Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 3 locations

Duration
5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
CRICOS Code
088053D
IELTS
7.0 overall score (including an individual score of 6.5 for all tests)
Fees (first year)*
$31216
Start dates
February 2025, February 2026

Overview

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Biomedical Science is designed to produce well-rounded graduates ready for legal practice and a range of professional careers in an increasingly global environment.

As a graduate of this double degree you will be well placed to develop specialist legal practice in a wide range of fields. This includes roles in the pharmaceutical and medical technology industries and in roles related to the development, marketing and governance of health and disease.

The pro bono work you'll complete as part of this degree will provide you with firsthand experience of the legal system while allowing you to contribute to the common good.

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.

  • Top 2% universities worldwide

  • Top 10 Catholic universities globally

  • Top 40 young universities worldwide

Professional experience

You must complete 80 hours of pro bono work (after your first year), providing you with firsthand experience of the legal system while allowing you to contribute to the common good.

Work placement

The pro bono program provides practical work–place based experience in a community context.

Professional recognition

This degree has been approved by accreditation authorities as a prerequisite for admission to legal practice in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, and is recognised for the purposes of admission in other Australian states and territories.

Careers

Graduates in Law can pursue a range of legal careers including:

  • private legal practice as a solicitor or barrister
  • legal officer in the public sector (for example in federal or state government departments and publicly-funded organisations as diverse as national regulatory bodies, universities or public broadcasters)
  • in-house counsel to a wide range of organisations from corporations to trade unions
  • public interest legal work in community legal centres
  • legal research.

Completing a Bachelor of Biomedical Science/Bachelor of Laws is excellent preparation for pursuing a career in areas such as:

  • regulation and governance in health
  • commercial health ventures
  • the not-for-profit sector.

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
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science UnitsBMSC102Numerical Reasoning10 cp
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science UnitsBIOL123Cells and Tissues - the Fabric of Life10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS107Introduction to Australian Public Law10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS108Commercial Law

    (Pre: LAWS104 & LAWS105)

    10 cp
  • Bachelor of Biomedical Science UnitsBMSC100Introductory Biostatistics10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details10 cp

Prerequisites (Pre:) are other units that you must have passed before enrolling in this unit. 

Incompatibles (Inc:) are units similar to this unit. If you have previously passed an Incompatible unit, you are not able to enrol in this unit.

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

View transparency admission information

International applicants

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

To be eligible for admission to the course, an applicant must have completed the following prerequisites at year 12, or equivalent:

English language requirements

IELTS (International English Language Testing System): with an overall score of 7.0, including an individual score of 6.5 for all tests.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic): From an internet-based total of 94, achieve a minimum of 24 in writing, 20 in speaking and listening, 19 in reading.

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

Pathways into course for international applicants

If you don’t currently meet the direct entry requirements for admission to your chosen program, don’t worry. Our range of pathway programs can help you build the language proficiency, academic skills and confidence you need to succeed. 

Find out more about English language programs 

Find out more about the ACU Foundation Studies program 

Find out more about Diploma 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.

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

Fees

Course costs

  • Unit fee: $3902
  • Average first year fee: $31216
  • Estimate total cost: $156080

The Tuition fees quoted above are for commencing students in the current year who undertake a normal full-time load. The Unit Fee is based on a 10cp unit. Fees are reviewed annually.

Tuition fees for continuing students may increase by up to 3 percent each year for the minimum duration of the course as provided on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE). Students who continue to study beyond the minimum duration will have the relevant annual commencing rate applied to their fees for subsequent study periods.

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

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. Some of our scholarships are awarded on the basis of merit, but these aren’t just for the academically gifted; ACU also recognises excellence in community engagement and leadership. We also offer a range of scholarships for those who may be struggling financially or who have faced other barriers to accessing education.  

Search our scholarships

How to apply

International applicants

Brisbane

Apply through QTAC

QTAC code 115942

Direct application

Apply now

Information on the application procedure 

International students undertaking an Australian Year 12 qualification should apply through the relevant tertiary admissions centre.

Deferment

Yes. See Defer your offer.

Students with a Student Visa will need to complete the program in minimum duration, study at least one subject on-campus each semester and must not undertake more than 33% of the program online.

Staff Profile

Associate Professor Pre de Silva

Associate Professor, School of Behavioural and Health Sciences

Associate Professor Pre De Silva lecturers in chemistry at our North Sydney Campus. She obtained her PhD from the University of Aberdeen (UK). Before joining ACU, she worked as a lecturer at the University of Ruhuna (Sri Lanka), as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Lancaster (UK), and then as a research scientist in the Manufacturing and Materials Division at CSIRO. Dr De Silva has extensive research experience in wider areas of chemistry, including novel biomaterials for bio-medical applications, utilisation of industrial wastes in the development of eco-friendly, low-carbon binders and carbon dioxide mineral sequestration.

Dr Patrick Quirk

Associate Professor, Thomas More Law School

Dr Quirk is Associate Professor at Australian Catholic University Brisbane Campus. He holds degrees in law and arts from the University of Queensland, as well as a Master of Civil Laws (Magister Legum) from the University of Tübingen, Germany, which he completed by coursework and thesis (in German). He took his Ph.D. from the University of Adelaide, with additional supervision from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Patrick's thesis on "Pathways for Conscience Protection in Law: German, American and Australian Perspectives" was awarded a Dean's Commendation for Doctoral Thesis Excellence.

Following graduation, Patrick was admitted to the Queensland Bar and later practised as a solicitor at a large firm in Sydney, NSW. Patrick has also taught at Bond University Law School, Ave Maria School of Law and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C. He teaches and writes on various commercial and civil law areas, including the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code, the law of electronic commerce, and law & religion.

 

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