Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Computer Science
Majoring in Software Development
80.0
Choose your major
Artificial Intelligence
Learn how to apply machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) engineering techniques to tackle challenges typically solved by the human mind.
Cyber Security
The Cyber Security industry is huge and growing quickly. For an in-demand and well-paid career, get qualified to hack the hackers.
Data Science
Learn the statistical methods and tools needed to manage big data sets and the visualisation techniques needed to represent and understand that data.
Games Development
Learn how to design and program computer games and other interactive software, plus gain skills in software development.
Internet of Things
The internet pervades almost everything - from fridges to light fittings. Gain the core skills needed to program a host of devices and develop software solutions that will impact people every day.
Software Development
Learn how to architect big systems, write phone and tablet apps and produce software that is better than industry standard.
Overview
The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Computer Science provides you with an accredited qualification in law while you develop expertise in software development and computer science.
You’ll develop a well-rounded legal understanding of the role law plays in our society and how it can assist Australia as a trading nation. You’ll also learn how human factors are involved in the development, deployment and use of computer-based systems.
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?
Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.
Your major
Software Development
With our Software Development major, learn how to architect big systems, write phone and tablet apps, and produce software that’s better than industry standard.
Then scale your applications up to the cloud for hacker-proof, robust and reliable software applications. Our Work Integrated Learning program also affords you real-world experience to build your CV.
Your industry experience
Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. In this double degree, you'll complete law-related professional experience placements at organisations in Australia or overseas. You'll also apply your learning in six project units related to computer science in professionally focused, industry-linked projects.
Skills you’ll learn
- Navigate the Australian legal system
- Analyse legal issues and disputes
- Persuasive communication
- Computer software development
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Your career opportunities
- Solicitor
- Legal counsel
- Lawyer
- Data scientist
- Programmer or software developer
- Software engineer
Key codes
International student visa
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.
Professional accreditations
Why Swinburne?
Ranked Top 200 in Law
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023Ranked Top 150 in Law
ARWU Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2022Ranked Top 150 in Computer Science
Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject 2023Ranked Top 350 in Computer Science and Information Systems
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023Qualifications
One of the following:
- successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
- completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).
Guaranteed Entry ATAR
80.0
You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.
If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject bonuses, equity schemes or other factors. Use the above ATAR as a guide on your eligibility, and see the course handbook page for more information on entry requirements.
Additional performance criteria and prerequisite requirements may also apply. Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.
*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.
Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.
Course prerequisites
- VCE Units 3 and 4 – a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent
- VCE Units 1 and 2 – satisfactory completion in two units (any study combination) of any Mathematics (excluding Foundation Maths) or successful completion of Unit 3 and 4 any Mathematics
Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Further Mathematics bridging program.
- Any Mathematics
Note that mathematics studies must be equivalent to the Year 11 General Mathematics subjects: VCE General Mathematics 1 and 2, that include topics in algebra and structure; arithmetic and numbers; discrete mathematics; geometry, measurement and trigonometry; graphs and non-linear relations; statistics
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
English language requirements
Satisfactory completion of one of the following:
- IELTS overall band of 6.5 (Academic Module) with no individual band below 6.0
- Swinburne’s English for Academic Purposes (EAP 5 Advanced level) with overall 70%, all skills 65% or above
- or equivalent measures available at English language requirements.
Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?
A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.
Credit transfer
Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Apply for a pathway course
Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.
How credit points work
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.
What your course could look like
Units are listed in a proposed sequence. However this can be amended depending on unit availability, prerequisite requirements and the semester in which you commenced your course.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Introduction to Australian Law and Statutory Interpretation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10010 |
|
Contract Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10011 |
|
Commercial Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10013 |
|
Torts 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10014 |
|
Criminal Law and Procedure
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10015 |
|
Torts 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10025 |
|
Legal Writing
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW10026 |
|
Evidence
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20009 |
|
Administrative Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20010 |
|
Trade Marks and Related Rights
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20011 |
|
Federal and State Constitutional Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20012 |
|
Property Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20013 |
|
Land Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20014 |
|
Legal Technology and Innovation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20040 |
|
Copyright
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW20043 |
|
Patents and Designs
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW30011 |
|
Equity and Trusts
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW30012 |
|
Company Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW30013 |
|
Legal Practice and Professional Conduct
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW30015 |
|
Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
LAW30029 |
|
Professional Experience in Law 1
Core unit |
LAW10016 |
|
Professional Experience in Law 2
Core unit |
LAW20018 |
|
Professional Experience in Law 3
Core unit |
LAW30016 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Computer Systems
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS10004 |
|
Introduction to Programming
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS10009 |
|
Technology in an Indigenous Context Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS10025 |
|
Web Technology Project
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS10026 |
|
Networks and Switching
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
TNE10006 |
|
Object Oriented Programming
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS20007 |
|
Computing Technology Project A
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS40005 |
|
Computing Technology Project B
Core unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS40006 |
| Major units (Software Development) | |
|
Cloud Computing Architecture
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS20019 |
|
Database Design Project
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS20031 |
|
Data Structures and Patterns
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS30008 |
|
Software Testing and Reliability
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
SWE30009 |
|
Computing Technology Innovation Project
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS30049 |
|
Interface Design and Development
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS30043 |
|
Software Architectures and Design
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
SWE30003 |
|
Concurrent Programming
Major unit , 12.5 credit points |
COS40003 |
Want to see the full range of electives?
Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Option 1 | |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
ICT20013 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B - Information and Communication Technology
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
ICT20014 |
| or | |
| Option 2 | |
|
Integrated Professional Placement A – Law
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
LAW20021 |
|
Integrated Professional Placement B – Law
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points |
LAW20022 |
|
Work Experience In Industry A
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20001 |
|
Work Experience in Industry B
Practical unit, 25.0 credit points |
WEI20002 |
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$12,635
Total fee* ($AUD)
$63,175
2024 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$41,240.00
Fees are estimates only
Published student tuition fees for 2024 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
How do I pay my fees?
HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Eligibility for HECS-HELP
You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:
- are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
- hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
- hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.
Student services and amenities fee
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.
This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown in the capped amount for 2024.
Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
SSAF fee* ($AUD)
$351.00
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2024 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Professional placement fees
Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply directly
Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.
Apply through VTAC
International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.
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I chose Swinburne after learning about its cutting edge law school; it’s the only one in the state with a real focus on preparing students to thrive in an increasingly digitised economy transformed by automation and artificial intelligence. There’s an emphasis on studying growth areas of law such as commercial law, intellectual property and legal technology, and an assurance that students will graduate with both currency in the marketplace and confidence in their abilities having obtained extensive professional experience throughout their course.
Jules , Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Computer Science