Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws

Course information for - 2024 entry

Offered at 4 locations

Duration
5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
UAC code
107002
ATAR
75.00 for North Sydney
Fees (first year)*

$14476 CSP

Start dates
Semester 1 intake: Not available
Midyear (Semester 2) intake: Beginning July 2024
Applications open April 2024

Overview

Study a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws for a degree that can be tailored to your career aspirations. 

Upon graduating you'll be ready to launch straight into your career thanks to our Future Ready employability program, designed to systematically build each of the elements of your personal brand: your professional identity; experience; job-ready skills; and networks.

As part of your law studies you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to become a confident, ethical lawyer who can make a real contribution to the legal profession and the community. And by pairing law with commerce, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your career outcomes to gain professional accreditation in human resource management, accounting, marketing and law. 

Our unique Business Foundation Program, co-created with industry and integrated across all our business courses, assists you as you transition to university study and provides a solid foundation of business skills. Plus, the Business Foundation Program helps you gain an understanding of different areas of business, so you can identify your personal interests before choosing your specialisation. 

During your law degree, you’ll get a lot of hands on experience – such as mooting competitions and pro bono placements. While studying commerce, you will take part in community and industry placements, and learn through gamified business simulations based on real-world situations. Plus, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, cloud skills and cloud data services are wired into your studies – so you can tick Microsoft certification off your to-do list and get an edge in the job market.

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’ll gain up to 185 hours of workplace and community experience before you even graduate.

Work placement

As part of our Work Integrated Learning program you’ll gain 105 hours of industry placement in your area of specialisation. We have embedded employability into your degree with our Future Ready program where we build on your professional skills each year, supporting you every step of the way. These placements will give you the confidence, knowledge and skills to prepare for your future profession. You’ll learn to apply what you learn in the classroom to real life scenarios by working with chartered accountant firms, financial planners, banks, insurance companies, superannuation funds.

Community engagement

As part of your degree you’ll have the opportunity to work with not-for-profit organisations with 35 to 80 hours of community engagement experience. You’ll foster knowledge and understanding and its application within communities experiencing marginalisation and disadvantage while applying ethical personal and professional skills developed during your studies at ACU.

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.

Accreditation

The Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Boards in New South Wales, Queensland and in Victoria. Graduates with both a major and minor in Accounting, are eligible for membership of the Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) Australia, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and Institute of Public Accountants. Additionally, they will receive EPAS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD). Graduates who complete the Human Resource Management Major in the Bachelor of Commerce are eligible for membership of the Australian HR Institute, and graduates who complete the Marketing Major are eligible for graduate membership of the Australian Marketing Institute.

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

Course map

Open all

Please note: Course maps are subject to change.

Accounting Major (Accredited) - Commencing Semester 1

  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS104Foundations of Law and Legal Research10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS105Contract Law10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Units - Specified Business UnitsBUSN104Money Matters

    (Inc: ACCT100, BUSD104)

    10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Units - Specified Business UnitsBUSN112Managing Markets

    (Inc: MKTG100, BUSD112)

    10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS107Introduction to Australian Public Law10 cp
  • Law Specified UnitsLAWS108Commercial Law

    (Pre: LAWS104 & LAWS105)

    10 cp
  • Core Curriculum UnitsCore Curriculum Unit 1See the ACU Core Curriculum page for details 10 cp
  • Bachelor of Commerce Units - Majors - ACCT - Accounting - Major Units: AccountingACCT210Accounting Foundations

    (Pre: BUSN104)

    (Inc: ACCT100, ACCD210)

    10 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.

Human Resource Management Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Informatics Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Management Major - Commencing Semester 1

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.

Marketing Major - Commencing Semester 1

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

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:

StatePrerequisites

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 2024 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.  

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

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.

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 current or recent Year 12 students

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. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

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. 

Explore the pathways to your future 

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.

Fees

Course costs

Average first year fee*

$14476 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

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

Deferment

Deferment is available for one year. Find out more about deferment: Deferment Information.

Staff Profile

Mr Ian Lam

Lecturer and Pro Bono Coordinator - Thomas More Law School

Ian Lam is a lecturer in the Thomas More Law School. Before being transferred to the Law School, Ian taught financial accounting and taxation law in the Peter Faber Business School of ACU. Currently, Ian is a teaching scholar specialised in Commercial Law and Taxation Law.

Ian is also the National Pro Bono Program Coordinator of the Law School. The inclusion of the Pro Bono Legal Professional Experience at the Thomas More Law School recognises the trend that licensing and accreditation bodies around the world are increasingly requiring lawyers to undertake pro bono legal services.

As the Pro Bono Coordinator, Ian is responsible for disseminating information about Pro Bono Legal Professional Experience generally, connecting with long-standing and new pro bono partners, promoting pro bono opportunities, and approving proposed pro bono legal placements before students commence their engagement.

Dr Dina Afrianty

Lecturer, Thomas More Law School

Dr Dina Afrianty is an Indonesian scholar who specialises in women’s rights, disability rights, gender and Islam. Prior to moving to Australia in 2014 she was a senior lecturer and Head of Department at the Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University in Jakarta. She is the founder of the Australia-Indonesia Disability Research and Advocacy Network (AIDRAN) which is an interdisciplinary forum that undertakes innovative training and research activities. Dina has a strong record of grant funding, particularly through international development programs funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Dina’s current work focuses on women’s rights and disability rights awareness and public policy reform. Her recent research and training addresses the capacity of officials and administrators in the education and health sectors to implement internationally recognised human rights standards with respect to persons with a disability. She also has extensive experience in collaborating with Indonesian legal aid and advocacy organisations. Dina has contributed as an expert to UNESCO Right to Education Global Project in 2022 and expert member for the ASEAN-EUROPE Foundation to work on developing Outlook 2030: Inclusive and Diverse Education in Asia and Europe. She has a strong record of academic publication and is now a member of the Australian Feminist Law Journal.

Testimonial

Emily Ginis

“I chose to study a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws because I enjoyed studying commerce and business studies in high school, participating in debates and helping people understand their rights. I was attracted to the small class sizes, personalised experience, leadership opportunities and the pro bono component of the degree. The personalised experience especially rings true as the lecturer of my first unit inspired me to persevere through a difficult unit and encouraged my active participation in class to ensure I understood the content. Pro bono allowed me to put the content I had learnt into practice and develop my legal skills, which included legal research and communicating with a variety of clients and stakeholders.”

 

Emily Ginis
Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Laws (Hons)
 

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