BA of Laws BA of Theology

Are you interested in a unique double degree? The University of Notre Dame Australia is one of two universities in Australia which offers this double degree in Law and Theology. The increasingly complex relationship between law and religion and contemporary challenges to religious freedoms make this a particularly valuable degree combination. Graduates may pursue a wide range of career options in law, business, politics and academia. The NSW Legal Profession Admission Board fully accredits your law degree. Contact us to find out more.

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. As a Catholic University, theology holds a central place in the life and mission of The University of Notre Dame Australia. 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, meanwhile, 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.
• Through our mentoring and internship programs, students have many opportunities to experience the law in practice. All of our academics have substantial experience in legal practice (either as solicitors, law experts, barristers or judges) in Australia or overseas. This allows each student to learn legal principles and how they apply them in legal practice.
• Graduates of this double degree program can work as a solicitor in private practice, become a barrister, join a corporation or not-for-profit organisation as an in-house solicitor, work in the courts as a judge’s associate or enter academia.

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 Theology, 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 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.