Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) / Law

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

Campus: Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Program Overview

This double degree combines advanced computer science with a rigorous legal education, preparing students to work at the intersection of technology, law, and innovation. It is ideal for students interested in careers in tech law, cybersecurity, software engineering, digital policy, or legal practice in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both computing and law. Computer science study typically includes Programming Fundamentals, Data Structures, and Discrete Mathematics, while law begins with Foundations of Law and Legal Research & Writing. This year develops logical thinking, programming ability, and an understanding of legal systems and reasoning.

Second Year

The second year strengthens technical computing skills and core legal principles. Computer science units include Algorithms and Programming Techniques and Systems Fundamentals, while law studies include Contracts and Criminal Law. Students begin to understand how technology systems interact with legal frameworks.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into advanced computing and intermediate law subjects. Computer science includes Databases, Operating Systems, and Software Engineering, while law units typically include Torts and Constitutional Law. This year strengthens both technical system design and legal analytical skills.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced computing systems and deeper legal theory. Computer science may include Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity Fundamentals, or Machine Learning, while law studies include Administrative Law and Equity & Trusts. Students begin integrating legal reasoning with emerging digital technologies.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced computing and law electives alongside capstone-style learning. Computer science involves major project work in software systems or AI development, while law includes advanced electives such as Corporate Law or Technology Law-related subjects. Graduates leave with strong dual expertise in both legal reasoning and advanced computing systems.

Focus Areas:

Computer science, software development, algorithms, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data systems, legal reasoning, contracts, constitutional law, technology law, and digital governance.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop advanced programming and system design skills, strong legal reasoning abilities, and the capability to analyse and solve complex problems at the intersection of technology, law, and society.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Law component is accredited through UNSW Law & Justice professional legal education standards, supporting pathways toward legal practice in Australia. The Computer Science component is aligned with UNSW STEM academic frameworks, supporting strong industry-relevant technical skill development.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New South Wales is globally recognised for excellence in both law and computer science, consistently ranking highly in the QS World University Rankings for graduate employability, law, and computer science disciplines.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, this double degree is taught through a highly practical, hands-on learning model where students actively apply both coding and legal reasoning in real-world scenarios. You’ll build software systems in modern computing labs while also training in law through case analysis, legal research, and courtroom-style simulations. The program is designed to mirror real industry practice, so you graduate with both technical development experience and professional legal skills:

UNSW law moot courts and legal simulation rooms: practice advocacy, legal argumentation, and real-case problem solving
Computer science programming labs: hands-on coding in software development, algorithms, and systems design
Software engineering project environments: collaborative development of full-scale software systems in team-based settings
Legal research databases and tools: use of professional platforms for case law, legislation, and legal analysis
Advanced computing tools and environments: industry-relevant programming frameworks used in AI, cybersecurity, and systems development
Group-based interdisciplinary projects: combining legal reasoning with technical computing solutions for real-world problems
UNSW Law Clinics: practical legal experience working on real or simulated client matters under supervision
Internship and industry engagement opportunities: placements with law firms, tech companies, government agencies, and cybersecurity organisations
Capstone computing projects: final-year software development or research projects addressing complex technical challenges
UNSW Library (Law & STEM collections): access to extensive legal databases, computer science journals, and technical research resources
Industry talks and guest lectures: direct exposure to professionals from both legal and technology sectors

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree are prepared for high-impact careers that bridge technology and law, particularly in areas where digital systems, regulation, and innovation overlap. You can move into roles such as Technology Lawyer, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Legal Consultant (Tech/AI), or Policy Advisor, working across law firms, tech companies, government, and global organisations:

UNSW Employability and Careers Hub: personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to leading graduate recruitment programs
Practical Legal Training (PLT) pathway support: structured pathway guidance toward admission as a legal practitioner in Australia after completing required legal training
Graduate employment outcomes & salary range: law and computer science graduates in Australia typically achieve strong outcomes, with starting salaries often around AUD 80,000–120,000+, depending on role, specialisation, and industry
Industry partnerships: UNSW collaborates with leading law firms, global technology companies, cybersecurity organisations, government agencies, and innovation hubs
Professional accreditation value: the Law degree is accredited toward eligibility for admission to legal practice in Australia, ensuring long-term professional recognition
High-demand dual expertise advantage: graduates are especially valued for combining advanced computing skills with legal expertise in areas like AI regulation, cybersecurity law, and digital governance

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a lawyer in Australia or continue into Juris Doctor (JD) programs for alternative legal qualification pathways. They may also undertake Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Computer Science, Master of Cybersecurity, or research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD, focusing on areas like AI regulation, digital law, cybersecurity systems, or advanced computing research.