Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University combines cutting-edge ICT knowledge with comprehensive legal education, preparing graduates to navigate the growing intersection between technology, business, and law. Ideal for students interested in digital innovation, cybersecurity, technology governance, and legal practice, the program develops both technical expertise and professional legal skills for careers in rapidly evolving industries.

Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students establish core foundations in both law and information technology. Legal studies begin with units such as Introduction to Law and Legal Analysis and Critique, while ICT studies introduce students to areas including Programming Fundamentals and Computer Systems Fundamentals, helping them develop essential technical and analytical skills.

Year 2

The second year expands students' understanding of legal systems and information technologies. Students typically undertake law units such as Torts and Contracts, while ICT studies progress into Database Design and Development and Systems Analysis and Design, building practical problem-solving and business technology capabilities.

Year 3

Students begin exploring more specialised areas of law and technology. Legal studies include subjects such as Criminal Law and Property Law, while ICT coursework may cover Network Technologies, Web Systems Development, and information systems concepts that support modern digital organisations.

Year 4

Advanced legal and ICT topics become increasingly integrated. Students study units including Administrative Law, Equity Trusts, and Evidence, while expanding their technology expertise through subjects such as Information Security, Enterprise Information Systems, or advanced ICT electives aligned with their career interests.

Year 5

The final year focuses on professional preparation, advanced legal studies, and career specialisation. Students complete capstone-level law units such as Civil Procedure and Arbitration, Professional Responsibility and Legal Ethics, alongside advanced ICT electives that strengthen expertise in emerging technologies, governance, cybersecurity, or digital innovation.

Focus Areas (in a string):

Technology Law, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, Digital Governance, Legal Practice, Data Management, Network Technologies, Software Development, Business Technology, Privacy and Compliance, Technology Risk Management, Digital Transformation.

Learning Outcomes (in a string):

Develop advanced legal reasoning and advocacy skills; analyse complex legal and technological issues; design and manage information technology solutions; understand digital governance and regulatory frameworks; apply ethical and professional judgment; communicate effectively across legal and technical environments; evaluate emerging technologies and their legal implications.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The ICT component is designed to align with industry expectations and professional standards within the information and communications technology sector.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is internationally recognised for graduate employability, global impact, and industry engagement. The university is ranked among the world's leading institutions in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings and is recognised globally through major ranking systems including QS World University Rankings, reflecting strong employer engagement and graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University gain hands-on experience in both technology and legal practice, ensuring they graduate with skills that are directly relevant to today's digital economy. Throughout the program, students work with contemporary ICT technologies while also developing practical legal research, advocacy, and problem-solving abilities. Learning extends beyond traditional lectures through project-based coursework, industry-focused activities, and opportunities to engage with real-world legal and technology challenges. This combination helps students understand how technology, regulation, cybersecurity, and business operations intersect in modern organisations:

Industry-relevant ICT laboratories – Students have access to specialised computer laboratories equipped with contemporary software, networking technologies, cybersecurity tools, and enterprise computing environments used throughout the ICT curriculum.
Project-based learning – ICT units incorporate individual and group projects where students design, develop, analyse, and evaluate information systems and technology solutions, helping build teamwork and professional project management skills.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) – Students may undertake industry-based learning opportunities that allow them to apply classroom knowledge in professional technology and business environments.
Western Sydney University Justice Clinic – Law students can gain practical legal experience through the Justice Clinic, working on real legal matters under professional supervision while developing client communication, legal research, and advocacy skills.
Legal research and digital law resources – Students access professional legal databases and digital research tools used within the legal profession to develop advanced legal research and case analysis capabilities.
Cybersecurity and networking technologies – Depending on subject selection, students gain experience with networking infrastructure, cybersecurity concepts, database technologies, systems analysis tools, programming environments, and enterprise information systems.
Collaborative learning environments – Many ICT units include team-based projects that mirror industry practice, allowing students to develop communication, leadership, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
Technology and innovation research environment – Students benefit from learning within a university environment that supports technology innovation, digital transformation, and applied research through its ICT-related schools and research centres.
Modern library and digital learning resources – Students have access to Western Sydney University's extensive library network, online databases, technology resources, legal collections, collaborative study spaces, and digital learning platforms.
Industry engagement opportunities – Guest lectures, professional seminars, networking events, and employer engagement activities expose students to current developments in technology, cybersecurity, legal practice, and digital governance.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws at Western Sydney University gain a unique combination of legal knowledge and technology expertise, positioning them at the forefront of the rapidly evolving digital economy. This dual degree equips students with the skills to address complex legal, regulatory, cybersecurity, and technology-related challenges across a wide range of industries. Graduates commonly pursue careers as Technology Lawyer, Cybersecurity Consultant, ICT Project Manager, Digital Compliance Officer, Privacy Advisor, and Technology Risk Analyst:

Dedicated career and employability services – Western Sydney University's Careers team provides personalised career advice, résumé and interview preparation, career workshops, networking events, internship assistance, and graduate employment support to help students transition successfully into professional careers.
Industry-focused practical learning – Students gain valuable hands-on experience through work-integrated learning opportunities, industry projects, internships, legal clinics, and practical ICT coursework that develops both technical expertise and workplace readiness.
University–industry partnerships – The program maintains strong connections with technology organisations, legal firms, government agencies, community legal centres, and industry stakeholders, helping students build professional networks and gain exposure to real-world industry challenges.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are highly employable across legal services, information technology, cybersecurity, consulting, compliance, digital governance, and corporate sectors. Typical graduate salaries generally range from AUD $80,000–$110,000, with excellent long-term earning potential as professional expertise and experience increase.
Long-term accreditation value – The Bachelor of Laws satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales. After completing Practical Legal Training (PLT), graduates can apply for admission as a lawyer. The ICT qualification also provides highly transferable technical skills that remain in strong demand across the global workforce.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates leave with expertise in technology regulation, information systems, cybersecurity principles, digital governance, privacy compliance, risk management, and legal analysis. This combination creates diverse career opportunities across both legal and technology-focused industries.

Further Academic Progression:

Practical Legal Training (PLT) to become eligible for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia.A Master of Laws (LLM) specialising in Technology Law, Cybersecurity Law, Intellectual Property Law, Privacy Law, Commercial Law, or Corporate Law.Postgraduate qualifications in Cyber Security, Information Technology, Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Digital Transformation, or Technology Management.Professional certifications in cybersecurity, cloud computing, information systems auditing, project management, governance, risk management, or digital compliance.Research-focused pathways including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Information and Communications Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Policy, or related disciplines.