Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology at The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a distinctive combination of legal education and theological study, allowing students to explore the relationship between law, ethics, religion, and society. Campus Location: Sydney Campus – 140 Broadway, Chippendale, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. This program is ideal for students interested in legal practice, public policy, religious freedom, ethics, ministry, education, or leadership roles within faith-based and community organisations.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Students build foundational legal and theological knowledge through subjects such as Legal Research & Writing, Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation, and Criminal Law A & B. Theology studies begin with courses including Philosophy of the Human Person, helping students understand human dignity, ethics, and the philosophical foundations that underpin both law and theology.

Year 2:
The second year develops core legal competencies through Equity, Contract Law A, Trusts, and Torts, while theology subjects such as Natural Law and Introduction to Sacramental Theology deepen understanding of moral reasoning and religious traditions. Students begin exploring how legal systems and theological principles interact in contemporary society.

Year 3:
Students advance their legal expertise through Constitutional Law, Administrative Law, Evidence, and Advocacy. At the same time, philosophy-based subjects including History of Philosophy: Ancient and History of Philosophy: Medieval encourage critical examination of the intellectual traditions that have shaped Western legal and theological thought.

Year 4:
This year focuses on practical and advanced legal studies through Civil Procedure, Remedies, Corporations & Partnerships, and Alternative Dispute Resolution. Theology studies expand with Introduction to the Old Testament and Introduction to the New Testament, enabling students to critically engage with key scriptural texts while strengthening their legal and ethical reasoning.

Year 5:
In the final year, students integrate their learning through advanced theology subjects such as Ecclesiology/Mariology, Liturgy, Marriage and Sexuality, and Moral Theology or Canon Law. Alongside Commercial Practice & Ethics and specialised law electives, students develop a sophisticated understanding of law, ethics, religion, and public life.

Focus Areas: Legal Practice, Religious Freedom, Ethics and Morality, Canon Law, Public Policy, Theology and Scripture, Advocacy, Dispute Resolution, Human Rights, Church and Society.

Learning Outcomes: Develop professional legal research and advocacy skills; apply legal principles to complex issues; critically analyse theological concepts and Christian traditions; communicate effectively in legal and theological contexts; exercise ethical judgement; understand the relationship between law, religion, and society; conduct independent research and lifelong learning.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Bachelor of Laws component is fully accredited by the NSW Legal Profession Admission Board, satisfying the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. The theology component provides recognised academic preparation for ministry, education, policy, and faith-based leadership roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The University of Notre Dame Australia is recognised for its strong emphasis on professional preparation, small class sizes, industry engagement, mentoring opportunities, and internship experiences that support graduate employability and career readiness.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology at The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a distinctive learning experience that combines legal practice with theological inquiry. Students develop practical legal skills through advocacy, legal research, alternative dispute resolution, and commercial practice while critically examining the relationship between law, religion, ethics, and religious freedom. The program is taught by academics with substantial legal practice experience, including solicitors, barristers, legal experts, and judges, ensuring students gain industry-relevant insights throughout their studies.

This practical and professionally focused approach is supported by a range of learning opportunities and facilities:

Mentoring Program: Students can engage with experienced legal practitioners who provide career guidance, professional insights, and support for transitioning into the legal profession.
Internship Opportunities: The School of Law encourages participation in internship programs that expose students to real legal environments and professional legal practice.
Advocacy and Mooting Training: Dedicated law subjects such as Advocacy and Alternative Dispute Resolution allow students to develop courtroom communication, negotiation, and dispute-resolution skills.
Law in Context (Externships): Available as a law elective, this work-experience-based subject enables students to apply legal knowledge in professional settings.
Legal Research & Writing Development: Students build advanced legal research, statutory interpretation, and professional writing skills from their first year of study.
Professional Development Events: Students are encouraged to attend legal seminars, networking events, and the University's Eminent Speakers Series, connecting them with leading legal professionals and experts.
Library Resources: Students have access to extensive legal, theological, philosophical, and research collections that support both legal and theological scholarship.
Global Learning Opportunities: International exchanges, study tours, volunteer experiences, and global engagement initiatives allow students to broaden their understanding of law, religion, and society in international contexts.
Collaborative Learning: Small class sizes encourage discussion, case analysis, legal argumentation, and collaborative learning with peers and academics.
Specialised Theology Studies: Theology units such as Canon Law, Moral Theology, Ecclesiology, and Church History provide unique opportunities to explore the legal and ethical dimensions of faith and religious institutions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology at The University of Notre Dame Australia gain a distinctive combination of legal expertise, ethical reasoning, and theological understanding, preparing them for careers that require thoughtful leadership, advocacy, and service. The program develops strong analytical, communication, and decision-making skills that are valuable across legal, community, faith-based, and public policy sectors. Typical career paths include: Solicitor, Policy Advisor, Community Advocacy Officer, and Church Governance Consultant.

Career Opportunities: This unique dual degree allows graduates to apply legal knowledge alongside ethical and theological perspectives, creating opportunities in legal practice, not-for-profit organisations, faith-based institutions, government agencies, and community services.

University Services: Notre Dame’s Career and Employability team supports students through career planning consultations, networking events, professional development workshops, employer engagement activities, and guidance on internships and graduate employment opportunities.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures: Graduates working across legal, policy, governance, and community sectors in Australia typically achieve median salary ranges of approximately AUD $75,000 – $140,000, depending on professional pathway, experience, and level of responsibility.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students benefit from engagement with legal practitioners, community organisations, church and faith-based institutions, government agencies, and professional bodies, helping them build practical experience and valuable professional networks.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The law component provides the accredited academic qualification required for progression toward legal admission in Australia, while the theology qualification strengthens expertise in ethics, leadership, social justice, and community engagement.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates leave with advanced legal research capabilities, ethical decision-making skills, advocacy expertise, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to address complex legal and societal issues from multiple perspectives.

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 Theology, Master of Philosophy, or higher research degrees including a PhD, enabling specialisation in areas such as ethics, human rights law, canon law, public policy, theology, and legal research.