Bachelor of Information Systems/Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Dual-bachelors Program

Western Sydney University Parramatta

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Information Systems / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University combines expertise in technology, business systems, and legal practice, preparing graduates to work at the intersection of digital innovation and law. Ideal for students interested in both technology and legal problem-solving, this five-year dual degree develops the skills needed to design information systems, understand legal frameworks, and address emerging challenges in areas such as cybersecurity, data governance, digital transformation, and technology regulation.

Campus Location: Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia. Law subjects may also be offered at Campbelltown Campus, and students may be required to travel between campuses during the program.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build foundations in both legal studies and information systems. Subjects such as Fundamentals of Australian Law, Criminal Law, and Programming Fundamentals introduce key legal principles while developing essential programming and analytical skills. Students also study Accounting in Context and Database Design and Development, gaining an understanding of how information systems support organisations.

Year 2

The second year focuses on strengthening legal reasoning and professional practice while expanding technical knowledge. Through units such as Contracts, Professional Practice, Communication and Ethics, and advanced information systems studies, students learn how technology solutions are designed, managed, and implemented within business and legal environments. The combination of legal and technical perspectives encourages students to think critically about technology-related regulatory issues.

Year 3

Students progress into more specialised law and information systems subjects, developing expertise in governance, systems analysis, business processes, and legal problem-solving. Coursework emphasises practical application, teamwork, and industry engagement while preparing students to address complex organisational and legal challenges in technology-driven environments.

Year 4

In the fourth year, students undertake advanced legal studies and gain opportunities to develop professional skills through practical learning experiences. Options such as Legal Internship, Judicial Internship, and clinical law experiences allow students to apply legal knowledge in real-world settings, while information systems studies continue to focus on solving industry and community-based problems.

Year 5

The final year focuses on advanced legal research and honours-level study. Students complete Legal Research and Methodology and the Law Honours Dissertation, demonstrating high-level research, analytical, and communication skills while exploring complex legal issues. This honours component provides strong preparation for postgraduate study and professional practice.

Focus Areas:

Information systems design and management, database development, programming, business systems analysis, technology governance, legal research, legal advocacy, digital law, professional ethics, cybersecurity regulation, and technology-enabled business solutions.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop the ability to design, develop, deploy, and manage information systems; apply legal reasoning to complex problems; conduct advanced legal research; communicate effectively in professional environments; understand ethical and regulatory issues surrounding technology; and integrate legal and technical expertise to solve contemporary organisational challenges.

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 following completion of Practical Legal Training. The Bachelor of Information Systems is accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) at Professional Level, providing recognition within the ICT profession.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Western Sydney University is recognised globally for its commitment to student success, industry engagement, and graduate employability. The combination of an ACS-accredited Information Systems degree and an accredited Law qualification provides graduates with a highly marketable skill set that aligns with growing demand for professionals who understand both technology and legal compliance in digital environments.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students in the Bachelor of Information Systems / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain hands-on experience in both technology and legal practice from the beginning of their studies. The program combines real-world information systems projects with practical legal training, allowing students to develop technical, analytical, research, and problem-solving skills that are highly valued by employers. Through industry-based projects, legal clinics, internships, and technology-enhanced learning environments, students graduate with practical experience that extends well beyond the classroom:

Industry-Based Information Systems Project: Students collaborate with real organisations to design, develop, deploy, and manage an information system that solves a genuine community-based problem. This project allows students to apply information systems knowledge in a professional business environment.
Work-Integrated Learning (WIL): The Information Systems component includes opportunities for professional experience, internships, industry projects, and workplace learning, helping students build industry connections before graduation.
Legal Clinics: Students can participate in practical legal experiences through the Access to Justice Clinic, First Nations Peoples' Access to Justice Clinic, and Street Law Clinic, where they engage with real legal issues and community-focused legal services.
Judicial Internship: Eligible students may undertake a Judicial Internship, providing valuable exposure to court processes, legal research, and the judicial system.
Legal Internship Program: Students have opportunities to gain workplace experience through structured legal internships that strengthen practical legal skills and professional networks.
Legal Technology Training: The Law (Honours) component includes opportunities to develop skills in legal technology, legal advocacy, negotiation, legal research, and professional legal practice.
Collaborative Case-Based Learning: Law students participate in face-to-face problem-solving activities, case-based learning exercises, authentic assessments, and group collaboration that reflect real legal practice.
Adobe Creative Cloud Access: As an Adobe Creative Campus, Western Sydney University provides students with complimentary access to Adobe Creative Cloud, supporting digital design, web development, content creation, presentations, and project work.
International Study Opportunities: Students may participate in overseas learning experiences through subjects such as Foundations of Chinese Law, Law, Culture and Entrepreneurial Innovation in India, and Legal, Economic and Social Transformation in Taiwan, providing valuable global perspectives.
Libraries and Learning Spaces: Students have access to Western Sydney University's modern libraries, collaborative study spaces, digital learning resources, research databases, and technology-enabled learning facilities that support both legal and information systems studies.
Honours Research Experience: The embedded Honours component provides advanced legal research training under academic supervision, helping students develop high-level analytical and research skills valued by employers and postgraduate institutions.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Information Systems / Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Western Sydney University gain a highly valuable combination of legal expertise, technology knowledge, and business analysis skills. As organisations increasingly rely on digital systems and data-driven decision-making, graduates are well positioned to work at the intersection of law, technology, governance, and innovation. Career opportunities include roles such as Technology Lawyer, Cyber Governance Consultant, Legal Technology Advisor, Information Systems Analyst, Compliance Manager, and Digital Risk Consultant:

Dedicated career and employability services – Western Sydney University's Careers team helps students prepare for employment through personalised career consultations, résumé and interview workshops, internship support, employer networking events, career planning resources, and graduate recruitment programs.
Practical industry experience – Students benefit from work-integrated learning opportunities, industry projects, legal clinics, internships, and hands-on information systems experiences that develop both technical and professional capabilities highly valued by employers.
University–industry partnerships – The program provides exposure to industry through collaborations with law firms, government agencies, technology organisations, community legal centres, and business partners. These connections help students gain practical insights and build professional networks before graduation.
Employment and salary outcomes – Graduates are in demand across legal services, technology consulting, cybersecurity governance, business analysis, compliance, digital transformation, and corporate sectors. Typical graduate salaries generally range from AUD $80,000–$110,000, 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), graduates can apply for admission as a lawyer. The Honours qualification also demonstrates advanced research and analytical skills, enhancing professional credibility and postgraduate opportunities.
Strong graduate outcomes – Graduates leave with expertise in legal frameworks, information systems, data governance, technology management, and organisational decision-making. This multidisciplinary skill set enables graduates to contribute to emerging fields such as legal technology, digital regulation, cybersecurity governance, privacy law, and technology risk management.

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, Privacy Law, Intellectual Property Law, Commercial Law, or Corporate Law.Postgraduate qualifications in Information Systems, Cyber Security, Data Analytics, Digital Transformation, Business Analytics, or Information Technology Management.Professional certifications in cybersecurity, governance, risk management, business analysis, cloud technologies, or information systems auditing.Research pathways including a Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law, Information Systems, Technology Policy, Cybersecurity, or related disciplines.