated law degree designed for graduates who already hold a bachelor's degree in any discipline and want to qualify for a legal career in just three years of intensive study. Campus Location: Sydney Campus – Chippendale, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Students develop strong legal knowledge, practical professional skills, and ethical decision-making capabilities through a curriculum designed in collaboration with judges, barristers, and solicitors, alongside opportunities such as legal clinics, mooting, mentoring, and internships.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year builds the foundations of legal knowledge and legal reasoning. Students develop essential legal research and writing skills through subjects such as Legal Research and Writing, Legal Process and Statutory Interpretation, and core law areas including Criminal Law A & B, Contract Law A & B, and Torts A & B. These units introduce students to the Australian legal system while strengthening analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Year 2
In the second year, students deepen their understanding of public and private law while developing advocacy and courtroom skills. Subjects including Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Property Law A & B, Equity, Trusts, Evidence, and Administrative Law provide a comprehensive understanding of legal principles governing individuals, businesses, and government institutions. Students also begin applying legal theory to complex practical scenarios.

Year 3
The final year focuses on advanced legal practice and professional readiness. Through subjects such as Civil Procedure, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Commercial Practice and Ethics, Remedies, and Legal Philosophy, students refine their legal judgment and professional conduct. Elective options including Human Rights Law, Environmental Law, Family Law, Commercial Law, and Intellectual Property Law allow students to tailor the degree to their career interests while gaining industry-relevant expertise.

Focus Areas: Legal research and writing, criminal law, contract law, torts, constitutional law, property law, evidence, advocacy, dispute resolution, commercial law, ethics, legal philosophy, human rights, environmental law, intellectual property law.

Learning Outcomes: Professional legal communication, legal problem-solving, legal research competency, application of legal principles across diverse contexts, ethical decision-making, teamwork and collaboration, social justice advocacy, independent learning, professional presentation skills, and critical evaluation of legal evidence and sources.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The program is fully accredited under the requirements of the Legal Profession Admission Board in New South Wales and the Legal Practice Board of Western Australia. Graduates who complete an approved Practical Legal Training (PLT) program are eligible to apply for admission as legal practitioners in Australian jurisdictions.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Notre Dame Australia received 5-star ratings for Full-Time Employment, Skills Development, and Student-Teacher Ratio in the Good Universities Guide 2026. The School of Law highlights strong graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes supported by its practical and profession-focused curriculum.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at The University of Notre Dame Australia is designed to immerse students in the realities of legal practice from the beginning of their studies. Rather than focusing solely on legal theory, the program integrates practical skill development through advocacy exercises, legal research, negotiation training, alternative dispute resolution activities, and exposure to professional legal environments. Students learn from academics and legal practitioners while developing the professional competencies required for contemporary legal careers. As a result, graduates gain hands-on experience and industry awareness throughout the degree:

Legal Clinic: Students have opportunities to engage with Notre Dame's Legal Clinic, gaining exposure to real legal matters and community-focused legal service activities.
Mooting Programs: Regular mooting activities allow students to develop courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and public speaking skills in simulated legal proceedings.
Mentoring Program: Students can connect with experienced legal professionals through structured mentoring opportunities that provide career guidance and industry insights.
Courtroom Visits: The program incorporates courtroom visits, enabling students to observe legal proceedings and understand the practical operation of the justice system.
Internship Opportunities: Internship programs provide valuable professional exposure and help students build practical workplace experience before graduation.
Advocacy and Negotiation Training: Dedicated subjects and practical exercises help students strengthen advocacy, negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution capabilities.
Law Competitions: Students are encouraged to participate in legal competitions that develop research, teamwork, advocacy, and analytical skills.
Law in Context (Externships): The elective Law in Context includes work-experience-based learning, allowing students to apply legal knowledge in professional settings.
Eminent Speakers Series: Students regularly engage with judges, barristers, solicitors, and legal experts who discuss contemporary legal issues and professional practice.
Legal Research Resources and Library Services: Students have access to extensive legal databases, research materials, academic support services, and specialised law collections that support advanced legal research and case analysis.
Global Experiences: International study tours, exchange opportunities, professional placements, and cross-cultural learning experiences allow students to broaden their understanding of global legal systems.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws (Graduate Entry) at The University of Notre Dame Australia gain a professionally recognised legal qualification in an accelerated format designed for students who already hold a prior degree. The program develops advanced legal reasoning, advocacy, negotiation, and research skills, preparing graduates to pursue leadership roles within the legal profession and related industries. Typical career paths include: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Counsel, and Policy Advisor.

Career Opportunities: With a strong foundation in Australian law and professional ethics, graduates are well positioned to work across legal practice, government, corporate organisations, regulatory agencies, and community legal services.

University Services: Notre Dame’s Career and Employability team provides personalised career coaching, professional networking opportunities, employer engagement events, resume and interview preparation, and guidance on securing internships and graduate positions.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates entering legal professions in Australia typically earn median salary ranges of approximately AUD $75,000 – $140,000, with earning potential increasing through admission to practice, experience, and legal specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from strong industry connections with legal practitioners, law firms, courts, government agencies, community legal centres, and professional legal bodies, helping bridge the gap between study and employment.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The degree provides the accredited academic qualification required for progression toward admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, offering long-term professional recognition nationally and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with highly transferable skills in legal analysis, advocacy, research, communication, ethical decision-making, and dispute resolution, making them competitive candidates across a range of professional sectors.

Further Academic Progression:
Upon completion, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to satisfy the practical requirements for admission as a lawyer in Australia. Additional study pathways include a Master of Laws (LLM), specialised postgraduate legal qualifications, or research degrees such as a PhD, enabling further expertise in areas including commercial law, international law, public policy, dispute resolution, and legal scholarship.