Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) combines professional legal education with cutting-edge ICT knowledge, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of technology, business, and law. Ideal for students interested in both digital innovation and legal problem-solving, this degree develops expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, data governance, networking, programming, legal technology, and regulatory compliance while providing the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Australia. Western Sydney University – Parramatta South Campus, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students establish a strong foundation in both ICT and law. They begin developing technical skills through subjects such as Programming Fundamentals, Systems Analysis and Design, and Database Design, while introductory law units build an understanding of legal institutions, legal reasoning, and the Australian legal system. This year focuses on developing analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving abilities.

Year 2

The second year expands students’ technical and legal capabilities. ICT studies typically explore Networking Technologies, Web Technologies, and Human-Computer Interaction, while law subjects introduce key areas such as Contracts, Torts, and Criminal Law. Students begin to understand how legal frameworks influence technology-driven organisations and digital environments.

Year 3

Students deepen their knowledge of both disciplines through advanced subjects including Operating Systems, Project Management, and Professional Communications. In law, they examine areas such as Property Law, Administrative Law, and Equity and Trusts, strengthening their ability to analyse complex legal and business challenges within technology contexts.

Year 4

The fourth year focuses on professional practice and specialised learning. Students undertake advanced law studies while applying ICT knowledge to real-world projects involving systems development, information management, and organisational problem-solving. Opportunities for work-integrated learning, clinical placements, and international experiences further enhance practical skills and industry readiness.

Year 5

In the final year, students complete the Law Honours component, undertaking advanced legal research under academic supervision. They may also engage in professional experiences such as the Access to Justice Clinic, Legal Internship, or Judicial Internship, while consolidating expertise in legal technology, advocacy, negotiation, and emerging technology-related legal issues.

Focus Areas:

Programming, Networking, Database Systems, Systems Analysis and Design, Web and Mobile Technologies, Operating Systems, Project Management, Human-Computer Interaction, Cyber Governance, Legal Technology, Commercial Law, Digital Regulation, Legal Research, Advocacy, and Professional Practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal and ICT knowledge; analyse complex legal and technological issues; design and manage information systems; apply legal reasoning and professional judgement; communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders; conduct independent research; and operate ethically in technology-driven environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales through the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB), subject to completion of Practical Legal Training. The Information and Communications Technology component is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at the professional level.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is recognised globally for its commitment to student success, industry engagement, and graduate employability. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities, industry-connected projects, legal clinics, internships, international exchange opportunities, and strong employer partnerships that support career readiness across both the technology and legal sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain hands-on experience across both technology and legal environments from the beginning of their studies. The program combines practice-based ICT learning with a professionally focused legal education, allowing students to apply technical knowledge and legal reasoning to real-world challenges. Through collaborative projects, case-based learning, legal clinics, internships, and international opportunities, students graduate with practical skills that employers actively seek across technology, legal, and corporate sectors:

Practice-Based ICT Learning: Students develop practical skills in Networking, Databases, Programming, Systems Analysis & Design, Web and Mobile Technologies, Operating Systems, Human Computer Interaction, and Project Management through applied coursework and authentic assessments.
Real-World Projects: The ICT component introduces students to real-world project experiences, allowing them to apply technology solutions to practical business and organisational challenges.
Collaborative Learning: Students participate in face-to-face problem-based and case-based learning activities, mirroring professional environments where teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are essential.
Legal Technology Training: Law students develop skills in legal technology, legal advocacy, negotiation, legal research, and professional legal practice, preparing them for modern legal workplaces.
Work-Integrated Learning: The program includes opportunities for work-integrated learning experiences, helping students connect academic knowledge with industry practice.
Clinical Placements: Students may participate in specialised legal experiential learning opportunities such as:
- Access to Justice Clinic
- First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic
- Legal Internship
- Judicial Internship
- Street Law Clinic
Industry-Relevant Technology Tools: Students work across key ICT domains involving databases, networking technologies, programming environments, web development tools, systems design methodologies, and project management frameworks used throughout the technology industry.
Research and Honours Experience: The Honours component develops advanced research, analytical, and professional skills through independent legal research and dissertation work under academic supervision.
Digital Learning Resources: Students are supported by extensive online learning materials, digital collaboration platforms, and technology-enhanced learning environments throughout the program.
Adobe Creative Cloud Access: As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western Sydney University provides students with complimentary access to Adobe Creative Cloud, supporting digital content creation, web development, design, multimedia, and communication projects.
Library and Study Facilities: Students have access to Western Sydney University's modern libraries, digital databases, legal research resources, collaborative study spaces, computer laboratories, and academic support services that support both ICT and law studies.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University develop a powerful combination of legal expertise and advanced technology skills, preparing them to address the legal, ethical, and regulatory challenges of the digital economy. As organisations increasingly rely on technology, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital innovation, graduates are highly sought after across both legal and technology sectors. Career opportunities include Technology Lawyer, Cybersecurity Consultant, Digital Compliance Manager, ICT Project Manager, Privacy Advisor, and Technology Risk Analyst:

Dedicated career and employability services – Western Sydney University's Careers team supports students through career planning consultations, résumé and interview workshops, employer networking events, internship assistance, job search resources, and graduate recruitment programs that enhance employability and professional readiness.
Industry-focused practical learning – Students gain hands-on experience through industry projects, work-integrated learning, legal clinics, internships, technology-focused practical coursework, and collaborative learning experiences that develop both technical and professional skills.
University–industry partnerships – The program benefits from strong links with technology companies, government agencies, legal organisations, cybersecurity professionals, community legal centres, and industry partners, providing valuable networking opportunities and exposure to current industry practices.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are well positioned for careers across legal services, information technology, cybersecurity, digital governance, compliance, consulting, and corporate sectors. Typical graduate salaries generally range from AUD $85,000–$115,000, reflecting strong demand for professionals with expertise in both technology and law.
Long-term accreditation value – The Bachelor of Laws (Honours) satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in New South Wales following completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT). The Honours qualification demonstrates advanced research and analytical capability, while the ICT qualification provides industry-relevant technical expertise that remains highly valuable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates leave with expertise in technology law, cybersecurity governance, digital regulation, information systems, privacy compliance, risk management, and emerging technologies. This multidisciplinary skill set provides exceptional career flexibility and opportunities for leadership in technology-focused industries.

Further Academic Progression:

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