Do you have a curious mind? Scientists and lawyers have much in common. Scientific minds are curious, questioning the status quo and looking for new answers and ways of thinking. Similarly, legal professionals espouse that same sense of enquiry, constantly searching for innovative ways to solve legal problems. When you undertake a Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science at The University of Notre Dame Australia, you have the opportunity to explore the many synergies between these two exciting fields. Contact us today for further information.

Why study this degree?

The field of science is continuously evolving, with areas such as genetics, biotechnology, public health and safety underpinned by a rigorous legal framework. Designed to be completed over five years of full-time study, the combined Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science is perfect if you wish to combine your love of the law with your passion for science.

When you undertake the legal component of your degree, you will receive an education plan in collaboration with some of Australia’s top judges, barristers and solicitors. A focus on experiential learning also means that you have multiple opportunities to develop valuable skills such as public speaking, advocacy, dispute resolution and mooting.

The scientific elements of your double degree are equally practical. Over your studies, you will complete five core Science courses and seven courses to form a Science stream in Biology & Environment, Environment & Heritage, Human & Medical Science or Multidisciplinary Science. You will then undertake a Science Internship in your third year to develop your skills in data analysis and research.

Held over six weeks, this industry placement assigns you to a government department or private organisation in Western Australia, nationally or internationally, where you are expected to apply the expertise you have gained so far. See Bachelor of Science for more details.

As a graduate of the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science, you will gain a sound practical and theoretical understanding of both scientific and legal disciplines. As such, graduates can expect employment in various roles, including pharmaceutical and biotechnical research and development, environmental regulation, scientific patents and more.

Year One

• Legal Research and Writing
• Legal Process and Statutory Interpretation
• Legal History
• Four Science Courses

Year Two

• Criminal Law A
• Contract Law A
• Torts A
• Criminal Law B
• Contract Law B
• Torts B
• Four Science Courses

Year Three

• Property Law A
• Property Law  B
• Three Science Courses
• Science Internship

Year Four

• Advocacy
• Constitutional Law
• Equity
• Corporations & Partnerships
• Evidence
• Administrative Law
• Trusts
• Law  Elective One

Year Five

• Remedies
• Civil Procedure
• Legal Philosophy
• Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Commercial Practice & Ethics
• Law Elective Two
• Law Elective Three
• Law Elective Four

Law Electives*

• Advanced Administrative Law
• Advanced Civil Procedure
• Advanced Constitutional Law
• Advanced Evidence Law
• Advanced Research Project (i.e. Honours Research)
• Bioethics and the Law
• Advanced Taxation Law
• Commercial Law
• Commercial Drafting
• 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
• International Commercial Dispute Resolution
• Intellectual Property Law
• Introduction to Canon Law (i.e. Church Law)
• Law and Religion
• Law in Context (Externships) – involves work experience
• Legal History
• 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

*Available law electives are subject to change and may vary  depending on your campus and year of study. Please check with your school for  the current electives on offer.

More information regarding courses can be found at the course descriptions page.

Full details of the program requirements are contained in the Program Requirements.

Graduates of this program can follow diverse career paths in the private and public sectors; career opportunities range from Solicitor, barrister, judge’s associate, and research assistant in law in the fields of pharmaceutical and biotechnical research and development, environmental regulation, scientific patents and more.

Applicants must meet High school qualifications (or equivalent) to apply for undergraduate program. Academic minimum entry requirements for international applicants vary from country to count

IELTS (Academic) - 6.5 overall, with no individual band score lower than 6.0; CAE/CPE - 176 overall, with no individual band score lower than 169; PTE Academic - 58 overall, with no individual band score lower than 50; TOEFL (iBT) - 84 overall, with no score lower than 21 in writing and no other band score lower than 17.