Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New England Armidale

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England is a future-focused double degree that blends advanced computing skills with a strong foundation in legal knowledge, preparing graduates for careers at the intersection of technology, regulation, and innovation. It is ideal for students who are interested in problem-solving, digital systems, and law, and who want to work in high-demand areas such as cyber law, data governance, and software-driven industries.

This program is delivered across Armidale and Sydney campuses, giving students flexibility while experiencing both a regional academic environment and a city-based learning setting.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
Students build foundational skills in both computing and law. In computer science, they typically begin with introductory studies such as Programming Fundamentals, Introduction to Computer Systems, and Mathematical Foundations for Computing. In law, students explore core areas like Legal Systems and Methods, Contracts, and Torts, developing essential analytical and reasoning skills.

Year 2:
The focus shifts toward deeper technical and legal understanding. Students advance their computing knowledge through subjects such as Data Structures and Algorithms and Object-Oriented Programming, while continuing legal studies in areas like Constitutional Law and Criminal Law. This year strengthens problem-solving ability across both disciplines.

Year 3:
Students begin integrating law and technology through applied learning. Computing subjects such as Database Systems and Software Engineering Principles are complemented by legal studies in areas like Administrative Law and Equity and Trusts, helping students understand how legal frameworks apply to digital environments.

Year 4–5:
Advanced studies focus on specialisation and professional readiness. Students may engage in subjects such as Cybersecurity Principles, Artificial Intelligence Foundations, and Legal Practice and Procedure. This stage prepares students for complex real-world challenges in tech-driven legal contexts, along with professional placement or capstone projects.

Focus Areas:

Cybersecurity law, software development, data governance, legal reasoning, regulatory compliance, digital systems design

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong analytical, technical, and legal skills, enabling them to assess and solve complex problems in both computing and legal contexts while adapting to rapidly evolving digital industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The law component supports the academic pathway required for admission to legal practice in Australia, while the computer science component aligns with industry expectations for software development and IT-related roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of New England is recognised as an established Australian public university with strong graduate outcomes and industry-relevant teaching, particularly in law, technology, and interdisciplinary programs that combine emerging fields like computing and regulation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Experiential Learning: Students in the Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England build practical, job-ready skills by combining hands-on computing experience with real legal training. Throughout the degree, learning is strongly applied—students don’t just study theory, they actively work with programming tasks, legal problem-solving exercises, and real-world case analysis. This is supported through structured practical components that develop both technical and professional legal capabilities: creating a strong bridge between classroom learning and industry expectations.

Students also engage with authentic tools, collaborative projects, and simulated professional environments designed to mirror real careers in tech and law:

Industry-relevant computing labs: Students gain hands-on experience with programming, software development, and data systems using modern computing environments aligned with industry practices.
Legal skills development & moot court activities: Law components include practical legal reasoning exercises, case analysis, and simulated court or advocacy experiences to build confidence in legal argumentation.
Work-integrated learning opportunities: Students can access internships, placements, and project-based learning that connect academic study with real organisations in technology, government, and legal sectors.
Collaborative group projects: Across both disciplines, students complete team-based assignments that reflect real workplace settings in software development and legal case preparation.
Digital legal research tools: Students are trained in legal research methods using professional databases and digital resources commonly used in the legal industry.
Campus learning resources: UNE provides access to libraries, study hubs, and dedicated academic support spaces that support both technical and legal research development.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Progression & Future Opportunities: Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws at University of New England step into a highly competitive and future-focused career space where technology and legal expertise intersect. This unique combination prepares students for roles such as technology lawyer, cybersecurity legal consultant, software compliance analyst, and digital policy advisor, with strong demand across both public and private sectors.

University services supporting employment: UNE provides dedicated career development support through personalised career counselling, employability workshops, internship coordination, industry networking events, and work-integrated learning opportunities that help students gain practical exposure before graduation.
Employment outcomes & salary figures: Graduates in combined law and computer science fields in Australia typically see strong early-career outcomes, with salaries commonly ranging from AUD $80,000 – $130,000, and higher earning potential as professionals progress into specialised legal-tech, cybersecurity, or advisory roles.
University–industry partnerships: Students benefit from engagement with legal practice networks, digital innovation environments, and industry-linked learning experiences that connect legal education with emerging technology sectors and regulatory frameworks.
Long-term accreditation value: The Bachelor of Laws component supports the academic pathway toward legal practice admission in Australia, while the computer science component strengthens eligibility for roles in high-demand tech and data-driven industries globally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates leave with a rare dual capability in legal reasoning and advanced computing skills, enabling them to work at the forefront of cybersecurity law, digital governance, software regulation, and tech-driven legal innovation.

Further Academic Progression: After completing this program, students can progress into Practical Legal Training (PLT) for admission as a legal practitioner, or pursue postgraduate qualifications such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Information Technology, Master of Cybersecurity, or research pathways (Honours and PhD) focusing on legal technology, artificial intelligence governance, or digital law and regulation.