Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies
Course information for - 2023 entry
Offered at 3 locations
- Study mode
- Attendance
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 079436G
- IELTS
- 7.0 overall score (Individual Score of 6.5 in all tests)
- Fees (first year)*
- $31216
- Start dates
- February 2023, July 2023, February 2024, July 2024
Overview
This unique degree is designed to develop an awareness of the broader context in which legal issues arise including the political, historical, philosophical and economic dimensions.
The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies also offers an international education, and you will be required to study abroad (ACU has over 60 partner institutions around the world) and/or do an internship that provides international work experience in your third year. You will also 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.
The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies produces well-rounded graduates ready for legal practice and a range of professional careers in an increasingly global environment.
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.

Professional experience
You will complete 80 hours pro bono experience (after your first year).
Work placement
The pro bono program provides practical work-place-based experience in a community context. In addition, students will have the opportunity to study or work overseas in an area relevant to their studies and interests in the Global Studies program.
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
As a graduate you can pursue a range of legal careers including:
- private practice as a solicitor or barrister
- careers in the public sector both local and international
- government service including the diplomatic service, the United Nations system, other international organisations and NGOs
- social entrepreneurship and companies with global outreach
- international relations
- journalism including travel journalism and tourism
Course details
Course structure
To complete the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies, 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 | HIST115 Global History: Six Degrees of Separation | General elective | |
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 | POLS104 Introduction to International Relations | |
Year 2 - Semester 1 | LAWS106 Criminal Law and Procedure | LAWS206 Torts | Global studies list A | Global studies elective 1 | |
Year 2 - Semester 2 | LAWS200 Business Organisations | LAWS213 Community Legal Engagement Pro Bono | Global studies list B | Global studies elective 2 | |
Year 3 - Semester 1 | Law elective 1 | UNCC300 Justice and Change in a Global World or PHCC320 The Just Society | Global studies list C | LAWS314 Statutory Interpretation | |
Year 3 - Semester 2 | Study abroad GLST301 Global Study Abroad A -GLST304 Global Study Abroad D or GLST300 Global Study International Internship | Study abroad GLST301 Global Study Abroad A -GLST304 Global Study Abroad D or GLST300 Global Study International Internship | Study abroad GLST301 Global Study Abroad A -GLST304 Global Study Abroad D or GLST300 Global Study International Internship | Study abroad GLST301 Global Study Abroad A -GLST304 Global Study Abroad D or GLST300 Global Study International Internship | |
Year 4 - Semester 1 | LAWS304 Evidence | LAWS421 Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility | GLST305 Global Studies Research Project | LAWS205 Property | |
Year 4 - Semester 2 | LAWS419 Constitutional Law | LAWS201 Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAWS204 Land Law | ||
Year 5 - Semester 1 | LAWS418 Administrative Law | LAWS404 International Law | Law elective 2 | Law elective 3 | |
Year 5 - Semester 2 | Law elective 6 | LAWS403 Legal Theory | Law elective 4 | Law elective 5 |
This is a sample program only and units will vary depending on your campus and mode of study. Please refer to the handbook for the prerequisite units and the current listing.
*Campus availability – Sydney students will undertake global studies units at the Strathfield Campus and all other units at the North Sydney Campus. Students will not be required to travel between campuses on the same day.
AQF framework
Additional course information
The course includes a compulsory semester of International Study or an Internship at an international institution. Students will be able to choose from some 20 countries and more than 60 partner institutions through ACU International partnerships and agreements.
Entry requirements
View transparency admission information
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 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
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 Regulation 5.2.
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 2022 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
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.
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
International applicants
Direct application
Apply nowDeferment
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.