Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 1 locations

Duration
5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
ATAR
90.30 for North Sydney
Fees (first year)*

$14835 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Beginning February 2024
Applications open August 2023

Overview

The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws is a rigorous and stimulating intellectual program that provides you with the option of combining professional legal education with a liberal arts degree in western civilisation. The degree is five years, full-time study and allows you to expand knowledge and skills drawn from the humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS). These underpin your capacity to find solutions to local and global challenges. The Bachelor of Laws degree is accredited for admission as a lawyer in Australia and provides you access to work as a legal professional, giving you skills and confidence required to address complex legal issues in an ethical and professional manner, within an international context. As a graduate of this double degree you will be well placed to develop specialist legal practice in a wide range of fields or take on a leadership in the private or public sectors including government, business, social enterprise and the arts.

Offers will be made to applicants based on high ATAR results and will also be assessed against other criteria, namely “Ramsay Attributes” (i.e. potential to make a positive contribution in Australia and the world as demonstrated through resume, references and a personal statement).

ACU is offering scholarships to students undertaking this degree, funded by the Ramsay Centre. You can read more information below under Scholarships.

Students who have completed 120 credit points of law units with a grade point average of 5.75 and above may apply to complete an honours degree.

Discover ACU's Western Civilisation Program.

Professional experience

You will complete up to 150 hours of professional experience through two Community Engagement placements.

Community engagement

The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws includes 80 hours of pro bono work from second year as part of your Community Legal Engagement Unit and a compulsory community engagement placement of between 50-70 hours undertaken in the third year of the degree.

Professional recognition

The Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/ Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board and the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW).


Accreditation

This course has been specifically developed to meet the requirements for admission to practice law. The Bachelor of Arts(Western Civilisation)/ Bachelor of Laws, and their related honours and double degrees have been accredited as meeting the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in NSW and Victoria and are recognised for admission in other states and territories. 

Careers

Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/ Bachelor of Laws program will be recognised by their skills to think systematically and critically; gather and evaluate evidence from many and diverse sources; communicate clearly; and apply ethical principles to decision making for a variety of professions and industries.

Possible employment opportunities include:

  • roles in government administration
  • art institutions
  • commerce and industry
  • community and charitable organisations
  • policy organisations
  • tourism
  • travel industries
  • as well as a range of legal careers (solicitor or barrister, legal officer in the public sector, in-house counsel, public interest legal work in community legal centres and legal research).

Course details

Course structure

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Commencing Semester 1

  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS104Foundations of Law and Legal Research10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS105Contract Law10 cp
  • Western Civilisation Specified UnitsWCIV100The Desire to Understand: Introducing the Western Intellectual Tradition10 cp
  • Western Civilisation Specified UnitsWPOL100The Birth of Politics: Origins of Western Political Thought10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS107Introduction to Australian Public Law10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS108Commercial Law

    (Pre: LAWS104 & LAWS105)

    10 cp
  • Western Civilisation Specified UnitsWPHI101Thinking the Real: Western Metaphysics10 cp
  • Western Civilisation Specified UnitsWLIT100Greek and Roman Classics: Origins of Western Literature10 cp

Graduate statement

Insight

As an ACU graduate you have personal insight founded on an understanding of who you are as a professional, a citizen and a scholar. You embrace change and growth through critical self-awareness and learning autonomy. You are empowered to seek truth and meaning, drawing on the principles of justice, equity, and the dignity of all human beings.

Empathy

As an ACU graduate you value human dignity and diversity. This appreciation is founded on deep reflection, and empathy. You have experience of Indigenous Knowings and perspectives and can engage respectfully when working alongside Australia's First Peoples. You can connect with people and cultures and work with community in ways that recognise the dignity of the human person and all cultures

Imagination

As an ACU graduate you utilise imagination and innovation to solve problems. You critically analyse information from a range of sources to creatively solve practical problems and use critical thinking to make decisions and advance the common good. You appreciate the role of innovation and creative thinking in developing a better future for each person and community.

Impact

As an ACU graduate you recognise your responsibility to work for social justice and a sustainable world founded on a commitment to human dignity and the common good. You lead change through respectful collaboration and effective communication of ideas to diverse peoples, groups and communities in local and global contexts. You are empowered to positively impact your profession and the community.

AQF framework

Double Bachelor - Bachelor/Bachelor - AQF Level 7

Entry requirements

Applicants must comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy that includes meeting a minimum ATAR requirement.

To be eligible for admission to the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)/Bachelor of Laws an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12 level, or equivalent:

StatePrerequisites

New South Wales

English (Advanced) (Band 2) or English (EAL) (Band 4)

Entry into this course is based on a combination of a written submission (personal statement essay), an interview and academic performance.

Applicants are assessed on a combination of:

  • written submission of a personal statement,
  • ATAR-Selection Rank including adjustment factors, International Baccalaureate (IB), or equivalent, and
  • interview.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission.

View transparency admission information

Applicants with recent secondary education

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If your school result was affected by circumstances outside of your control, such as financial hardship, illness, disability or a challenging home environment, you may qualify for an access scheme. You can apply through your TAC as part of your application process. 

Learn more about access schemes 

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

For current year 12 students 

If you’re a current Year 12 applicant you can be given a selection rank separate from, and in addition to, your ATAR if you’ve completed a competency-based and graded AQF Certificate III or above. 

For non-school leavers

If you’ve completed, or are completing a competency-based AQF Certificate IV or AQF diploma you will be assigned a selection rank by your local Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC). This is an entry score based on your individual qualifications and achievements.

ACU has partnerships with TAFE and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners or with ACU College, you may be eligible for guaranteed entry and/or credit into a related ACU degree. Please apply through your local TAC and then submit a credit application for your previous study.

Applicants with higher education study

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course. 

If you have completed at least two units of AQF-recognised study at bachelor level or above, you’ll be assigned a selection rank based on your study level, duration and grade point average that will be applied during the admission process.

If your previous study has equipped you with knowledge, skills or experiences that align with the learning outcomes of units in your new course you may be able to apply for recognition of prior learning and you may be able to complete your course sooner.

Learn more about recognition of prior learning

Applicants with work and life experience

You’ll need to meet the minimum entry requirements and subject prerequisites for your chosen course.

If you have no formal education qualifications you may be eligible for a selection rank based on your work, life or service experience.

If you’ve been in paid employment, relevant to the course you’re applying for, for a minimum of six months full-time (or equivalent), this work may be assessed for your selection rank.

If you’re 21 years or older you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) through your local TAC.

You can apply for an ACU bridging course. Our bridging courses allow you to transition back into studying and can give you a head start on the relevant undergraduate degree.

If you have served in the defence force, your rank and time in service may contribute to your selection rank.

Find your path into study

Adjustment factors

If you’re currently completing Year 12 you may be eligible for adjustment factors that can boost your rank and help you get into your desired course.

Adjustment factors may be applied to your TAC application if you study particular subjects, attend schools geographically close to our campuses or in certain regional areas, apply as an elite athlete or performer or meet certain other criteria.

Learn more about adjustment factors

Inherent requirement

There are essential components of a course or unit that demonstrate the capabilities, knowledge and skills to achieve the core learning outcomes of that course or unit. You will need to be able to meet these inherent requirements to complete your course.

Learn more about inherent requirements for your course and how they affect you

Pathways

Further study

A student who has completed at least 120 cp of LAWS units of the degree with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.75 may be eligible for Admission to the Bachelor (Honours degree).

An applicant must also comply with the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.

A student who achieves an Honours at a minimum level of Second Class Division A (Distinction average) may be eligible for Admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Meeting the eligibility requirements for admission is not in itself a guarantee of admission. The candidate’s potential to undertake research, the quality and feasibility of the research proposal, the availability of appropriate supervision and the referee’s reports will all be taken into consideration. Please refer to Higher Degree Research Regulations

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.

Disclaimer: The course entry requirements above are for 2024 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$14835 CSP

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a full-time study load of 40 credit points (normally 4 units) per semester.

A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:

  • the number of units studied per semester;
  • the choice of major or specialisation; and
  • elective units.

The University reviews fees annually.

Payment options

You should be able to concentrate on getting good marks instead of worrying about how you’ll pay your fees. We have a number of options that can help you ease the financial burden, including government assistance, scholarships and income support.

Explore your options

Scholarships

ACU is offering Ramsay Scholarships to students undertaking this degree, funded by the Ramsay Centre, each valued at up to $160,000 ($32,000 per year of the degree).

Applicants who wish to be considered for a scholarship, will need to meet the essential requirements for admission to the BAWC:

  • Provide details of their academic achievements, leadership experience and community engagement activities using the Applicant Resume Form;
  • Provide a 750-1500 word written submission, that can be either:
  • An essay response to the following question: How should champions of Western Civilisation reply to its critics today ? OR
  • An existing piece of written work on an Arts/Humanities theme (for example, an essay from the Year 12 curriculum which addresses a topic based on studies of literature, history, philosophy, religious studies etc)
  • Attend an interview
  • The Applicant Resume Form and essay response should be uploaded as a part of the application to study.


Scholarship applicants will also:

  • be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident at the time of application;
  • in the ordinary course:
  1. complete year 12 in the year of application; or
  2. have completed Year 12 in the preceding 3 years
  • have not undertaken preliminary study at a tertiary level, other than secondary school advancement programs or first year Bachelor level study


Or you could be eligible for one of the hundreds of scholarships we award each year to help students from across the university with the cost of studying, accommodation or overseas study opportunities.

Search our scholarships

Staff Profile

Professor Robert Carver

Director, Western Civilisation Program

Professor Robert Carver’s main teaching and research interests lie in Renaissance literature, Renaissance humanism, the influence of classical texts and ideas on Western culture, and the origins and development of the novel – from ancient prose fiction to contemporary Australian writing.

Professor Carver graduated from the Australian National University with a University Medal in English and Latin. He won a Commonwealth Scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was awarded his doctorate (DPhil) in 1992. Following stints at Trinity College, Oxford, and the British Academy, he taught at Oriel College, Oxford, before moving to the University of Durham in 1997. At Durham, he served as Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, and Associate Professor of Renaissance Literature in the Department of English Studies, taking on the role of Deputy Head of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities between 2007 and 2010.

His publications include an Oxford Classical Monograph, The Protean Ass: The Metamorphoses of Apuleius from Antiquity to the Renaissance (OUP, 2007), translations from the Latin writings of the twelfth-century mystic Hildegard of Bingen, and numerous scholarly articles on ancient, medieval, and Renaissance literature

Dr May Fong Cheong

Senior Lecturer and Deputy of Thomas More Law School

Dr May Fong Cheong is a Senior Lecturer and the Acting Deputy Head of School of the Thomas More Law School, Australian Catholic University. She is also Visiting Fellow at the Faculty of Law, University of New South Wales. May has been in academia for more than twenty years and was formerly Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Law, University of Malaya, and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Law, Multimedia University Malaysia. May also previously practised as a commercial litigation lawyer at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. May has taught a wide range of subjects in private law including Contract Law, Australian Consumer Law, and False or Misleading Conduct and Economic Torts. May has also supervised students at doctoral, masters and undergraduate levels. Her main research areas are contract law, commercial law, competition law, consumer law, unfair contracts, remedies, and Asian comparative laws. Her articles in these areas have been published in journals including Journal of Contract Law and World Competition. May’s latest book, Australian Contract Law: Principles and Cases, was published in February 2020 by Thomson Reuters. 

Testimonial

Emily

"I was inspired to study the Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) because I wanted the ability to study multiple disciplines at once, including history, philosophy and political science. I also love the emphasis ACU has on small class sizes and how this allows students to develop closer relationships with academic staff."

Emily
Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation)
 

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