Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at Swinburne University of Technology is a unique double degree that combines legal expertise with advanced engineering knowledge, preparing graduates for careers in technology regulation, infrastructure, innovation, and complex problem-solving industries. It is designed for students who are analytical, curious, and interested in how law and engineering work together in shaping modern society.
Campus Location: Hawthorn Campus, Melbourne

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both disciplines through introductory study in law and engineering. They typically begin with core law units such as Legal Methods and Legal Reasoning and Foundations of Law and Statutory Interpretation, alongside engineering subjects like Engineering Practice and Engineering Mathematics. This year focuses on developing analytical thinking, technical problem-solving, and an understanding of legal systems and engineering principles.

Year 2

In Year 2, students deepen their knowledge with more structured learning in both fields. Law studies expand into areas such as Torts and Criminal Law Principles, while engineering study progresses into subjects like Engineering Mechanics and Electrical Systems or Materials Engineering (depending on specialisation). Students begin to understand how legal frameworks apply to technical and engineering environments.

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on advanced discipline development and integration of law and engineering concepts. Law units such as Contract Law and Constitutional Law are studied alongside engineering subjects like Systems Engineering and Design and Innovation Projects. Students start applying both legal and technical reasoning to real-world problems and interdisciplinary challenges.

Year 4

In this year, students move into specialised legal and engineering study. Law subjects such as Administrative Law and Corporate Law are typically undertaken, while engineering study includes Engineering Design Projects and advanced technical electives. This stage builds professional-level capability and applied problem-solving skills across both disciplines.

Year 5

Students undertake advanced legal electives and specialised engineering topics. Law study may include Evidence Law and Advanced Legal Practice Units, while engineering focuses on innovation-driven subjects such as Sustainable Engineering Systems and Industry-Based Projects. Students also begin preparing for professional practice through practical and applied learning experiences.

Year 6.5 (Final Stage)

The final stage brings together both disciplines through capstone experiences. Students complete advanced legal training units alongside major engineering research or design projects, often involving real industry challenges. This year ensures graduates are fully prepared for professional roles that require both legal and engineering expertise.

Focus Areas:

Engineering law integration, infrastructure regulation, technology and compliance, systems design, legal problem-solving, innovation and policy development

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to apply legal reasoning and engineering principles to solve complex real-world problems, interpret and apply legislation in technical environments, and design innovative engineering solutions within legal and regulatory frameworks.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component supports the academic pathway toward admission to legal practice in Victoria, while the Engineering (Honours) qualification aligns with professional engineering accreditation standards required for engineering practice in Australia.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Swinburne University of Technology is recognised globally in QS World University Rankings and is known for strong graduate employability outcomes, particularly in engineering, technology, and professional law programs, supported by industry-connected learning and applied education models.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Swinburne University of Technology, the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is designed so you’re not just studying theory — you’re actively working like a future lawyer and engineer from early in your degree. Students build real, job-ready capability through hands-on design projects, legal problem-solving, and industry-engaged learning that mirrors professional environments. You’ll regularly work with advanced engineering systems, legal databases, and collaborative tools used in real workplaces, while also developing strong teamwork and communication skills through integrated project-based learning that brings both disciplines together.

Experiential learning: where classroom knowledge turns into professional practice through direct engagement with industry-standard facilities, real-world simulations, and collaborative projects across law and engineering disciplines:

Swinburne Law Moot Court & Legal Skills Training: Practice courtroom advocacy, legal argumentation, and trial procedures in a simulated court environment used for advocacy competitions and professional training
Swinburne Law Clinic (Practical Legal Experience): Engage with real or simulated client matters under supervision, developing legal research, drafting, and ethical decision-making skills
Advanced Manufacturing and Design Centre (AMDC): Access cutting-edge engineering labs, prototyping equipment, and digital fabrication tools for hands-on engineering design and testing
Factory of the Future: Work with Industry 4.0 technologies including automation systems, robotics, and smart manufacturing platforms used in modern engineering practice
Engineering Laboratories (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical & Systems): Use specialised lab environments for testing, simulation, and applied engineering experimentation across multiple disciplines
Industry-Integrated Project Units: Collaborate on interdisciplinary law and engineering projects that reflect real industry challenges, often involving external partners and case-based learning
Swinburne Innovation Studio & Design Factory: Participate in creative, team-based innovation projects focused on solving complex real-world problems using design thinking and engineering solutions
Swinburne Library & Learning Commons (Hawthorn Campus): Access extensive legal databases, engineering research collections, study spaces, and digital learning resources supporting both disciplines
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) & Industry Placements: Gain exposure to professional environments through internships, industry projects, and placement opportunities aligned with law and engineering sectors

Progression & Future Opportunities

At Swinburne University of Technology, graduates of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) are uniquely positioned to enter two of the most influential and in-demand fields. You develop both technical engineering capability and legal expertise, which opens doors to careers where technology, regulation, infrastructure, and innovation intersect. Graduates commonly move into roles such as: engineering consultant, legal practitioner (after admission), intellectual property or technology lawyer, and project/contract engineer: combining technical problem-solving with legal decision-making gives you a rare competitive edge in the job market.

Progression & Future Opportunities: Swinburne supports your transition from study to career through structured employability pathways and strong industry engagement.

Swinburne Careers & Employability Service: Provides one-on-one career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to graduate job platforms tailored to law and engineering students
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) programs: Embedded industry projects and placement opportunities that allow students to gain professional experience before graduation, strengthening employability across both disciplines
Industry-connected learning partnerships: Swinburne collaborates with organisations across engineering, infrastructure, technology, and legal services sectors to deliver real-world projects and placement opportunities aligned with current industry needs
Professional accreditation pathway: The Engineering (Honours) component is designed to support accreditation requirements through Engineers Australia, while the Law degree supports the academic pathway toward legal practice admission in Australia
Graduate outcomes (employability focus): Swinburne graduates are consistently supported through structured industry engagement and practical learning experiences, contributing to strong employment readiness in both engineering and legal fields
Career versatility across sectors: Graduates can pursue roles in government, private legal practice, engineering firms, consulting, technology companies, infrastructure development, and regulatory bodies

Typical graduate salary range (indicative): Combined Law and Engineering graduates often enter high-demand professional roles, with early-career salaries typically ranging from approximately AUD 70,000 – 110,000+, increasing significantly with professional experience, accreditation, and specialist expertise in engineering or legal practice.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may choose to continue their studies through professional legal training (such as Practical Legal Training for admission as a lawyer), postgraduate qualifications in law (LLM), or advanced engineering studies such as Master of Engineering, MBA, or specialised certifications in areas like construction law, intellectual property, or systems engineering.