Program Overview

Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology

Overview

The University of Notre Dame Australia offers a unique double degree in Law and Theology. This program explores the increasingly complex relationship between law and religion, religious freedom, and religious conflict. Graduates may pursue a wide range of career options in law, business, politics, and academia.

Why Study This Degree?

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Theology explores the increasingly complex relationship between the law and religion, religious freedom, and religious conflict. By studying theology and various research methodologies, you will develop the skills to critically examine Scripture and Christian Tradition, thereby improving your understanding of the Catholic faith within a legal framework.

The Bachelor of Laws focuses on the practical application of legal and ethical principles. This degree focuses on the basic building blocks of the law (the so-called “Priestley” subjects) and on developing practical skills such as public speaking, advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, and commercial practice skills.

Program Summary

Year One

• Legal Research & Writing
• Legal Process & Statutory Interpretation
• Legal History
• Criminal Law A
• Criminal Law B
• Philosophy of the Human Person

Year Two

• Equity
• Contract Law A
• Torts A
• Trusts
• Contract Law N
• Torts N
• Natural Law
• Introduction to Sacramental Theology

Year Three

• Property Law A
• Constitutional Law
• Advocacy
• History of Philosophy: Ancient
• Property Law B
• Administrative Law
• Evidence
• History of Philosophy: Medieval

Year Four

• Civil Procedure
• Remedies
• Corporations & Partnerships
• Introduction to the Old Testament
• Legal Philosophy
• Contemporary Legal Issues
• Natural Law
• Introduction to the New Testament
• Alternative Dispute Resolution

Year Five

• Ecclesiology/Mariology
• Liturgy
• Commercial Practice & Ethics
• History of the Early Church
• Marriage and Sexuality
• Moral Theology OR Canon Law
• Law Elective One
• Law Elective Two (International)
• Law Elective Three
• Law Elective Four

Law Electives

• Advanced Administrative Law
• Advanced Civil Procedure
• Advanced Constitutional Law
• Advanced Evidence
• Advanced Research Project (i.e., Honours research - 2 courses)
• Bioethics and the Law
• Advanced Taxation Law
• Commercial Drafting
• Commercial Law
• Construction and Building Contract Law
• Contemporary Legal Issues
• Directed Research Project
• Employee Relations Law
• Entertainment Law
• Environmental Law
• Family Law
• Health Law
• Human Rights Law
• Indigenous Law
• Insolvency
• Intellectual Property Law
• International Dispute Resolution
• Canon Law (i.e., Church Law)
• Law and Religion
• Law in Context (Externships) – involves work experience
• Mining and Petroleum Law
• Occupational Safety and Health Law
• Introduction to Australian Taxation Law
• Succession
• Competition and Consumer Law
• Trial Advocacy

Core Curriculum

• CORE I: Foundations of Wisdom
• CORE II: Elective
  • Electives in philosophy and/or theology
  • Professional embedded electives that integrate studies in a profession with philosophy and/or theology
  • An option to undertake a pilgrimage embedded in the study of the philosophy and theology of pilgrimage, e.g., World Youth Day
  • An option to undertake a course that integrates philosophy & theology with community service and charity work
  • An option to undertake an elective in philosophy, theology, and the liberal arts contained within an international experience

Entry Requirements

NSW

• Academic requirements for this program are outlined below. In addition, to be eligible for admission, all applicants need to satisfy the Minimum University Admission Requirements outlined. These include those relating to minimum age and English Language Proficiency.
• We also consider your application more broadly – your non-academic achievements (such as any previous leadership roles, volunteering, work, church and/or community involvement) as well as personal qualities - your aspirations and interests and your capacity to complete your chosen program.

Applicants with Recent Secondary Education

• Prescribed ATAR/Selection Rank*
• OR
• Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB) score

Applicants with Higher Education

• Successful completion of 4 subjects at an undergraduate level or higher*, with mid-credit average.
• Applicants who have successfully completed subjects at another University, which are relevant to the selected program of study, may be eligible for credit (Advanced Standing).

Applicants with Vocational Education and Training (VET) study

• Successful completion of AQF Diploma or higher in a relevant discipline from an accredited provider such as TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation (RTO)

Applicants with Work and Life Experience

• Applicants who left secondary education more than two years previously and who have not undertaken VET or higher education study since may be considered for direct entry.
• To qualify, applicants must be 20 years of age as at 1 March in the year of intake and meet one or more of the following:
  • In exceptional circumstances, applicants who have significant relevant work experience may be considered for direct entry.
  • Completion of STAT with scores of at least 160 in the Multiple Choice section and 160 in the Written English section*.
  • Completion of two Year 12 WACE, HSC or equivalent exams, with a result equivalent to the Indicative ATAR/Selection Rank listed under Secondary Education section above.

Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

• Write effective and professional documents adapted to suit the purpose and audience
• Develop and deliver effective and professional presentations adapted to suit the purpose and audience, using appropriate technologies
• Synthesise, interpret and apply information in order to resolve legal problems
• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of foundational legal concepts, principles and theories, and apply and transfer knowledge to diverse national, regional and international legal contexts
• Undertake self-directed learning with an appreciation of the value and importance of engaging in continuing professional development
• Provide social justice in the community including the provision of legal advice on a pro bono basis
• Use ethical and socially responsible decision-making skills
• Critically reflect on the influence of Catholic and other philosophical and intellectual traditions on the law and on their role in resolving legal issues
• Work responsibly and collaboratively in diverse teams to achieve shared outcomes
• Conduct independent legal research and employ appropriate legal research methods and sources to locate, evaluate, synthesise and present accurate, up-to-date and reliable legal sources
• Critically evaluate, analyse and deploy evidence in support of a research thesis and communicate their findings in both oral and written form (Honours Only)

Bachelor of Theology

• Articulate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of theology as a basis for independent lifelong learning
• Critically, analyse, consolidate and synthesise knowledge
• Demonstrate technical skills to a broad understanding of knowledge with depth in theology
• Exercise critical thinking and judgement for identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
• Communicate and present a clear, coherent and independent exposition of theological knowledge and concepts; and
• Apply theological reflection, knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement and ethical responsibility.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; career opportunities range from government, policy development, management, education, advocacy, diocesan agencies or Church offices, charities, not-for-profits, non-government organisations, welfare and social service, mission, voluntary and youth work.

Real-World Experience

You will learn from our academics, who are leaders in their field. There are no practicum requirements for this program.

Honours

An Honours award is available for this program. Further information can be found in the Bachelor of Law (Honours), Bachelor of Theology regulations, or by contacting the School of Law & Business.

Opportunities and Experiences

At the University of Notre Dame, we believe that gaining a global perspective is an important part of your university education. We offer various opportunities for students to study abroad and become active global citizens. These opportunities include exchange programs, professional placements, study tours, and volunteer opportunities.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) accreditation requirements are according to the accreditation rules administered by the Legal Profession Admission Board in New South Wales. There are no professional accreditation requirements applicable to the Bachelor of Theology component of the Awards.

Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support to students while they are completing their studies. There are various scholarships available to prospective and current students, across all study levels and campuses.

Fees and Costs

This Program has the following loan scheme(s) available for eligible students:

• Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP): A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a place at a university where the Australian Government pays part of your fees. This part is a subsidy, not a loan, and you don’t have to pay it back. However, this subsidy does not cover the entire cost of your study. Students must pay the rest, which is called the ‘student contribution amount’.
• International Full-Fee Paying: Tuition costs depend on an international student’s study load and discipline. Fees are payable each semester at least four weeks prior to the commencement of your program.

Student Data Profile

• ATAR and selection rank profile: The University of Notre Dame Australia offers clear and transparent information regarding ATAR and selection rank for domestic students beginning in Semester 1. This data includes the highest, median and lowest ranks required for admission to assist you in making informed study decisions.

More Information

• Considering your uni options?: Our advisors provide support while choosing a program of study and completing our application process.
• International students: If you need advice about studying at Notre Dame, fill out our Make an Enquiry form, and you can book a session with one of our friendly International Student Advisors.