The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics is designed for those who want to understand human communities and society. This program involves studying two degrees in a combined fashion, finishing with two degrees in five years. The Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) provides a gateway to a rewarding career in law and provides a strong foundation for other career opportunities too. This accredited degree will prepare you to work as a lawyer in private practice, government, corporate counsel or within a not-for-profit organisation.

Why study this degree?

• The Bachelor of Laws (LLB or LLB(Hons)) with a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy, Economics (BPPE) combination is a unique qualification that will set you apart both domestically and internationally. You will have the opportunity to test your critical thinking skills in an enriching learning experience that offers great diversity in curriculum and application in everyday and professional settings.
• Notre Dame’s LLB program offered in combination with the BPPE program focuses on the importance of the flourishing human person and the principle of the common good within society.
• Students can undertake an internship that helps them to apply their knowledge and skills, while gaining workplace experience and industry contacts. Similarly, students are able to meet with mentors from the legal profession and from industry through participation in the School of Law and Business Mentoring Program, which is available to all students studying law or business degrees at Notre Dame.

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, Politics, Economics, graduates will be able to:
• Identify and evaluate foundational principles and methods in the academic disciplines of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics
• Evaluate, through comparison and contrast, the overlaps and divergences between methods and principles of the disciplines
• Apply knowledge of philosophy, politics, and economics, to issues and problems within society
• Apply skills of research to key philosophical, political and economic questions and issues, using appropriate resources and methods; and
• Communicate ideas about issues and problems in society, clearly and openly, to a range of audiences who may agree or disagree with a certain perspective, individually and in collaborative contexts.