Course information for - 2021 entry
Offered at 4 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- UAC code
- 103723
- ATAR
- N/A
- Fees (first year)*
$14496 CSP
- Start dates
- Semester 1 - February , Semester 2 - To be advised
Overview
Our commerce degree can be tailored to your career aspirations. With a range of subjects on offer, from accounting to marketing, HR and finance, it will open up career opportunities in every area of business. Our law degree focuses on making a strong and positive contribution to our communities. Together, they provide a world of possibilities.
Professional experience
You will complete 80 hours pro bono experience (after your first year) which will count as credit for a compulsory community engagement unit (10cp).
Work placement
Pro bono placements are undertaken from the second year of law studies. Students engage in practical, law related activities, especially on behalf of those who are the most marginalised and disadvantaged in our community. It provides valuable experience in the practical operation of the law and through community engagement, a vehicle for students to reflect upon the capacity of the law to respond to social justice issues involving those who are marginalised, without a voice or otherwise disadvantaged as well as in law reform. Students benefit from developing and reflecting upon the values of collaboration, equality, mutual respect and commitment to justice in an ethically-based profession.
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.
In addition, students may also satisfy academic requirements for entry into professional associations. Check with your Course Coordinator for the available accreditation options.
Careers
Our graduates have pursued careers in:
- the legal profession as lawyers, barristers or solicitors
- in-house counsel
- accounting and finance
- banking
- business analysis/development
- management
- human resources
- marketing or sales
Industry partnerships
ACU works with a variety of industry partners:
- Acrath
- Adecco
- Brisbane Paralympic Football Program
- Credit Suisse
- Highered Global
- Impact
- Jesuit Refugee Service
- JPMorgan Chase
- Mars
- North Sydney Innovation Network
- Toongabbie
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws, a student must complete 400 credit points (cp).
Sample program map
| Year - Study period | Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 - Semester 1 | LAWS104 Foundations of Law and Legal Research | LAWS105 Contract Law | BUSN113 Managing People and Organisations | BUSN104 Money Matters or ACCT100 Introduction to Accounting | |
| Year 1 - Semester 2 | LAWS107 Introduction to Australian Public Law | LAWS108 Commercial Law | UNCC100 Self and Community: Exploring the Anatomy of Modern Society or PHCC102 Being Human or PHCC104 Ethics and the Good Life | BUSN112 Managing Markets | |
| Year 2 - Semester 1 | LAWS106 Criminal Law and Procedure | LAWS206 Torts | BUSN111 Working with Technology | Commerce major 1 | |
| Year 2 - Semester 2 | LAWS200 Business Organisations | LAWS403 Legal Theory | Commerce major 2 | Law elective | |
| Year 3 - Semester 1 | LAWS314 Statutory Interpretation | LAWS205 Property | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World or PHCC320 The Just Society | Commerce major 3 | |
| Year 3 - Semester 2 | LAWS201 Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAWS204 Land Law | BIPX202 Community Engagement: Building Strengths and Capabilities or Business elective | Commerce major 4 | |
| Year 4 - Semester 1 | LAWS304 Evidence | LAWS421 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility | Commerce major 5 | Commerce major 6 | |
| Year 4 - Semester 2 | LAWS419 Constitutional Law | LAWS420 Equity and Trusts | Commerce major 7 | Law elective | |
| Year 5 - Semester 1 | LAWS418 Administrative Law | LAWS404 International Law | Law elective | Commerce major 8 | |
| Year 5 - Semester 2 | Law elective | Law elective | Law elective | BUSN304 Working with Diversity and Conflict or BIPX301 Professional Experience |
Note: Not all majors and minors will be available on all campuses.
A blank cell indicates that there are no additional units required for that study period.
This is a sample program only and units will vary between states. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
AQF framework
Overseas study available
You’ll have the opportunity to study the university Core Curriculum at our Rome campus. A number of elective units in this degree are also available to study overseas.
Entry requirements
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 level, or equivalent:
| State | Prerequisites |
|---|---|
New South Wales | English (Standard) (Band 3) or English as an Additional Language (EAL) (Band 4) |
Queensland | English (4, SA) at year 12 level |
Victoria | Units 3 and 4 – a study score of at least 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or 25 in any other English. |
International students need to meet the English Language Proficiency requirements as defined in the Admission to Coursework Programs Policy.
Disclaimer :The Course entry requirements above are for 2021 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
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.
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 ACU College, TAFE, and many private education providers. If you have completed a qualification with one of these partners, 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.
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.
English language requirements
IELTS (International English Language Testing System), Overall score of 7.0, 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.
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 current or recent Year 12 students
If you can’t meet the ATAR requirement for your choice of course and you’re currently completing Year 12 or finished Year 12 in the two years previously, we have entry programs to get you where you want to be.
Pathways into course for applicants with previous study and/or life experience
Are you applying to ACU as a non-school leaver?
By that we mean, you’re not currently completing Year 12 and haven’t completed it in the two years previously. If the answer is yes and your selection rank isn’t enough to meet the requirements for your desired course you still have a number of options to help you achieve your study goals.
If you’re over 21, you can sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) , or you can complete a diploma or bridging course relevant to your desired course.
Further study
The degree provides a pathway to specialisations in a variety of legal and business-related disciplines.
Fees
Course costs
$14496 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.
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.
How to apply
Domestic applicants
Direct Application
Apply nowIf you are a Year 12 student you must apply through VTAC, UAC or QTAC. Unfortunately, a Direct application cannot be considered.
You can apply Direct to ACU if you are not a recent school leaver and have not already applied through VTAC, UAC or QTAC.
Deferment
Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.
Staff Profile
Associate Professor Michael Longo
Associate Professor – Thomas More Law School
Before his academic career Michael was a Senior Solicitor with the Australian Government Solicitor, Attorney-General's Department. He is a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Michael has held academic positions in Victoria
since 1990. Michael's teaching and research interests include Legal Writing and Research, Comparative Constitutional Systems, Human Rights Law, International Law and European Union Law. His current teaching covers Legal Reading, Writing and Research, Law of the European Union and Comparative Legal Systems.
Testimonial
“I am one of just 20 people to have secured a graduate position with Australia Post from 3000 applicants. I credit much of my success to my experiences at ACU.”
