Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science
available 2017 only
This course has been discontinued - this course is closed for new enrolments, the information on this page is provided for continuing students.
The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science combines studies in commercial law, emphasising intellectual property law, with the knowledge to specialise in the software and technology industries.
Learn about trademarks, patents and designs, copyright, the prohibition of misleading or deceptive conduct and competition law. Gain the skills to protect the rights of those who innovate or create.
Using the most up-to-date technology and methods, work with complex software and networks to create secure solutions. Learn how these can be applied in areas such as defence, aerospace and medicine, as well as in businesses that require extensive computer support, such as banking and manufacturing.
Complete law-related professional experience placements at organisations in Australia or overseas. Become familiar with the practical aspects of legal practice through moot court scenarios and advocacy exercises.
Every international student application is considered for a scholarship
Whether you’re living in Australia or overseas, you’re automatically considered for a scholarship of up to 75% off your course fees. Please check our updated entry requirements.
Start dates
Hawthorn campus
- Semester 1 - 27 February 2017
- Semester 2 - 31 July 2017
Duration
5 Year/s
Full-time
VTAC codes
- 3400211151 (CSP)
- 3400211153 (IFP)
Faculty
Faculty of Business and Law
CRICOS code
092703G
Fees
A$26480 (annual for 2017)*
The indicative course fees shown in Course Search apply to international students for the relevant year only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.
International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.
Course details
- Course structure, work integrated learning, career opportunities and professional recognition.
Course structure
Successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Computer Science [available 2017 only] 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 |
| Civil Procedure & Alternative Dispute Resolution | LAW10012 | 12.5 |
| Commercial Law | LAW10013 | 12.5 |
| Torts | LAW10014 | 12.5 |
| Criminal Law & Procedure | LAW10015 | 12.5 |
| International Trade Law | LAW20007 | 12.5 |
| Misleading Conduct, Economic Torts & Product Liability | LAW20008 | 12.5 |
| Evidence | LAW20009 | 12.5 |
| Administrative Law | LAW20010 | 12.5 |
| Trade Marks & Related Rights | LAW20011 | 12.5 |
| Federal & State Constitutional Law * | LAW20012 | 12.5 |
| Property Law * | LAW20013 | 12.5 |
| Land Law | LAW20014 | 12.5 |
| Copyright | LAW30007 | 12.5 |
| Taxation Law | LAW30008 | 12.5 |
| Public & Private International Law * | LAW30009 | 12.5 |
| Competition Law & Policy * | LAW30010 | 12.5 |
| Patents & Designs * | LAW30011 | 12.5 |
| Equity & Trusts * | LAW30012 | 12.5 |
| Company Law * | LAW30013 | 12.5 |
| Asian Commercial Law * | LAW30014 | 12.5 |
| Legal Practice & Professional Conduct * | LAW30015 | 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 for Bachelor of Laws [available 2017 only]
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
1 unit (12.5 credit points)
Choose from a combination of the following course components to complete 12.5 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 |
Note: Some Work Integrated Learning opportunities are not available to international students due to visa restrictions.
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.
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, English language requirements and prerequisites.
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.