Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business Information Systems
The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Business Information Systems offers students a course focused on commercial law with emphasis on intellectual property law. As the only double degree in Victoria with this specialisation, students learn about trade marks, patents and designs, copyright, the prohibition of misleading or deceptive conduct and competition law.
The course also teaches students to be entrepreneurial thinkers and provides them with the skills and knowledge essential to business management and operations.
Students complete law-related professional experience placements at organisations in Australia or overseas. Students are also introduced to the practical aspects of legal practice through moot court scenarios and advocacy exercises.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
- Semester 2 - 3 August 2020
VTAC codes
- 3400210511 (CSP)
- 3400210513 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning and professional recognition.
Students who undertake a professional placement in law do so in lieu of the Professional Experience in Law units. This option may change the course duration and the number of elective units required to complete the degree.
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 Business Information Systems 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 and Statutory Interpretation | LAW10010 | 12.5 |
| Contract Law | LAW10011 | 12.5 |
| Commercial law | LAW10013 | 12.5 |
| Torts 1 | LAW10014 | 12.5 |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | LAW10015 | 12.5 |
| Legal Writing | LAW10026 | 12.5 |
| Torts 2 | LAW10025 | 12.5 |
| Evidence | LAW20009 | 12.5 |
| Administrative Law | LAW20010 | 12.5 |
| Trade Marks and Related Rights * | LAW20011 | 12.5 |
| Federal & State Constitutional Law | LAW20012 | 12.5 |
| Property Law | LAW20013 | 12.5 |
| Land Law | LAW20014 | 12.5 |
| Copyright * | LAW20043 | 12.5 |
| Patents & Designs * | LAW30011 | 12.5 |
| Equity & Trusts * | LAW30012 | 12.5 |
| Company Law * | LAW30013 | 12.5 |
| Legal Practice & Professional Conduct * | LAW30015 | 12.5 |
| Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAW30029 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
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| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Information for Decision Making | ACC10007 | 12.5 |
| Programming Concepts | COS10012 | 12.5 |
| Problem Solving in ICT | ICT10001 | 12.5 |
| Database Analysis and Design | INF10002 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Business Information Systems | INF10003 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Management | MGT10001 | 12.5 |
| Requirements Analysis and Modelling | INF20003 | 12.5 |
| Information Technology Project Management | INF30029 | 12.5 |
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Choose a major:
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Placement
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 |
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Other studies
5 units (62.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 62.5 credit points of other study. Students may also select elective units (12.5 credit points each).
- 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
The Bachelor of Laws focuses on commercial law with emphasis on intellectual property law. This equips graduates for careers in the new knowledge economy, which is strengthened by the combination with the Bachelor of Business Information Systems. This latter program focuses on technical and analytical skills to meet the growing demand for IS/IT professionals in the increasingly technology-driven environment of organisations. This double degree offers a new dimension for graduates to gain an understanding of technology and its organisational implications relevant to the practice of law in the new knowledge economy.
The amalgamation of these two comprehensive degrees produces graduates with a good understanding of commercial law within the context of the technology-driven business environment.
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 Business Information Systems, students will be able to:
- define and integrate theoretical principles applicable to information systems/information technology and apply those principles in a range of practices
- systematically review and critically evaluate research from a variety of sources in order to make informed judgements on options for innovatively solving a range of problems that arise in information systems/information technology contexts
- apply critical thinking, reflection and judgment in the selection and application of the appropriate IS/IT related concepts, frameworks and/or methods as part of the process to identify and propose solutions to organisational problems
- demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the professional and ethical issues, dilemmas, and cultural sensitivities pertaining to an information systems/information technology professional in a range of environments
- communicate and articulate clear, coherent and independent exposition of knowledge and innovative ideas appropriate for the problem context, the stakeholders, and the organisational environment
- build on and continuously develop the intellectual independence to be critical and reflective learners, cognisant of new technologies and their implications to business and social environments
- work in a self-reliant, independent and responsible manner, show leadership and take initiative where appropriate, particularly in a collaborative and diverse team environment.
Work Integrated Learning
Swinburne's Work Integrated Learning program provides opportunities to gain invaluable skills and confidence in knowing that you have what it takes to land a job in your field by graduation. You can also earn credit towards your degree. Choose from six- or 12-month professional placements, professional internships, industry-linked projects, industry study tours and accreditation placements. Find out more.
Choose a professional placement option:
12 months Six monthsDouble degrees provide the opportunity to complete a placement in your preferred field.
Professional Placement in Information Systems
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information Systems | INF20019 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Information Systems | INF20020 | 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 |
Double degrees provide the opportunity to complete a placement in your preferred field.
Professional Placement in Information Systems
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information Systems | INF20019 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
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.
The Bachelor of Business Information Systems has been accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at Professional Level (the highest level).
Fees
- Fees for 2020.
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
| 2020 rate* | Estimated total cost of the course | Estimated cost of the course per year if studying full-time* | Amenities fee per year if studying full-time* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) |
$51,700 | $10,340 | See how your SSAF is calculated |
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to eligible students enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of the student contribution amount.
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
Applications for Semester 1 for courses listed on the VTAC Guide are generally made through VTAC. Under certain circumstances, some students (e.g. Non-Year 12) may apply directly to Swinburne. Find out more about how to apply.
Applications for all other intakes should be made directly to Swinburne.
View the Course Admission Information, which includes the ATAR and Student profiles for this course. Swinburne’s general admissions information is also available here.