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Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies
Course information for - 2025 entry
Offered at 3 locations
- Duration
- 5 years full-time or equivalent part-time
- CRICOS Code
- 079436G
- Fees (first year)*
- $32000
- Start dates
- February 2026, July 2026, February 2027, July 2027
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).
Course map
Graduate statement
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
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 (Units 3 & 4, C) |
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 2025 Admission. Refer to your relevant Tertiary Admission Centre website for future years' entry requirements.
View transparency admission information
International applicants
Applicants whose first language is not English must have either:
- Successfully completed at least two full–time years of study in secondary or higher education where the medium of study was English; or
- Demonstrated their English proficiency, as set out below:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Overall Score 7.0, Individual Score of 6.5 in all tests.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language – Academic (TOEFL): from an Internet–based total of 94, achieve a minimum of 24 in writing, 20 in speaking and listening, 19 in reading.
- Recognised international high school qualification
- English Language Proficiency.
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 the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy must comply with the Higher Degree Research Regulations.
Fees
Course costs
- Unit fee: $4000
- Average first year fee: $32000
- Estimate total cost: $160000
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
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
Dr Amanda Alexander
Deputy Head, Thomas More Law School
Amanda Alexander is a senior lecturer and Deputy Head of the Thomas More Law School. Amanda has a BA(Hons)/LLB from the University of New South Wales and a Masters in Legal Theory and History from University College London. She completed her PhD in 2013 at the Australian National University on the history of the civilian in international law.
Associate Professor Kunle Ola
Senior Lecturer, Thomas More Law School
Associate Professor Kunle Ola’s research traverses Intellectual Property, Copyright Collective Administration, Open Access to knowledge, Company Law and Migration law. His works challenge institutional imbalance, develops, informs, and guides law reform, public policy and international norm setting.
Kunle is a Senior lecturer at the Thomas More Law School). Kunle holds a Law degree (LL. B) from the University of Benin, LL.M from the University of South Africa, a PhD from the Australian Catholic University, a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education and a Graduate Diploma in Australian Migration Law and Practice. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and has over twenty-three years of private, public, and international experience.
His research projects include collaborations with agencies such as, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), Ford Foundation, United Nations Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD), Australian Research Council (ARC) and Canada's International Development Research Council (IDRC).
Testimonial
“I chose to study a double degree in law/ global studies as this particular course is the most suitable for my goals of completing a law degree with a supplementary understanding of economics, business, and politics. As a future legal professional pursuing a career in commercial law, global studies was the perfect fit for my law degree as it equipped me with the necessary knowledge required to excel within my future career.”