Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Science

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University of Technology is a multidisciplinary degree that combines legal training with scientific knowledge, preparing students to work at the intersection of law, technology, environment, and research-based industries. Campus: Hawthorn (Melbourne) provides access to modern learning facilities, science laboratories, and Swinburne’s industry-connected legal education environment. This program is ideal for students who are analytical, curious, and interested in solving complex real-world problems that require both legal and scientific understanding.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both law and science. Core law units such as Foundations of Law, Legal Methods and Research, and Criminal Law Principles introduce students to legal reasoning and the Australian legal system. Alongside this, science units such as Cells and Organisms, Chemistry 1, or Introduction to Scientific Practice develop essential scientific knowledge and laboratory skills.

Year 2:

The second year deepens both disciplines with more specialised learning. Law subjects such as Torts, Contract Law, and Constitutional Law strengthen understanding of legal liability and governance, while science units like Biochemistry, Ecology and Environment, or Data Analysis for Science build technical and analytical capability. Students begin to see how scientific knowledge and legal frameworks intersect in real-world contexts.

Year 3:

In Year 3, students move into advanced legal and science studies. Law units such as Administrative Law, Equity and Trusts, and Criminal Procedure develop professional legal practice skills, while science electives such as Molecular Biology, Environmental Science, or Physics for Modern Applications allow deeper specialisation. Students also begin engaging in research-based learning and problem-solving across both disciplines.

Year 4–5:

In the final years, students focus on professional preparation and advanced interdisciplinary study. Law subjects such as Evidence, Civil Procedure, and Corporate Law prepare students for legal practice, while higher-level science units such as Research Project in Science, Advanced Environmental Systems, or Applied Scientific Methods strengthen technical expertise. Students also complete capstone experiences, combining legal analysis and scientific investigation to solve complex industry problems.

Focus Areas:

Law, Scientific Research, Environmental Science, Corporate Law, Biotechnology, Legal Practice, Scientific Analysis, Regulatory Systems

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to apply legal reasoning alongside scientific knowledge to solve complex problems, conduct advanced research, interpret legislation, analyse scientific data, and communicate effectively across legal and scientific contexts.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, while the science component aligns with industry-relevant scientific training and research standards.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Swinburne University of Technology is internationally recognised for graduate employability, ranking strongly in global university employability rankings such as the QS Graduate Employability Rankings.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University of Technology gain hands-on experience by combining legal training with practical scientific investigation in real-world learning environments. Throughout the degree, students build professional skills through simulated legal practice, laboratory-based science work, and interdisciplinary projects that connect law, research, and scientific problem-solving. Learning is supported by industry-standard tools, collaborative group work, and access to specialist facilities designed to prepare students for both legal and scientific careers:

Students develop practical skills through direct engagement with professional-style environments and tools, supported by Swinburne’s applied learning approach:

Swinburne Law Moot Court facilities for simulated trials, advocacy training, and courtroom practice
Swinburne Law Clinic, where students may work on real or supervised legal matters for community clients
Access to legal research databases (e.g., LexisNexis and Westlaw AU) through Swinburne Library for case law and statutory research
Fully equipped science teaching laboratories for biology, chemistry, and experimental science training
Advanced Technologies Centre (ATC) supporting applied research, innovation, and scientific investigation
Use of industry-standard scientific and analytical software such as R, Python, and MATLAB for data analysis and research projects
Interdisciplinary capstone projects combining legal problem-solving with scientific inquiry in real-world contexts
Opportunities for work-integrated learning and placements, connecting students with professional environments in both legal and science sectors
Access to the Swinburne Library and digital learning resources, supporting advanced research across law and science disciplines

These experiences ensure students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also practical, job-ready skills across two highly respected fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science at Swinburne University of Technology prepares graduates for careers at the intersection of law, science, innovation, and regulation. Students build strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills alongside technical scientific knowledge and legal expertise, enabling them to work confidently in industries shaped by scientific advancement and legal frameworks such as healthcare, environment, technology, and biotechnology.

Typical career outcomes include: Environmental Lawyer, Patent Attorney (with further study), Scientific Policy Adviser, Regulatory Compliance Officer.

Career Support & Graduate Success:

Swinburne Careers & Employability Services: Students access personalised career coaching, resume and interview preparation, employer networking events, internship support, and industry placement assistance designed to improve graduate employability.
Applied Science & Legal Learning: The program includes laboratory work, scientific research projects, moot courts, and legal problem-solving exercises that develop both scientific and legal capability in real-world contexts.
Employment Outcomes: Graduates are well positioned for careers across legal practice, environmental agencies, pharmaceutical companies, research organisations, government departments, and regulatory bodies due to strong demand for interdisciplinary professionals.
Median Salary Range: Graduates typically enter roles with salaries ranging from approximately AUD $70,000–$100,000+ per year, with higher earning potential in specialised areas such as intellectual property law, environmental regulation, and scientific consultancy.
University–Industry Partnerships: Swinburne collaborates with research institutes, government agencies, science-based organisations, and legal firms, providing students with internship pathways, industry projects, and professional networking opportunities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws component supports the academic pathway toward admission to legal practice in Victoria, while the Science degree provides strong scientific credibility aligned with professional scientific and research standards.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in environmental law, biotechnology regulation, scientific research organisations, government policy, intellectual property law, healthcare regulation, and compliance roles across science-driven industries.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a lawyer in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM) with a science or environmental focus, or advanced science qualifications including a Master of Science, Master of Environmental Science, or Master of Biotechnology. Graduates interested in research or academia can also progress to a Master by Research or PhD, developing expertise in law–science interdisciplinary fields.