In the face of rapid technological change and global disruption, knowledge and skills in law and computer science open the door to a wide range of career opportunities. By studying the UNE Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws, you will develop advanced competencies in computer science and information technology, and understand how to write for, research, argue and apply the law — a valuable skillset to future proof your career.

Why study the Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws with UNE?

Technology is transforming the practice of law, with new developments in cyber security risk management, data breach policy and legal response plans, artificial intelligence, the regulatory considerations of machine learning and privacy management, to name a few.

The intersection of law and computer systems supports industry, commerce and society at large – and this double degree will give you valuable skills in both fields, with an interdisciplinary approach to both your studies and your future employment.

In the Bachelor of Computer Science component, you will work with industry-leading technologies and will have the option to study topics such as web programming, user experience and interaction design, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Bachelor of Laws component will develop your legal knowledge and skills across a broad range of legal areas. We also give you research challenges and real-world legal experiences, to support your career development in a wide field of occupations.

World-class teaching staff, a thriving research culture and a unique perspective on regional, rural and remote legal issues will provide you with access to an engaging program of study and specialist skills that employers are looking for.

What makes our course different?

This double degree equips you with well-rounded knowledge and skills to increase your employment options and add value to your chosen pathway. You will have the opportunity to:

• Develop your skills in how to write for, research, argue and apply the law to benefit you in a broad range of occupations.
• Build a solid foundation in critical thinking, communication, problem solving, resilience, flexibility, perseverance and research skills — skills in high demand by a wide range of employers.
• Learn from UNE's School of Law, an expert team with a significant understanding of legal issues related to regional, remote and rural Australia, not just metropolitan areas.
• Gain versatile knowledge to apply to new legal careers which are emerging as a result of new technology developments.
• Apply your professional judgment and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with a law degree including an understanding of international and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
• Select from a wide range of Computer Science units, giving you the flexibility to tailor your degree to meet your career goals.
• Expand your theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and hone your problem solving and analytical skills to future proof your career in today’s fast-paced ICT environment.
• Work in a small team on a capstone project with an industry (or similar) client to develop an ICT solution to a real-world issue.
• Use innovative technology to study online or join us on campus and take advantage of our small staff-student ratio and supportive environment.
• If you are a high-achieving student, you may choose to undertake Honours in computer science or law. This pathway can lead you to higher degree research opportunities and enhance your career options.

By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified professionals in both computer science and law. In fact, year after year, students award UNE 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support in The Good Universities Guide.

To qualify for the two awards a candidate must pass units to the value of 240 credit points comprising:
Bachelor of Computer Science component: 96 credit points comprising not more than 60 credit points at 100-level and either (at least 36 credit points from 300-level COSC units) or (STAT330 plus at least 30 credit points from 300-level COSC units);
Bachelor of Laws component: 144 credit points with not more than 48 credit points at 100-level and at least 36 credit points at 300-level or higher.

To qualify for the award with Honours a candidate must pass units to the value of 144 credit points with not more than 48 credit points at 100-level, at least 36 credit points at 300-level and at least 36 credit points at 400-level or higher including LAW490 and LLM500.

• Bachelor of Computer Science component
• Bachelor of Laws component

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

The combination of Computer Science and Law gives you the skillset you need to step into a variety of career pathways and add significant value to your role. You career options include working in:

• legal aid agencies, advocacy organisations and commercial law firms
• government departments
• banking, finance and commerce
• software development
• IT project management
• software quality, testing specialist and systems analysation.

For direct admission into undergraduate courses offered by UNE you must have completed an educational qualification considered to be at least equivalent to completion of Year 12 in Australia.

An IELTS (Academic) overall score of at least 6.5, with a minimum sub-band of 6.5 for writing and no other sub-band less than 6.0, or

TOEFL IBT score of 91 with no less than 22 in writing and no less than 20 in listening, speaking and reading.