Bachelor of Computer Science/Bachelor of Laws

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 Computer Science/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.

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.

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.
• Tailor your law studies to suit your special interest area/s with our wide range of listed units. Create a broad knowledge base or hone in on areas such as on commercial law, criminal law, environment and resources law, international law, medico-legal law, or social justice.
• 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.

Law Focus Areas

• Commercial Law
• Criminal Law
• Environment and Resources Law
• International Law
• Medico-Legal Law
• Social Justice

Study online
Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus
Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.