Bachelor of Laws

Legal Technology & Innovation

Innovative technologies continue to transform legal practice. Investigate the implications of technological change and automation in the legal sector, and ensure the changes are positive, making legal services more accessible than ever before.

Legal Theory & Practice

Acquire knowledge in the legal theory that underpins the Rule of Law in Australia and internationally – and informs all legal practice.

Ethical & Legal Responsibility

Keep your knowledge of legal ethics and responsibility current, so you can conduct yourself ethically in your role working within the legal system.

International Diplomacy

Manage relationships between state and non-state actors in an international legal context, based on an informed understanding of international and jurisdictional law.

The Bachelor of Laws consists of 32 units, including, 21 core Law units, 4 Law electives and 7 units of Secondary Studies, comprising of electives. You will also complete three Professional Experiences in law.

Your learning will focus on legal technology and innovation, looking at how the relationship between law and technology has changed and will continue to over time. Your units will focus on how to understand the different nuances and adapt to new technologies.

Studying law with Swinburne Online is a unique opportunity. Our courses are at the forefront of industry and provide you with the practical skills to success come graduation. View all units in your bachelor’s degree.

Embark on a tech-savvy career in the innovative legal sector

The sweeping uptake of digital technologies in legal professions is revolutionising legal practice, just as it is changing the way we all live and work. Today’s legal professionals need to be not only commercially savvy, but have the adaptability to work with emerging technologies across legal landscapes that are continually innovating.

Pathway to becoming a lawyer

Swinburne Online’s Bachelor of Laws is approved by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board, with this course fulfilling the first requirement on the pathway to becoming a practicing lawyer.

You’ll develop a nuanced understanding of digital disruption and its legal implications, which will open your legal career for work in criminal, international, commercial, finance law and more. With a digitally informed toolkit at your disposal, you will also be able to take advantage of the growing number of technology-centric opportunities in legal fields that govern cybersecurity, media and entertainment, design, branding and advertising.

Like all Swinburne Online courses, practical experience is fundamental. This is why the Bachelor of Laws prioritises work integrated learning through a series of moot court exercises and competitions, as well as professional placements. By participating you will have the opportunity to network and learn directly from experienced legal professionals, while acquiring a practical legal skill set.

Your placement can be at any workplace where legal work is performed, as long as your work experience during the placement is of a legal nature. You can take your placement overseas or in Australia, as long as it’s approved by the Course Director, so you have the opportunity to try different legal work during your practical experience.

Swinburne Online will prepare you to meet the challenges of rapid technological change and upheaval in the legal sector, and set you up to chart a success career in law.

Supervised examinations

Supervised examinations are a compulsory component of the course and will be scheduled for a specific date and start time at the end of each teaching period. If you are an Australian citizen, you’ll still be able to sit these exams in-person at most capital cities around the world.

Recommended study pattern

The Bachelor of Laws consists of 32 units, and will see you undertake the following studies:

• 21 core Law units
• 4 Law electives
• 7 units of Secondary Studies, comprising of electives
• You will also complete three Professional Experiences in law.

Core Units

• Learning and Communicating for Innovative Business Practice
• Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation
• Contract Law
• Commercial Law
• Torts 1
• Torts 2
• Criminal Law & Procedure
• Legal Writing
• Evidence
• Administrative Law
• Trade Marks & Related Rights
• Federal & State Constitutional Law
• Property Law
• Land Law
• Legal Technology and Innovation
• Copyright
• Patents & Designs
• Equity & Trusts
• Company Law
• Legal Practice & Professional Conduct
• Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution

Law Electives

• International Commercial Law
• Law and the Media
• Public & Private International Law
• Competition Law & Policy
• Privacy in Law and Society
• Advanced Criminal Law and Sentencing

Secondary Studies

• Law & Social Science
• Crime and Punishment in the International Context
• Technological Advances in Dealing with Crime
• Finance Law
• Critical Thinking in Management
• International Commercial Law
• Law and the Media
• Public & Private International Law
• Competition Law & Policy
• Privacy in Law and Society
• Advanced Criminal Law and Sentencing

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $67,968

The amounts shown here are indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Swinburne University of Technology leads the way with innovative and new ways of teaching, learning and thinking. It offers a wide range of study options, from pre-apprenticeships, undergraduate, postgraduate and PhDs, including online degrees with Open Universities Australia. Swinburne is known for career-oriented education and encouraging lifelong learning.

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QS Ranking 2024:

19

Times Higher Education Ranking 2024:

14

One of:

• Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification; OR
• Completion or partial completion of a degree; AND
• VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent.

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place.

English Language requirements will also apply.

International students are required to demonstrate their English proficiency before enrolling into a Swinburne Online degree by undertaking one of the following English language tests; The International English Language Test Score (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Speak to a Course Consultant about applying for RPL.