Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, Economics

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Notre Dame Fremantle

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, Economics at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle is a unique five-year double degree that combines professional legal training with a broad understanding of society, politics, and the economy. It’s perfect for students who want to think critically about big social and economic questions while building strong legal skills, preparing them for careers in law, government, public policy, or business.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In your first year, you’ll lay the foundations for both law and the social sciences. You’ll study Legal Research & Writing and Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation to develop your legal skills, while exploring Introduction to World Politics, Ancient Philosophy, and Economics to understand how societies and markets function.

Year 2:
Year two deepens your knowledge in both disciplines. Core law units like Criminal Law A & B, Contract Law A & B, and Torts A & B are complemented by social science courses such as Public Policy and Practice, Microeconomic Theory and Policy, and Political Philosophy. This combination helps you see how law, politics, and economics influence each other in real life.

Year 3:
In your third year, you’ll tackle more advanced subjects. You’ll study Property Law A & B and Administrative Law while diving deeper into economics with Advanced Economics and Macroeconomic Theory and Policy. You also have opportunities to undertake an internship or elective in politics or business to apply what you’ve learned in a practical setting.

Year 4:
This year focuses on applied legal practice and specialisation. Units such as Advocacy, Constitutional Law, Equity, and Evidence give you practical experience in the law, while elective choices allow you to tailor your studies to your interests.

Year 5:
In the final year, you’ll complete advanced legal units including Remedies, Civil Procedure, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and Commercial Practice & Ethics. Additional electives in international law or related fields round out your degree and prepare you for a wide range of careers.

Focus areas:
Law, philosophy, politics, economics, legal reasoning, public policy, critical thinking, ethical decision-making

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse and apply legal principles, think critically about societal issues, evaluate political and economic systems, conduct independent research, communicate professionally, and make ethical decisions in diverse contexts.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The law component is fully accredited for admission to legal practice in Australia, while the Philosophy, Politics, Economics component strengthens your analytical and decision-making skills across a range of careers.

Reputation (employability rankings):
Notre Dame Fremantle graduates enjoy strong employment outcomes, and this double degree equips you for careers in law, government, policy development, and business, giving you the flexibility to shape your future.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Notre Dame Fremantle, this double degree isn’t just about learning theory — it’s about gaining practical skills that prepare you for real-world careers. From your first year, you’ll have opportunities to put your knowledge into action through mooting, internships, mentoring, and hands-on projects. The campus itself is designed to support this kind of learning, giving you access to unique facilities, collaborative spaces, and expert guidance:

Here’s how you’ll learn by doing:

Justice Owen Moot Court & Craven Law Centre: Practice courtroom advocacy and legal argumentation in a fully restored, functioning moot courtroom — a rare experience that builds confidence and practical legal skills.
Mentoring & professional development: Connect with experienced legal and industry professionals through mentoring programs that provide career advice, real-world insights, and guidance on developing your skills.
Internships & work experience: Take advantage of placements or internships where you can apply what you’ve learned, gain professional contacts, and boost your employability.
Legal Clinic & advocacy events: Participate in the law school’s legal clinic or mooting competitions, giving you hands-on experience while supporting the community.
Collaborative study spaces & library resources: The Michael J M Wright Library and Student Hub offer study zones, specialist law and social science collections, and digital tools to help with research, group projects, and independent learning.
Student Societies: Join groups like the Notre Dame Law Students’ Society to get involved in networking events, career workshops, and student-led practical activities that complement your studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduating from the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics, Economics at Notre Dame Fremantle gives you a unique mix of legal skills, critical thinking, and understanding of society and the economy — exactly what employers are looking for. Many graduates go on to work as solicitors, policy advisers, economic analysts, or public sector leaders, ready to make an impact from day one. With strong support from the university and access to professional networks, you’ll be well-prepared to step into your career with confidence:

Here’s how Notre Dame helps you turn your degree into opportunities:

CareerHub & Careers Support: From your first year until 18 months after graduation, you’ll have access to personalised career coaching, résumé and interview guidance, job search workshops, and exclusive job listings to help you move into the workforce smoothly.
High graduate employment rates: Notre Dame graduates consistently enjoy strong employment outcomes, with around 77% finding full-time work within months of finishing — above the national average.
Accreditation for legal practice: The law component of your degree is fully recognised for admission to practice law in Australia, giving you the credentials needed to become a solicitor or continue with postgraduate legal training.
Industry connections & real-world experience: Internships, placements, mentoring programs, and networking events with professionals across law, politics, and economics help you build contacts and practical experience while still studying.
Competitive starting salaries: Graduates of this program often begin their careers with salaries above the national average, reflecting the value and versatility of this double degree.

Further Academic Progression:
If you want to continue your studies after this degree, there are plenty of options. You could pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) to specialise in areas like international law, commercial law, or human rights, or explore postgraduate studies in public policy, economics, or governance. These pathways give you the chance to deepen your knowledge, expand your career options, and even prepare for research or teaching roles in the future.