Bachelors of Computer Science / Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

University of Queensland

Program Overview

The Bachelors of Computer Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland is a five-year dual degree designed for students who want to combine advanced technology skills with a strong understanding of legal systems and regulation. Students develop expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cyber security, software engineering, and digital law while preparing for careers in both the technology and legal sectors. Campuses: St Lucia (Brisbane), Gatton, Herston, and Dutton Park – Queensland, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build strong foundations in both disciplines by studying introductory programming, legal systems, and analytical thinking. Courses such as Introduction to Information Systems, Discrete Mathematics, and introductory law subjects help students understand how technology and law intersect in modern society while developing problem-solving and communication skills.

Year 2

The second year focuses on deeper technical development alongside core legal principles. Students strengthen their programming and software development capabilities through subjects like Introduction to Software Engineering and Programming in the Large, while law studies introduce areas such as contracts, constitutional law, and legal research.

Year 3

By third year, students begin applying their knowledge to more advanced and specialised contexts. Computer science studies may include cyber security, machine learning, or data science pathways, while law courses explore criminal law, property law, and corporate regulation, helping students understand the legal implications of emerging technologies and digital innovation.

Year 4

The fourth year emphasises advanced professional and technical capability. Students undertake higher-level studies in areas such as programming languages, scientific computing, and technology governance while also completing advanced legal electives focused on commercial law, dispute resolution, and ethics in professional practice.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete honours-level legal training and advanced computing studies that prepare them for leadership roles in the industry. The program integrates research, critical analysis, and practical experience, enabling graduates to work confidently across legal practice, technology consulting, software development, and digital policy environments.

Focus Areas

Cyber Security, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Programming Languages, Scientific Computing, Software Engineering, Technology Law, Digital Regulation, Legal Research, Commercial Law, Dispute Resolution

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced programming and analytical skills, understand Australian and international legal systems, apply legal reasoning to technology-related challenges, design and evaluate computer-based systems, communicate complex technical and legal concepts effectively, and prepare for professional practice in technology-driven industries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is accredited by the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board and fulfils the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Graduates may also be eligible for professional memberships with the Australian Computer Society, Queensland Law Society, and Bar Association of Queensland.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Queensland ranks #1 in Queensland for Computer Science and Information Systems and is ranked among the world’s leading universities for Law and Legal Studies in the QS World University Rankings 2025. UQ Law is also recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious law schools with strong industry and community connections

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelors of Computer Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland gain hands-on experience through practical programming projects, legal research activities, collaborative assignments, and industry-focused learning environments. The program combines advanced computing facilities with professional legal training, allowing students to develop technical expertise, critical thinking, advocacy skills, and real-world problem-solving abilities across both disciplines. UQ’s modern laboratories, research institutes, legal learning spaces, and innovation hubs help students apply classroom knowledge to contemporary challenges in technology, cyber law, digital ethics, and software development:

Advanced Computing Laboratories: Students access high-performance computing labs equipped for programming, software engineering, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and data science projects through the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Programming & Software Development Tools: Students work with industry-standard programming languages, development environments, databases, and collaborative software engineering platforms used throughout the computer science curriculum.
Law Moot Courts: UQ Law provides authentic moot courtrooms where students practise advocacy, legal argument, negotiation, and courtroom procedures in simulated legal environments.
Legal Research Training: Students develop practical legal research skills using professional legal databases including LexisNexis, Westlaw, and other specialist digital legal resources available through the UQ Law Library.
Group Software Engineering Projects: Team-based computing projects allow students to collaborate on designing, building, testing, and evaluating software systems while strengthening communication and project management skills.
Cyber Security & AI Research Exposure: Students may engage with research activities connected to UQ’s leading work in cyber security, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
Industry Connections & Internship Opportunities: UQ’s strong partnerships with law firms, government agencies, and technology companies help students access internships, networking opportunities, and professional placements.
UQ Law School Facilities: Students benefit from dedicated study spaces, legal skills centres, collaborative learning environments, and academic mentoring within one of Australia’s leading law schools.
Libraries & Digital Resources: The UQ Library network provides extensive access to computing journals, legal case databases, research collections, collaborative study areas, and advanced digital learning technologies.
Research Institutes & Innovation Hubs: Students can connect with interdisciplinary institutes and innovation programs focused on technology, digital transformation, ethics, and public policy.
Practical Legal Skills Development: Through case analysis, mooting competitions, legal writing exercises, and client-based simulations, students gain practical experience relevant to professional legal practice.
Capstone & Honours-Level Learning: Advanced studies integrate independent research, analytical projects, and applied computing challenges that prepare students for leadership roles in technology and law.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelors of Computer Science / Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland are well prepared for careers that combine legal expertise with advanced technological knowledge. The dual qualification opens opportunities across law firms, technology companies, government agencies, consulting organisations, and emerging digital industries, with graduates commonly working as software engineers, technology lawyers, cyber security consultants, and legal technology specialists. As industries increasingly rely on digital systems and data regulation, UQ graduates gain a strong competitive advantage through their interdisciplinary skill set:

Career Support Services: UQ Careers and Employability provides personalised career consultations, résumé workshops, networking events, employer presentations, mentoring programs, and internship assistance specifically designed to connect students with industry opportunities.
Industry Networking Opportunities: Students can engage with leading law firms, technology employers, government departments, and innovation organisations through UQ career fairs, industry panels, and professional networking events.
Graduate Employability Reputation: The University of Queensland is recognised globally for graduate employability and maintains strong employer connections across both the legal and technology sectors.
University–Industry Partnerships: UQ collaborates with major industry and research partners in technology, cyber security, digital innovation, and legal practice, helping students gain exposure to real-world professional environments.
Professional Accreditation Value: The law component satisfies the academic requirements for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia, while the computing qualification supports pathways into professional technology and ICT careers.
Practical Graduate Outcomes: Graduates develop expertise in legal reasoning, software development, cyber governance, digital ethics, and analytical problem-solving, enabling them to work across rapidly evolving industries.
Global Career Flexibility: The combination of law and computer science prepares graduates for both traditional legal careers and future-focused digital professions where technology regulation and cyber law continue to expand.
Research & Innovation Opportunities: Students may progress into research roles involving artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security, intellectual property law, and technology policy.
Professional Development Programs: UQ offers employability initiatives including internships, entrepreneurship programs, leadership development, and innovation challenges that strengthen graduate readiness.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates are equipped for roles in commercial law, legal technology consulting, software engineering, cyber law advisory, compliance, digital governance, and technology-focused policy development.

Median Salary: Software Developers – AUD $98,000 | ICT Security Specialists – AUD $120,000 | Solicitors/Lawyers – AUD $95,000 | Cyber Security Consultants – AUD $110,000 annually (Australia industry averages).

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this dual degree, graduates may continue into postgraduate studies such as a Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Computer Science, Master of Cyber Security, Master of Data Science, Juris Doctor-related specialist pathways, or doctoral research programs (PhD) in areas including artificial intelligence, digital law, cyber regulation, software systems, and technology policy. The honours qualification also provides a strong pathway into advanced academic research and specialist professional certifications.