Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) / Law

If you’re passionate about blending technology with the principles of law, the Bachelor of Science (Computer Science) / Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a standout choice. This program goes beyond classroom learning — it’s designed to immerse you in practical, hands-on experiences that prepare you to thrive in both fields. From day one, you’ll gain a strong foundation in computing and legal studies, working with real-world tools, projects, and clients to build career-ready skills.

From your first year, you’ll explore both worlds — designing software and studying computing systems while also analysing legal cases, tackling issues like intellectual property, cybersecurity, and dispute resolution. UNSW’s dynamic teaching style combines interactive learning, collaborative group work, clinical experiences, and project-based courses to ensure your studies stay relevant and engaging.

You’ll benefit from:

• Team-based projects: In your final-year Computer Science project, you’ll define, design, and build a real-world software system, applying everything you’ve learned in a practical, professional context.

• Cutting-edge facilities: Access UNSW’s state-of-the-art computing labs, equipped with advanced hardware and software tools to explore data structures, algorithms, networks, embedded systems, and artificial intelligence.

• Clinical legal education: Get hands-on legal experience through the Kingsford Legal Centre, where you’ll work alongside practising lawyers and real clients, applying your legal knowledge in authentic settings.

• Interactive law courses: Develop key professional skills — from legal research and writing to advocacy and ethical judgement — through simulations, moot courts, and discussion-based learning.

• Flexible academic structure: The three-term calendar (two three-course terms and one two-course term per year) gives you room to take on extracurriculars, internships, or industry placements while staying on track academically.

• Global learning opportunities: Explore international electives or exchange programs in law to gain global insights into technology regulation and policy.

Experiential Learning Highlights:

• Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC): Engage directly with real clients in a supervised legal environment, gaining valuable insight into legal practice.

• Capstone Computing Project: Collaborate with peers to create a software solution that addresses a real-world problem — a true test of your technical and teamwork skills.

• Industry-informed labs: Work with the latest hardware and software tools across areas like AI, databases, embedded systems, and networking, guided by industry and research expertise.

• Moot courts and simulations: Participate in practical exercises that sharpen your legal reasoning, argumentation, and communication skills.

• Internships and exchanges: Earn credit while gaining professional and global experience in both computing and law.

• Balanced study structure: The flexible term system allows you to integrate hands-on experience, internships, or research without compromising your academic progress.

This double degree opens a world of opportunities across both technology and law. It’s designed for future professionals who want to shape how tech and regulation intersect — from cybersecurity and AI ethics to digital contracts and data privacy.

Graduate Outcomes

When you graduate, you’ll be ready for diverse roles that bridge both disciplines. Typical career paths include:

• Technology or software lawyer

• Legal-tech consultant

• Cybersecurity or data privacy advisor

• Systems architect or product manager with legal expertise

These roles are in high demand across law firms, tech companies, government, and global organisations that rely on both technical and legal insight.

Career Support and Employment Results

UNSW’s Careers & Employment team provides tailored guidance through one-on-one career counselling, employer panels, internship listings, and CV or interview workshops — all designed to help you step confidently into careers that blend technology and law.

Employment outcomes are consistently strong: around 76% of UNSW undergraduates secure full-time work shortly after graduation — that’s about 7 percentage points above the national average. Graduates report a median starting salary of around A$67,500, with median earnings climbing to around A$88,000 within three years, the highest among the Group of Eight universities in Australia.

Academic and Industry Reputation

UNSW’s School of Computer Science and Engineering is ranked #1 in Australia for specialties such as Artificial Intelligence, Databases, and Systems. The Faculty of Law & Justice is also a national leader — ranked #1 in Australia and #12 globally for employer reputation in Law and Legal Studies.

This means your qualification carries real weight: you’ll graduate with top-tier credentials in both computing and law, opening doors across multiple sectors.

Practical Experience

Both parts of the double degree emphasise hands-on learning.

• The Law program includes a clinical component, where you’ll work with real clients and lawyers through the university’s legal centre.

• The Computer Science program offers majors in fields such as Security Engineering, Networks, and Artificial Intelligence, giving you practical experience in areas shaping the future of tech and law.

Further Academic Pathways

After graduation, you’ll have several strong progression options:

• Complete Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a lawyer in Australia.

• Pursue a Master’s degree in technology law, cybersecurity law, or digital innovation law.

• Deepen your technical expertise with a Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, specialising in AI, security, or data science.

• If you’re interested in research, consider an Honours year and potentially a doctoral program exploring the intersection of law and technology — such as the legal implications of AI systems.