Why Study / Key Benefits

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science is a double degree combining legal education with computer science and software-development skills.

Key benefits include:

• Study an accredited law qualification while developing expertise in computer science and software development.
• Develop knowledge of the Australian legal system, legal analysis, dispute resolution and persuasive communication.
• Build technical capabilities in programming, software development, computer systems and problem-solving.
• Explore the relationship between law, technology and the human factors involved in developing and using computer-based systems.
• Gain practical legal experience through 450 hours of Professional Experience in Law.
• Complete six professionally focused, industry-linked computer science project units.
• Develop skills relevant to technology-intensive areas of legal practice, including intellectual property and legal technology.
• The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria and the Australian federal legal system, subject to completion of the required non-academic requirements and Practical Legal Training.
• The Computer Science component is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The double degree combines 350 credit points of core Law study with 200 credit points of Computer Science study.

The standard Computer Science component includes the following core units:

• Computer Systems – COS10004
• Introduction to Programming – COS10009
• Technology in an Indigenous Context Project – COS10025
• Web Technology Project – COS10026
• Networks and Switching – TNE10006
• Object Oriented Programming – COS20007
• Computing Technology Project A – COS40005
• Computing Technology Project B – COS40006.

The Law component includes core subjects such as:

• Introduction to Australian Law and Statutory Interpretation
• Torts 1
• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Torts 2
• Legal Writing
• Contract Law
• Evidence
• Property Law
• Equity and Trusts
• Company Law
• Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution
• Legal Practice and Professional Conduct
• Legal Technology and Innovation
• Patents and Designs

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Computer Science component requires students to complete one Computer Science major comprising eight units / 100 credit points.

Available Computer Science majors include:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber Security
• Data Science
• Games Development
• Internet of Things
• Software Development.

The Law component provides opportunities to select Law electives and develop knowledge in areas such as:

• Commercial law
• Intellectual property
• Legal technology
• Company law
• Contract law
• Evidence
• Property law
• Civil procedure
• Legal practice and professional conduct.

Programme Highlights

• Combined Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Computer Science.
• 500 credit points in the standard programme.
• Typically 5 years full-time.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS code 092703G.
• Two published 2027 intakes.
• 450 hours of Professional Experience in Law.
• Eight core Computer Science units.
• Eight Computer Science major units.
• Four Law elective units.
• Six professionally focused, industry-linked Computer Science project units.
• Australian Computer Society professional accreditation for the Computer Science component.
• Victorian Legal Admissions Board recognition for the Law component.
• Potential focus on technology-related legal areas including intellectual property and legal technology.
• Optional 6-month or 12-month professional placement pathway, subject to the applicable rules and eligibility.

Career Outcomes

Swinburne lists career opportunities across both disciplines, including:

Law-related careers:

• Solicitor
• Lawyer
• Legal counsel

Computer Science-related careers:

• Data scientist
• Programmer
• Software developer
• Software engineer.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

Current 2027 information confirms:

• Semester 1 commencement: 1 March 2027.
• Semester 2 commencement: 2 August 2027.
• Application deadlines currently shown: 24 February 2027 and 28 July 2027.
• Hawthorn campus.
• CRICOS code: 092703G.

Important professional requirements:

• The Law component requires 450 hours of Professional Experience.
• The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for Victorian and Australian Federal legal admission, but additional non-academic requirements and PLT are required before admission to practice.
• The Computer Science component is professionally accredited by ACS.
• Professional placements are subject to separate eligibility and selection rules.
• Students should not assume that an optional professional placement is automatically available to an international Student visa holder. Swinburne's course rules contain specific restrictions and visa considerations for international students.

International Student Visa Requirements

The relevant Australian visa for an international student undertaking this programme in Australia is generally the Student visa, subclass 500.

Swinburne specifically states that international students in Australia holding Student visas must study full-time and on campus.

Key visa requirements can include:

• Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for the intended course.
• Valid passport and identity evidence.
• Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
• Financial-capacity evidence where required.
• English-language evidence where required.
• Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
• Compliance with all conditions attached to the Student visa.

Genuine Student requirement

The Genuine Student requirement applies to Student visa applications lodged on or after 23 March 2024.

Applicants must address questions concerning:

• Current circumstances, including family, community, employment and economic ties.
• Why they want to study the selected course in Australia with the selected provider.
• Their understanding of the course and studying and living in Australia.
• How completing the course will benefit them.
• Other relevant information where applicable.