Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science
The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science provides an accredited qualification in law whilst providing students with a focus on developing expertise in software development and computer science. The degree provides students with a broad, well-rounded legal education that inculcates an understanding of the role the law plays in our society and of how it can assist Australia as a trading nation.
Students receive extensive education in contemporary approaches to the analysis, design and implementation of large-scale systems, along with a sound understanding of the traditional aspects of computer science such as hardware and operating systems. Like all IT courses at Swinburne, this course pays particular attention to the human factors involved in the development, deployment and use of computer-based systems.
There is a focus on applications involving mobile and web-based systems, with an emphasis on the design of effective human-computer interfaces. A range of options in the degree allows students to study advanced subjects in computer science areas including artificial intelligence, computer networks, database, enterprise systems and programming languages.
Graduates of this course will have extensive skills in system development, particularly relating to medium- and large-scale projects, will have developed experience in working on team projects, and will have well-developed oral and written communication skills.
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Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 2 March 2020
- Semester 2 - 3 August 2020
VTAC codes
- 3400211151 (CSP)
- 3400211153 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities 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 Computer Science 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 * | 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 and State Constitutional Law * | LAW20012 | 12.5 |
| Property Law * | LAW20013 | 12.5 |
| Land Law | LAW20014 | 12.5 |
| Copyright * | LAW20043 | 12.5 |
| Patents and Designs * | LAW30011 | 12.5 |
| Equity and Trusts * | LAW30012 | 12.5 |
| Company Law * | LAW30013 | 12.5 |
| Legal Practice and Professional Conduct * | LAW30015 | 12.5 |
| Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAW30029 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Logic Essentials | COS10003 | 12.5 |
| Introduction to Programming | COS10009 | 12.5 |
| Creating Web Applications | COS10011 | 12.5 |
| Fundamentals of Data Management | COS20015 | 12.5 |
| Networks and Switching | TNE10006 | 12.5 |
| Professional Issues in Information Technology * | ICT30005 | 12.5 |
| Software Engineering Project - A * | SWE40001 | 12.5 |
| Software Engineering Project - B * | SWE40002 | 12.5 |
*Outcome unit – completion demonstrates the attainment of course learning outcomes
+
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 |
+
+
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
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws, graduates should 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 successful completion of the Bachelor of Computer Science, graduates will be able to:
- apply a broad and coherent knowledge of computer science and software development in diverse contexts and domains using critical thinking and judgement
- apply appropriate methods and contemporary tools to the scoping, analysis, design, construction, verification and operation of software systems
- communicate proficiently to a variety of audiences, function as an effective member or leader of a team, and use the basic tools and practices of project management within project work
- demonstrate professionalism, integrity, ethical conduct, professional accountability and an awareness of professional practice in a global context
- apply problem analysis and decision-making methodologies to identify, design and implement solutions to industry relevant problems with intellectual independence
- reflect on personal performance, learning, and self-management processes as a means of continued professional development and lifelong learning.
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 and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
| Work Experience in Industry B | WEI20002 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20014 | 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 and Communication Technology
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology | ICT20013 | 25 |
Professional Placement in Law
| Units | Unit codes | Credit points |
|---|---|---|
| Work Experience in Industry A | WEI20001 | 25 |
| Integrated Professional Placement A – Law | LAW20021 | 25 |
Career opportunities
Bachelor of Laws graduates will 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, small businesses and corporate organisations. In particular, the specialisation in intellectual property law equips graduates for careers in the new knowledge economy, giving them the skills to work in media and entertainment, design, branding and advertising, and in internet companies and firms advising information-dependent industries.
Bachelor of Computer Science graduates typically find employment in organisations engaged in medium- to large-scale software development. Initially, graduates are usually employed in technical areas such as programming and systems analysis and design, internet systems development. They are well-prepared for progression into project leadership and management positions as their experience develops.
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 Computer Science is accredited with the Australian Computer Society at the professional 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.