Bachelor of Communication in Digital and Social Media Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Technology Sydney

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Communication in Digital and Social Media / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is a five-year dual degree that combines cutting-edge digital communication skills with comprehensive legal training. It is designed for students who want to work in fast-evolving digital industries while also understanding legal systems, regulation, and governance in areas such as media, technology, privacy, and online platforms. Campuses: City Campus (Ultimo, Sydney), Moore Park Campus (Sydney), Botany Campus (Sydney), and Kuring-gai Campus (Sydney) – New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in digital communication and law. Subjects such as Introduction to Digital Media, Social Media Communication, and Digital Cultures are combined with Foundations of Law and Legal Method and Research, developing core skills in communication strategy, legal reasoning, and media literacy.

Year 2

The second year focuses on developing applied digital media skills and core legal doctrines. Students study Social Media Strategy, Digital Content Production, and Online Audience Engagement, alongside Contract Law and Torts, learning how legal frameworks regulate digital platforms and communication practices.

Year 3

In the third year, students progress into advanced digital communication and deeper legal study. Subjects such as Data Storytelling, Digital Campaign Design, and Platform Analytics are paired with Criminal Law and Constitutional Law, building expertise in both digital strategy and legal analysis.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on professional digital media practice and advanced legal frameworks. Students undertake Social Media Strategy Labs, Influencer and Platform Studies, and Digital Media Law, alongside Administrative Law and Property Law, preparing for complex regulatory and corporate digital environments.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete advanced digital communication projects alongside honours-level legal studies. Law electives such as International Law, Equity, and Dispute Resolution are combined with a major digital media capstone project, integrating strategic communication, legal compliance, and platform-based innovation.

Focus Areas

Digital Media Strategy, Social Media Communication, Platform Analytics, Content Creation, Influencer Marketing, Digital Campaigns, Media Law, Cyber Regulation, Privacy Law, Contract Law, Digital Ethics, Communication Strategy, Online Governance

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced digital communication and legal reasoning skills, design and manage digital media campaigns, analyse legal and regulatory frameworks for online platforms, evaluate social media ecosystems, communicate effectively across digital environments, and prepare for careers in media, technology, marketing, and legal sectors.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW), meeting academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. The communication component aligns with industry standards in digital media, social media strategy, and professional communication practices.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

UTS is ranked among the top young universities globally in the QS World University Rankings and is recognised for strong graduate employability in both communication and law disciplines. The university is widely known for its industry-connected, practice-based learning approach in digital media and legal education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Communication in Digital and Social Media / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) develop practical, job-ready skills through hands-on digital content creation, platform-based strategy work, and applied legal training in real-world communication and regulatory environments. The program is designed around studio learning, industry simulations, and legal practice experiences that reflect how digital media professionals and lawyers operate in today’s technology-driven landscape. Students actively work on social media campaigns, analyse platform data, and apply legal frameworks to issues like privacy, online regulation, and digital ethics:

UTS Digital Media Studios: Students produce social media content, video campaigns, and digital storytelling projects using professional-grade production and editing tools.
Social Media Strategy Labs: Hands-on workshops where students design, test, and evaluate digital campaigns across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and emerging media ecosystems.
Legal Research Platforms (LexisNexis, Westlaw, AustLII): Students conduct professional legal research into media law, cyber regulation, privacy law, and intellectual property.
Platform Analytics & Digital Tools: Students use industry-standard tools for audience analytics, engagement tracking, campaign optimisation, and digital strategy evaluation.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL): Students complete applied projects connecting digital communication strategy with legal and regulatory compliance in real-world scenarios.
Group-Based Campaign Projects: Students collaborate in teams to develop full-scale digital marketing and social media campaigns, including content planning, branding, and performance analysis.
Digital Media Law & Regulation Case Studies: Students examine real-world cases involving online platforms, influencer marketing, defamation, privacy breaches, and cyber regulation.
UTS Moot Courts & Legal Simulation Spaces: Students practise legal reasoning, argumentation, and dispute resolution in simulated court environments.
Internships & Industry Placements: Opportunities with digital agencies, media companies, tech firms, government regulators, and communications departments through UTS industry partnerships.
Guest Lectures & Industry Mentoring: Digital strategists, social media managers, lawyers, and policy experts contribute through workshops and seminars.
UTS Library & Digital Resources: Access to media archives, legal databases, communication research tools, and digital strategy resources supports interdisciplinary learning.
City Campus Industry Exposure: Located in Sydney’s CBD, students are surrounded by leading digital agencies, tech companies, courts, and media organisations.
Digital Learning Platforms: UTS provides advanced online systems for collaborative campaign development, legal research, and multimedia production workflows.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Communication in Digital and Social Media / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) are equipped for careers that sit at the intersection of digital innovation, media strategy, and legal regulation. This dual qualification is especially valuable in fast-growing industries such as tech platforms, digital marketing, media regulation, and intellectual property law, where professionals must understand both online ecosystems and legal frameworks. Typical career pathways include digital strategist, social media manager, media lawyer, policy adviser, and communications consultant:

UTS Careers Service & Employability Programs: Students receive tailored career coaching, portfolio development, CV and interview preparation, and access to employer networking events across digital media and legal industries.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: According to QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey (Australia), graduates in communication and law disciplines achieve strong full-time employment outcomes, particularly in media, technology, government, and professional services sectors.
Indicative Salary Outcomes: In Australia, early-career graduates typically earn around AUD $70,000–$95,000, with experienced professionals in digital strategy, media law, and communications progressing to AUD $110,000–$150,000+ depending on role and sector.
University–Industry Partnerships: UTS maintains strong connections with digital agencies, social media companies, tech firms, media organisations, government regulators, and law firms, supporting internships and graduate pathways.
Professional Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) component is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (NSW), meeting academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop advanced skills in digital communication strategy, platform analytics, legal reasoning, media regulation, content strategy, and professional legal practice.
UTS Work Integrated Learning Opportunities: Students benefit from internships, digital media projects, legal clinics, and industry-based learning experiences embedded throughout the degree.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify as a solicitor or barrister in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Digital Communication, Master of Media Practice, Master of Marketing, Master of Advertising, Master of Cyber Law, Master of Public Policy, or PhD research in law, communication, digital media, or technology regulation.