Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy at The University of Notre Dame Australia combines professional legal education with deep philosophical inquiry, helping students develop exceptional analytical, ethical, and communication skills. Sydney Campus – 140 Broadway, Chippendale, New South Wales, Australia, offers an engaging learning environment for students who want to explore the foundations of law, justice, ethics, and human thought while preparing for a legal career.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in legal studies while beginning their philosophical journey. Core law subjects such as Legal Research & Writing, Legal History, and Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation introduce the Australian legal system, while Philosophy electives encourage critical reflection on human knowledge, ethics, and society.

Year 2

The second year focuses on essential private law principles and advanced philosophical thinking. Through subjects including Criminal Law A, Contract Law A, and Torts A, students learn how legal rules operate in practice, while additional Philosophy subjects strengthen their ability to analyse arguments and evaluate complex ideas.

Year 3

Students deepen their understanding of property rights and legal relationships while continuing philosophical exploration. Units such as Property Law A, Property Law B, and Philosophy electives help students connect legal concepts with broader questions about justice, ownership, and human responsibility.

Year 4

The fourth year develops advanced legal skills and professional capabilities. Students undertake subjects including Advocacy, Constitutional Law, and Administrative Law, learning how government institutions function while refining their argumentation, public speaking, and legal reasoning abilities.

Year 5

In the final year, students focus on professional practice and specialised legal knowledge. Courses such as Commercial Practice & Ethics, Public International Law, and Legal Philosophy integrate legal expertise with philosophical reflection, preparing graduates for professional legal practice and leadership roles.

Focus Areas

Legal Research, Legal Advocacy, Ethics and Justice, Political Philosophy, Legal Philosophy, Constitutional Law, Critical Thinking, Public International Law, Dispute Resolution, Professional Legal Practice.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced legal knowledge and research skills; critically analyse and resolve legal problems; communicate complex ideas effectively; apply ethical and socially responsible decision-making; evaluate philosophical arguments and concepts; conduct independent research; work collaboratively in diverse professional environments; and apply philosophical reflection to legal and societal issues.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws component is an accredited Australian law degree that satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, subject to completion of approved practical legal training requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Notre Dame's School of Law is recognised for its practical, professionally focused legal education, with the university highlighting very high graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes. The program is designed in consultation with experienced legal academics, legal practitioners, and members of the judiciary.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy at The University of Notre Dame Australia is designed to develop both practical legal capability and advanced critical thinking. Students engage in legal research, advocacy, dispute resolution, ethical analysis, and philosophical debate, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts to real-world legal and societal issues. Small class sizes and discussion-based learning encourage active participation, while exposure to experienced legal academics and practitioners helps students understand how legal principles operate in professional settings.

This practical and intellectual development is supported through a range of learning experiences and facilities, including:

Legal Research & Writing training that develops professional legal drafting, case analysis, statutory interpretation, and research skills from the first year of study.
Advocacy and dispute resolution subjects where students build courtroom-style communication, negotiation, and argumentation skills.
Mooting opportunities that allow students to practise legal advocacy, oral argument, and persuasive communication in simulated legal settings.
Mentoring and internship opportunities available through the Law School, helping students gain exposure to professional legal environments and industry practice.
Law in Context (Externships) elective opportunities involving workplace-based learning and professional legal experience.
Philosophy seminars and debate-based learning focused on analysing the works of thinkers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aquinas, encouraging rigorous discussion and critical reflection.
Collaborative projects and presentations that strengthen teamwork, research, public speaking, and analytical reasoning skills.
International experiences and study tours, including exchange opportunities, global experiences, and selected philosophy and theology electives with international learning components.
Community service and charity-based learning options embedded within parts of the Core Curriculum, linking academic study with real-world social engagement.
University libraries and research resources supporting advanced legal and philosophical research through extensive academic databases, journals, and scholarly collections.
Sydney Broadway Campus facilities, home to the Schools of Law, Philosophy & Theology, providing dedicated teaching spaces, study areas, and academic support services.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy at The University of Notre Dame Australia develop a unique combination of legal expertise, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking skills. This interdisciplinary qualification prepares students to analyse complex legal, social, and moral issues, making them highly valuable in professions that require strong judgement, advocacy, and strategic decision-making. Typical career paths include: Solicitor, Policy Advisor, Legal Researcher, and Ethics Consultant.

Career Opportunities: The integration of law and philosophy equips graduates with the ability to approach challenges from both practical and theoretical perspectives, opening opportunities across legal practice, government, public policy, academia, and corporate governance.

University Services: Notre Dame’s Career and Employability team provides career coaching, networking opportunities, professional development workshops, employer engagement events, and support with internships, graduate applications, and interview preparation.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates working across legal, policy, governance, and consulting sectors in Australia typically earn median salary ranges of approximately AUD $75,000 – $140,000, with strong long-term growth potential through professional experience and specialisation.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from engagement with law firms, government agencies, policy organisations, community groups, and professional legal bodies, helping them develop industry connections and practical workplace insights.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The law component provides the accredited academic qualification required for progression toward legal admission in Australia, while philosophy enhances advanced reasoning, ethics, and analytical skills valued across a broad range of professions.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with expertise in legal research, logical analysis, persuasive communication, ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and critical evaluation of complex legal and societal issues.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. They can also pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Philosophy, Master of Public Policy, or higher research degrees including a PhD, enabling advanced specialisation in legal theory, ethics, public policy, human rights, governance, and academic research.