Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts
with a major in Politics, Power and Technology – Blended learning – on-campus and digital learning
Selected major: Politics, Power and Technology
You’ll develop a deep understanding of key political concepts such as power, democracy and security in this major.
Probe and question political structures and how new media technology has created fresh opportunities for democratic mobilisation and participation at local, national and global levels, while opening up new ways to corrupt democratic processes.
Analyse how the use and misuse of technology influences security, privacy, freedom and human rights in traditional political processes and institutions.
Formulate strong arguments and use your critical thinking skills to provide solutions to the challenges facing governments and the governed in the twenty first century.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about politics, philosophy, and history.
Our Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts gives you a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving skills for a dynamic future-ready legal career.
Be prepared for the legal world of tomorrow – artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity and more – with a degree that explores how technology is transforming legal practice. You’ll focus on legal tech, commercial law and intellectual property law, and learn how to protect the rights of those who create and innovate. Plus, gain a solid grounding with core units in Constitutional Law, Contract Law and Criminal Law.
Whether you’re passionate about climate change, social justice or how to protect our rights in an evolving tech rich world – with your arts degree, you’ll fortify your analytical thinking by tackling complex and crucial global problems with majors such as Climate and Social Justice or Ethics and Technology.
Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. In this double degree, you'll complete law-related professional experience placements. You'll also be introduced to the practical aspects of legal practice through moot court scenarios and advocacy exercises. In arts unit, collaborate with fellow students and community, civil society and industry partners to create real campaigns for real social change.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 26 February 2024
- Semester 2 - 29 July 2024
VTAC codes
- 3400210431 (CSP)
- 3400210433 (IFP)
I am a proud Jaara, Wemba Wemba and Yorta Yorta woman. I chose Swinburne law as I wanted to involve myself in the discourse that surrounds Indigenous people, to empower community and make positive changes. Currently, I am an Associate to Judge Purcell at the County Court. I plan to write a dissertation on Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property.
Neane
Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Politics and International Relations, minoring in Philosophy)
Swinburne students work with ACMI
Swinburne’s Bachelor of Arts students created new experiences called Constellations for the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) visitors as part of its $40 million transformation.
The Constellation is a large-scale, data-driven exhibit that connects visitors to films, TV series, artworks and video games outside ACMI.
As ACMI’s Major Academic Partner, Swinburne supports the Swinburne Studio – an available to hire multi-purpose function space – home for ACMI’s many diverse festivals and events, as well as a programming collaboration space between the two organisations.
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
As a Swinburne law student you can choose to take part in a dual award program with Leo Cussen Centre for Law. This makes it possible to study your LLB at Swinburne while also completing Practical Legal Training (the Swinburne program) at Leo Cussen. Please note that this dual award is not available to those on international student visas.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws/ Bachelor of Arts requires students to complete units of study to the value of 500 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.
View course rules and special requirements
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation | LAW10010 | 12.5 |
| Contract Law - # Priestley unit | LAW10011 | 12.5 |
| Commercial Law | LAW10013 | 12.5 |
| Torts 1 - # Priestley unit | LAW10014 | 12.5 |
| Criminal Law & Procedure - # Priestley unit | LAW10015 | 12.5 |
| Torts 2 - # Priestley unit | LAW10025 | 12.5 |
| Legal Writing | LAW10026 | 12.5 |
| Evidence - # Priestley unit | LAW20009 | 12.5 |
| Administrative Law - # Priestley unit | LAW20010 | 12.5 |
| Trade Marks & Related Rights * | LAW20011 | 12.5 |
| Federal & State Constitutional Law - # Priestley unit | LAW20012 | 12.5 |
| Property Law - # Priestley unit | LAW20013 | 12.5 |
| Land Law - # Priestley unit | LAW20014 | 12.5 |
| Legal Technology and Innovation | LAW20040 | 12.5 |
| Copyright * | LAW20043 | 12.5 |
| Patents & Designs * | LAW30011 | 12.5 |
| Equity & Trusts - # Priestley unit | LAW30012 | 12.5 |
| Company Law * - # Priestley unit | LAW30013 | 12.5 |
| Legal Practice & Professional Conduct * - # Priestley unit | LAW30015 | 12.5 |
| Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution - # Priestley unit | LAW30029 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Placement for Bachelor of Laws
3 units (0 credit points)
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Experience in Law 1 | LAW10016 | 0 |
| Professional Experience in Law 2 | LAW20018 | 0 |
| Professional Experience in Law 3 | LAW30016 | 0 |
+
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Technology and Society | ART10002 | |
| Skills and Strategies for Social Change * | ART20003 | |
| Changemakers in Action * | ART30004 | |
| Arts Internship * | ART30005 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Selected major: Politics, Power and Technology
You’ll develop a deep understanding of key political concepts such as power, democracy and security in this major.
Probe and question political structures and how new media technology has created fresh opportunities for democratic mobilisation and participation at local, national and global levels, while opening up new ways to corrupt democratic processes.
Analyse how the use and misuse of technology influences security, privacy, freedom and human rights in traditional political processes and institutions.
Formulate strong arguments and use your critical thinking skills to provide solutions to the challenges facing governments and the governed in the twenty first century.
In this multi-disciplinary, you’ll learn about politics, philosophy, and history.
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| What is Power? | PHI10007 | 12.5 |
| Propaganda | HIS20003 | 12.5 |
| Philosophy, Media, Culture | PHI20006 | 12.5 |
| Dictators and Democrats: Comparative Politics | POL20009 | 12.5 |
| Contemporary Approaches to Security | POL20016 | 12.5 |
| Philosophy, Politics and Society * | PHI30010 | 12.5 |
| The Politics of Public Policy * | POL30010 | 12.5 |
| Critical Security Studies * | POL30020 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
Other studies
8 units (100 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 100 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides additional opportunities for you to gain valuable skills and real industry experience in the form of placements, internships or study tours - all while earning credit towards your degree.
Choose a Work Integrated Learning option:
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 12 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement co-major has four 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Humanities
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Humanities | SOC20018 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Humanities | SOC20019 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B – Law | LAW20022 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
You'll get paid to work in an area related to your field of study for 6 months, where you'll combine hands-on learning with academic submissions, workplace reflection and feedback from your host organisation. Most students undertake their placements in the third year of their degree, so you’ll want to map out your electives as soon as you can and register for a placement at least 6 months before your preferred start date.
The Professional Placement minor has two 25 credit point units.
Professional Placement in Humanities
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Humanities | SOC20018 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
A Professional Internship is all about gaining valuable real-world skills in your area of study all while earning credit points towards your degree. Plus, it looks great on your CV as it shows you’ve had real industry experience before you’ve even graduated!
You might choose to complete your internship part-time over a semester or in a more intensive block during Summer or Winter terms.
Travel overseas, discover other cultures, enrich your professional experience and enhance your CV all while gaining credit towards your course.
- Full-time study: 100 credit points/eight standard units of study per year
- Part-time study: 50 credit points/four standard units of study per year
- One credit point is equivalent to one hour of study per week per semester (including contact hours and private study)
- See the course planner for an example degree structure
Course learning outcomes
Upon successfully completing the Bachelor of Laws, students will be able to:
- describe and demonstrate the application of the fundamental areas of Australian law and the Australian legal system and of the principles and doctrines that underpin them
- describe and demonstrate the application of ethical and professional responsibility in the practice of the law and a commitment to the pursuit of justice
- analyse and evaluate the interdisciplinary contexts in which legal issues arise and the disciplines and policy considerations that influence the content and operation of the law
- describe and compare the international legal order and the law and legal systems of Australia’s major trading partners
- critically evaluate events or factual situations, identify the legal issues to which they give rise and develop and articulate appropriate and creative responses
- undertake and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to make judgements to solve complex legal problems with intellectual independence
- demonstrate effective and persuasive communication capabilities with legal and non-legal audiences
- communicate proficiently in professional practice to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a diverse team and critically reflect on individual performance and professional development.
Upon successfully completing the Bachelor of Arts, students will be able to:
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources to inform their knowledge and conceptual understandings in the humanities and/ or social sciences
- formulate arguments that are fit for purpose and demonstrate an understanding of the relevant theories and evidence in their areas of expertise
- critically analyse information to generate creative solutions to solve complex problems in the area of humanities and/or social sciences
- Define and integrate theoretical principles and apply these in their areas of expertise
- apply knowledge and skills with responsibility and accountability for their own learning and practice, individually and in collaboration with others
- interpret and communicate ideas, problems and arguments in modes suitable to a range of audiences using a range of media
- coherently articulate a line of reasoning demonstrating cultural sensitivity and apply a framework to analyse and offer solutions to ethical dilemmas in local and international contexts.
Career opportunities
There are countless career opportunities with this Laws/Arts double degree combination.
Graduates have the theoretical and practical knowledge required to operate effectively in diverse settings such as law firms and barristers’ chambers, not-for-profit organisations, government, businesses and multinational corporate organisations.
Your understanding of intellectual property law will also equip you for the new knowledge economy. This work includes branding and advertising, media and entertainment, design, internet companies and legal firms advising information-dependent industries.
This double degree will strengthen potential career directions involving advocacy, advertising, anti-corruption, anti-discrimination, climate action, consumer protection, community development, corrections, cultural services, ethics, entertainment, human rights, government, indigenous engagement, large multinational organisations, law reform, NGO/aid work, media, marketing, public administration, politics, youth services, unions and writing.
A law degree is the first step to becoming a lawyer. You’ll also need to complete your Practical Legal Training prior to applying for admission to practice law.
Alternatively, you may continue onto postgraduate study for a career in primary or secondary school teaching, or to specialise at a more advanced level in media and communication, writing or a business area or interest.
Swinburne’s Law degree prepares you for work in all legal fields including administrative law, business and corporate law, children’s law (child protection), competition and consumer law, criminal law, dispute resolution, elder law, entertainment/arts/media law, environment and planning law, family law, human rights law, intellectual property, industrial relations, migration and refugee law, native title, NFP and charity law.
Professional recognition
The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for admission to practice as a lawyer in the Victorian and Australian Federal legal systems as set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board.
Please be advised that non-academic requirements must also be satisfied for admission to practice and that no law degree allows graduates to practise straight away.
All Laws graduates must also complete Practical Legal Training prior to applying for admission to practice as a lawyer. Swinburne offers the opportunity to complete this PLT at the same time as completing your Bachelor of Laws via the Leo Cussen Centre for Law Swinburne Program.
Fees
Find out more about fees.
Scholarships
At Swinburne scholarships are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. Scholarships are available for both commencing and current students.
How to enter this course
- Entry requirements, credit transfer and recognition of prior learning.
How to apply
Find out more about how to apply.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.