Bachelor of Laws

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Swinburne University of Technology

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws focuses on commercial law with emphasis on intellectual property law. As the only degree in Victoria with this specialisation, students learn about trade marks, patents and designs, copyright, the prohibition of misleading or deceptive con

The Bachelor of Laws at Swinburne University of Technology is designed to develop confident, career-ready legal professionals with strong analytical, research, and advocacy skills. Campus Location: Hawthorn Campus, Melbourne offers students access to modern learning facilities, industry-connected teaching environments, and strong professional networks that support real-world legal training.

This program suits students who are interested in justice, critical thinking, and solving real societal issues through law, and who want a direct pathway into legal practice or related professional fields.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:
In the first year, students build a strong foundation in legal principles and reasoning through core units such as Legal Methods and Skills, Foundations of Law, and Australian Legal System. These subjects focus on how law operates in society, how to interpret legislation, and how to develop legal writing and research skills. Students begin developing the analytical mindset required for advanced legal study.

Year 2:
The second year introduces more complex areas of law, including Contract Law, Torts Law, and Criminal Law. Students learn how legal rules apply in real-world disputes, covering topics such as negligence, criminal responsibility, and contractual obligations. This year strengthens problem-solving skills and prepares students for practical legal reasoning.

Year 3:
In the final year, students engage with advanced legal study through units such as Constitutional Law, Property Law, and Administrative Law, along with electives and professional legal practice components. Students refine their advocacy, interpretation, and legal argument skills while preparing for professional pathways such as legal practice or postgraduate study.

Focus Areas:

Legal reasoning, criminal law, contract law, constitutional law, property law, legal ethics, dispute resolution, and professional legal practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates will be able to interpret and apply Australian law, conduct legal research, construct persuasive legal arguments, and demonstrate professional ethical standards in legal practice and related industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws aligns with academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia, providing a recognised pathway toward becoming a qualified lawyer upon completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (Employability & Rankings):

Swinburne University of Technology is recognised for strong industry engagement and employability-focused learning, with law graduates benefiting from practical, career-oriented education and strong links to legal and professional sectors.

duct and competition law. Students learn how to protect the rights of those who innovate or create.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws at Swinburne University of Technology is designed to give students strong practical legal experience alongside academic study, so they graduate ready for real-world legal work rather than just theory. Students build core legal skills through hands-on learning in simulated legal environments, case analysis, and structured problem-solving tasks that reflect actual legal practice. The program places a strong emphasis on applying legal knowledge in real contexts, supported by industry engagement and modern digital learning tools used in the legal profession.

This practical learning approach is supported by Swinburne’s strong focus on innovation, technology-enabled education, and industry-connected teaching:

Swinburne Law Moot Court & Simulation Activities: Students participate in mock trials, legal negotiations, and courtroom simulations to develop advocacy and litigation skills in a realistic setting.
Swinburne Online Legal Research Tools: Training in professional legal databases such as LexisNexis, Westlaw, and AustLII to develop industry-standard legal research skills.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): Opportunities to engage in internships, legal placements, and industry projects with law firms, community legal centres, and government organisations.
Swinburne Law Clinic: Students gain supervised, hands-on experience by assisting real clients with legal issues under professional guidance.
Group-Based Legal Projects: Collaborative assignments that simulate real legal team environments, including case preparation, legal drafting, and client advising tasks.
Digital Learning & Legal Tech Exposure: Use of modern legal technology tools and online learning platforms that reflect the evolving digital legal profession.
Swinburne Library & Legal Research Support: Access to extensive legal collections, databases, and academic research support services tailored for law students.
Industry Engagement & Guest Lectures: Regular sessions with practising lawyers, judges, and legal professionals providing insight into current legal practice and career pathways.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Laws at Swinburne University of Technology prepares graduates with strong legal knowledge, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills to work across the justice system, business, and government. Students develop a solid foundation in legal principles, statutory interpretation, and professional legal practice, enabling them to confidently step into roles that require critical reasoning and ethical decision-making. This degree also provides a clear pathway toward becoming a qualified legal practitioner in Australia.

Typical career outcomes include: Solicitor, Legal Officer, Compliance Manager, Policy Adviser.

Career Support & Graduate Success:

Swinburne Careers & Employability Services: Students receive tailored career coaching, resume and interview support, networking events, employer engagement sessions, internship guidance, and access to Swinburne’s job-matching and placement platforms.
Practical Learning Opportunities: The program includes experiential learning through moot courts, legal skills workshops, and industry-based projects that help students apply legal theory in real-world contexts.
Employment Outcomes: Swinburne Law graduates are equipped for roles across legal practice, corporate governance, government departments, community legal centres, and compliance sectors, reflecting strong industry demand for legal professionals.
Median Salary Range: Graduates entering early legal and professional roles typically earn approximately AUD $65,000–$95,000+ per year, with significantly higher earning potential as they progress into specialised legal practice or senior advisory roles.
University–Industry Partnerships: Swinburne maintains strong connections with law firms, government agencies, courts, and corporate organisations, supporting internships, professional placements, and networking opportunities for students.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The Bachelor of Laws is designed to meet the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, forming the foundation for progression into Practical Legal Training (PLT) and eventual admission as a lawyer in Australia.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are prepared for careers in legal practice, corporate law, government advisory roles, compliance and risk management, dispute resolution, and public policy.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a lawyer in Australia. They may also pursue postgraduate study such as a Master of Laws (LLM) or specialise further in areas like commercial law, international law, human rights law, or technology law. Graduates interested in research or academic careers can progress to a Master by Research or PhD, deepening expertise in legal theory, policy, or specialised legal practice areas.