Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering) / Law

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering) / Law at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is a comprehensive 6.7-year dual degree that combines advanced engineering expertise with a strong legal education. Designed for students interested in both emerging technologies and the legal frameworks that govern them, this program develops graduates who can navigate complex challenges at the intersection of robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, intellectual property, and technology regulation.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1 – Foundations in Engineering and Law
Students establish a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, engineering design, and legal principles. Courses such as Engineering Mechanics, Introduction to Engineering Design, and Introduction to Law develop analytical thinking, technical problem-solving, and an understanding of the legal system and its role in society.

Year 2 – Core Engineering Systems and Legal Principles
The curriculum advances into key engineering subjects including Control Systems, Digital Systems, Programming Fundamentals, and Electronics. Simultaneously, students study foundational law subjects such as Contract Law, developing an understanding of legal obligations, agreements, and commercial relationships.

Year 3 – Robotics, Mechatronics, and Legal Applications
Students explore specialized engineering topics including Robotics, Embedded Systems, Sensors and Actuators, and Mechatronic Design. Legal studies continue with subjects such as Torts and public law, helping students understand legal responsibilities, risk management, and regulatory frameworks relevant to technology and engineering.

Year 4 – Advanced Engineering and Commercial Law
Students deepen their expertise through courses in Automation Systems, Control Engineering, Machine Design, and intelligent systems. Law studies expand into areas such as corporate law, administrative law, and commercial law, providing insight into the legal environments in which technology companies operate.

Year 5 – Innovation, Technology, and Legal Governance
Engineering studies focus on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced robotics applications. Students also undertake legal subjects related to technology, innovation, and regulation, strengthening their ability to address legal challenges arising from technological advancement.

Year 6 – Professional Practice and Interdisciplinary Expertise
Students complete advanced electives across both engineering and law, allowing them to tailor their studies to interests such as intellectual property, technology regulation, cybersecurity law, robotics, automation, or entrepreneurship. Practical projects and case-based learning further develop professional capabilities.

Final Semester (0.7 Year) – Capstone and Legal Specialisation
The program culminates with a major engineering capstone project and advanced law electives such as Intellectual Property Law and technology-focused legal studies. Students integrate technical and legal knowledge to address real-world challenges involving innovation, regulation, and emerging technologies.

Focus Areas:

Robotics Engineering
Mechatronics and Automation
Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems
Intellectual Property Law
Technology and Innovation Law
Contract and Commercial Law
Regulatory and Technology Governance

Learning Outcomes:
Graduates will develop:

Advanced technical expertise in robotics and mechatronics engineering
Strong understanding of legal principles and regulatory frameworks
The ability to evaluate technological innovations from both engineering and legal perspectives
Critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills
Project management and professional communication abilities
Knowledge of intellectual property, technology regulation, and commercial law
Interdisciplinary skills that bridge technology and legal practice

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The Engineering (Honours) component is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring graduates meet internationally recognized engineering standards. The Law component satisfies the academic requirements necessary for pursuing legal professional qualification pathways in Australia, subject to practical legal training requirements.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):
UNSW is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, law, and technology education. Consistently ranked among the world's leading universities for graduate employability, engineering, and legal studies, UNSW equips graduates with a rare combination of technical and legal expertise that is increasingly valued across technology companies, law firms, government agencies, regulatory bodies, consulting firms, and innovation-driven industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of New South Wales (UNSW), students pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering / Law have the unique opportunity to engage in experiential learning that bridges theory with real-world application. This program is designed to equip you with practical skills through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and access to state-of-the-art facilities. You'll be immersed in an environment that fosters innovation and creativity, allowing you to apply your knowledge in meaningful ways.

Here are some of the key experiential learning opportunities and resources available to you:

- Robotics and Mechatronics Labs: Access specialized laboratories equipped with advanced robotics kits, mechatronic systems, and prototyping tools to bring your ideas to life.
- Industry Partnerships: Collaborate with leading companies in the field through internships and industry projects, gaining invaluable experience and networking opportunities.
- Group Projects: Engage in team-based projects that simulate real-world engineering challenges, enhancing your teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Software Tools: Utilize industry-standard software such as MATLAB, SolidWorks, and LabVIEW for design, simulation, and analysis in your engineering projects.
- Field Trips: Participate in excursions to local industries and research institutes, providing insights into the practical applications of your studies.
- Research Institutes: Work alongside faculty and researchers at UNSW’s Robotics Institute, where you can contribute to cutting-edge research in robotics and automation.
- Access to Libraries: Benefit from extensive resources at UNSW libraries, including engineering and law databases, journals, and study spaces tailored for collaborative work.
- Innovation Hub: Take advantage of the UNSW Innovation Hub, which supports student-led projects and startups, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.

These experiences not only enhance your learning but also prepare you for a successful career in engineering and law. By choosing UNSW, you’re not just earning a degree; you’re gaining the skills and experiences that will set you apart in the job market.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering) / Law at UNSW possess a rare combination of advanced technical expertise and legal knowledge, making them highly sought after in industries where technology, innovation, and regulation intersect. This dual qualification prepares graduates to lead the development, governance, and commercialization of emerging technologies while navigating complex legal and regulatory environments. As robotics, artificial intelligence, and automation continue to transform industries globally, graduates are uniquely positioned to take on influential technical, legal, and strategic roles.

Typical career pathways include: Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics Engineer, Automation Engineer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Technology Lawyer, Patent Attorney (with additional requirements), Technology Consultant, Regulatory Advisor, Innovation Manager, Compliance Specialist, and Corporate Counsel for technology-focused organizations.

This strong career outlook is supported by UNSW's global reputation and industry-focused education:

UNSW Careers and Employability provides comprehensive support including career coaching, resume reviews, interview preparation, employer networking events, internships, mentoring programs, and graduate recruitment opportunities.
Graduates are well positioned to work across technology companies, engineering consultancies, law firms, government agencies, regulatory bodies, research organizations, and multinational corporations.
Engineering graduates in Australia typically achieve median starting salaries of approximately AUD $75,000–$85,000+, while legal and technology-specialist roles often offer strong long-term earning potential as expertise develops.
The combination of engineering and law provides a significant competitive advantage in high-growth fields such as artificial intelligence regulation, intellectual property, cybersecurity, autonomous systems governance, technology commercialization, and innovation management.
UNSW maintains strong industry partnerships across engineering, technology, legal, and research sectors, creating valuable opportunities for professional networking, internships, and graduate employment.
Accreditation by Engineers Australia ensures graduates meet internationally recognized engineering standards and supports professional engineering registration pathways.
The law component satisfies the academic requirements for legal professional qualification pathways in Australia, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT) and admission requirements.
Graduates develop highly transferable skills including technical problem-solving, legal analysis, strategic thinking, negotiation, project management, communication, and leadership, enabling success across diverse industries and career paths.
UNSW consistently ranks among Australia's leading universities for graduate employability and is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, law, and innovation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this dual degree, graduates may pursue advanced postgraduate studies in specialized fields such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Engineering, Master of Artificial Intelligence, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Intellectual Property Law, Master of Business Administration (MBA), or Master of Technology Management. Students interested in research and innovation can continue into higher research degrees such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in robotics, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, technology law, intellectual property, cybersecurity regulation, or innovation policy. These pathways can lead to careers in academia, advanced research, technology leadership, legal practice, policy development, and executive management.