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.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

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.