Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws

A Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws from UOW places you at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and the legal frameworks that regulate it.

Combining Law with Computer Science allows you to understand and shape how the law functions within a technical context. This double degree combines the practical, problem-solving skills of computer science and programming with the high-level analytical, research and communication skills of law. This will enable you to acquire specialist knowledge and skills across the continually changing landscape of Information Communication and Technology (ICT).

Computer scientists focus on computation and its applications, designing methods, tools and writing programs for computer applications. These applications can be in areas such as computer systems to control machinery, information management and big data, applications for mobile devices, visualisation of chemical reactions, neural network design, computational geometry for robot navigation, patient monitoring in hospitals, and much more.

Alongside studying a common core of subjects that cover computer science, IT, and business information systems, there is an opportunity to specialise in one of the following majors: Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, Cyber Security, Game and Mobile Development, and Software Engineering. In your final year of Computer Science, you will develop your own application as part of an annual student team project, developing solutions to real-world problems provided by our industry partners.

You will also benefit from practical experience as a vital part of your legal training. As the only law school in New South Wales that requires you to complete a legal internship you will secure highly valued industry experience.

This double degree covers the prescribed areas of knowledge for future admission to the profession as well as including a broad choice of electives. Additionally, an integrated skills program equips you with experience in areas such as legal research, interviewing, legal drafting, advocacy and negotiation.

Areas of study

Bachelor of Laws: Business and financial law, commercial law, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, environmental law, family law, human rights, intellectual property, international law, jurisprudence, legal ethics, legal skills, litigation and practice skills/internships, property law, taxation, torts. Bachelor of Computer Science: Artificial intelligence and big data, cyber security, digital systems security, game and mobile development or software engineering.

Career opportunities

Bachelor of Laws: Solicitor, barrister, policy officer in government departments, in- house lawyer in private companies and community legal centres, accounting, banking and finance, business and management, education, government administration, media and communications. Bachelor of Computer Science: Big data engineer, cyber security analyst and manager, computer animator, data scientist, game and app developer, network manager, programmer, security engineer, software engineer, systems administrator, systems analyst, developer for rich multimedia and service- orientated applications for industries such as marketing, education, research, media providers.

Professional recognition

Bachelor of Laws: Eligible for admission as a lawyer in Australia, subject to
completing state-approved Practical Legal Training (PLT). Further details for NSW
students can be found at the Legal Profession Admission Board website. Bachelor of Computer Science: Accredited by the Australian Computer Society.

Practical experience

Bachelor of Laws: Legal internship provides 20 working days of professional
experience. Bachelor of Computer Science: Optional internships, industry projects and other career-ready learning opportunities.

Honours

Bachelor of Laws: Bachelor of Laws (Honours) is awarded on the basis of excellent performance throughout the course, as well as in a Legal Research Methodology subject and a Legal Research Thesis. Bachelor of Laws (Honours by Research) is available as an additional year of study to meritorious students. Bachelor of Computer Science: Available as an additional year of study to meritorious students.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Wollongong current fee information.