BA of Laws BA of Philosophy

If you want to study law with a deeper understanding of humankind, The University of Notre Dame Australia, combined Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Philosophy, is the ideal double degree. Unique to Notre Dame, the degree is completed over five years of full-time study or part-time equivalent. By combining these two disciplines, graduates develop the skills to think creatively and communicate convincingly. As a result, our graduates choose to follow a range of careers in law, journalism, politics, business and academia. Contact us today to find out more about this unique degree program.

Why study this degree?

• Are you considering studying for a Bachelor of Philosophy degree in conjunction with the Bachelor of Laws degree? The University of Notre Dame Australia is the only university in Australia which offers this double degree. Students taking this degree combination will develop the ability to consider issues using two of the most advanced forms of thinking and analysis in Western civilisation: law and philosophy. This combination equips students with an array of skills they can draw upon to resolve problems for themselves and their clients.
• The Bachelor of Laws degree is accredited for admission to legal practice. It combines excellent coverage of underlying legal and ethical principles with an explanation of how they are applied in legal practice.
• However, as a student of the School of Philosophy, you will encounter the works of great minds such as Aquinas, Socrates and Plato. In doing so, you will be encouraged to reflect deeply and critically on the fundamental questions of existence, as well as question your preconceptions of ethics and morality. As a result, graduates from the School of Philosophy can analyse and evaluate arguments about our current political, religious, and ethical systems – all valuable skills for a lawyer.
• Similarly, the training you receive in the legal component of your degree will further develop your analytical mindset. Considered to be a degree of methodology rather than one solely of content, a Bachelor of Laws from Notre Dame teaches students to consider new approaches to problem-solving and analysis. By participating in lively debate and the free exchange of ideas in intimate class settings, you will develop mastery of public speaking, advocacy, research, and dispute resolution.

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Laws (Honours), graduates will be able to:

• 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)

Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Philosophy, graduates will be able to:

• Articulate a broad and coherent body of knowledge, with depth in the underlying principles and concepts in the discipline of philosophy 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 philosophy
• Exercise critical thinking and judgement in identifying and solving problems with intellectual independence
• Communicate and present a clear, coherent, and independent exposition of philosophical knowledge and concepts; and
• Apply philosophical reflection, knowledge, and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed theoretical and practical judgement, and ethical responsibility.