Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Laws

6 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wollongong

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong is a unique double degree that blends advanced computing skills with a full legal education, preparing students for careers across technology, law, cybersecurity, and digital policy. It is ideal for students who are analytical, detail-oriented, and interested in both solving complex technical problems and understanding how laws shape the digital world. Campus: Wollongong Campus, New South Wales (main study location).

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build strong foundations in both disciplines. In computer science, they typically begin with Programming Fundamentals, Introduction to Computer Systems, and Discrete Mathematics, while in law they are introduced to Foundations of Law and Torts Law. This year focuses on developing logical thinking, coding basics, and an understanding of how legal systems operate in society.

Year 2:
Year two deepens technical and legal knowledge through subjects such as Data Structures and Algorithms, Database Systems, and Criminal Law. Students also begin to understand legal reasoning alongside computational problem-solving, strengthening their ability to analyse both code and case law.

Year 3:
In the third year, students move into more advanced computing and legal frameworks, including Software Engineering, Operating Systems, Contracts Law, and Constitutional Law. This stage focuses on building practical development skills and a deeper understanding of legal principles that govern society and technology.

Year 4:
Students begin integrating both fields through subjects such as Cybersecurity Fundamentals, Artificial Intelligence Foundations, Administrative Law, and Equity and Trusts. The focus shifts toward real-world applications, especially how law interacts with emerging technologies.

Year 5:
This year emphasizes advanced specialisation with subjects like Machine Learning, Cloud Computing, and Corporate Law. Students also engage in capstone-style computing projects and more complex legal analysis, preparing for professional-level thinking.

Year 6:
The final year includes a major Computer Science Capstone Project alongside advanced law electives such as International Law or Intellectual Property Law. Students consolidate both disciplines through research, applied problem-solving, and professional-level casework.

Focus Areas:

Software development, algorithms and data structures, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, legal reasoning, contract law, criminal law, digital regulation, and technology governance.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to design and develop complex software systems, apply advanced computational thinking, interpret and apply legal principles, and critically analyse how law interacts with emerging technologies and digital environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The law component is structured to support the academic pathway toward legal practice in Australia (subject to completion of Practical Legal Training), while the computer science component aligns with industry expectations in software engineering, cybersecurity, and data-driven roles.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

The University of Wollongong is internationally recognised for strong graduate employability and industry-connected learning, with computing and law programs designed in consultation with professional bodies and aligned to real-world workforce needs.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Wollongong, the Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Laws (Wollongong Campus) is designed to immerse you in both legal practice and advanced computing from day one. You don’t just learn theory — you actively build software systems, analyse legal problems, and work on real-world-style projects that combine technology and law. The program integrates coding labs, legal reasoning exercises, and collaborative project work so you graduate with both technical fluency and legal confidence. Students also gain experience using industry-standard development environments alongside legal research tools, preparing them for roles in tech law, cybersecurity regulation, and digital policy:

combining legal reasoning with real-world computing and software development practice :

Programming & Development Labs: hands-on coding using languages such as Python, Java, and SQL, supported by structured lab sessions and guided problem-solving tasks
Legal Research Platforms: access to professional tools like case law and legislation databases (e.g., legal research systems used in Australian legal education) for assignments and case analysis
Moot Court & Legal Simulation Spaces: practice courtroom advocacy, contract interpretation, and dispute resolution in simulated legal environments
Software Engineering Projects: team-based development of applications, systems, and prototypes, simulating real industry software development cycles
Version Control & Collaboration Tools: use of professional development workflows including Git-based collaboration for group coding projects
Cybersecurity & Digital Law Contexts: exposure to computing concepts linked to data protection, cybercrime, and technology regulation in legal frameworks
Group-Based Interdisciplinary Projects: collaborative assignments where students combine legal analysis with technical solutions (e.g., compliance systems, digital tools, or policy tech solutions)
University Learning Spaces & Libraries: access to the University of Wollongong library system, study hubs, and computing labs supporting both legal and technical research
Work-Integrated Learning Opportunities: industry-style projects, internships, and professional exposure through law-related and IT-related placements
Innovation & Digital Learning Environments: access to modern campus facilities supporting computing practice, research, and collaborative project development

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Computer Science - Bachelor of Laws at the University of Wollongong develop a highly sought-after blend of legal expertise and advanced technical capability. This combination prepares you for careers where technology, regulation, and legal systems intersect—an area that is rapidly growing in demand across Australia and globally. Many graduates move into roles such as technology lawyer, cyber law specialist, software compliance officer, or intellectual property and data privacy advisor: working at the forefront of digital regulation and innovation.

Career pathways (typical roles): Technology Lawyer, Cybersecurity & Privacy Legal Officer, Intellectual Property Lawyer, Software Compliance Specialist
University employability support: University of Wollongong Careers & Employability Service provides personalised career counselling, internship and placement support, resume and interview preparation, and direct access to graduate job opportunities and employer networks
Employment outcomes & salary range: graduates in law and computer science-related fields typically earn in the approximate range of AUD $70,000–$130,000+ per year, with higher earning potential in specialised areas such as cybersecurity law, technology consulting, and intellectual property
University–industry connections: strong links with legal practice environments, technology sectors, and organisations engaged in digital transformation, supporting internships and work-integrated learning experiences
Long-term professional value: the law component supports the pathway toward legal practice (subject to Practical Legal Training), while computer science provides highly transferable technical expertise in software systems, cybersecurity, and data-driven industries
Graduation outcomes: graduates are well-positioned for hybrid careers across law firms, tech companies, government agencies, and regulatory bodies, especially in areas dealing with digital governance and emerging technologies

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this double degree, students can progress into the Juris Doctor (JD) or Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner. Many also pursue postgraduate study in areas such as cybersecurity law, artificial intelligence governance, data science, or advanced computer science to specialise further and move into senior roles in technology regulation, digital policy, or legal-tech innovation.