Bachelor of Laws

During this course students will learn:

1. 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.
2. Legal Theory & Practice Acquire knowledge in the legal theory that underpins the Rule of Law in Australia and internationally – and informs all legal practice.
3. 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.
4. 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.

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 24 units, including 20 core Law units and 4 Law 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.

Each year is split into 3 Teaching Periods (13 weeks per Teaching Period). You can choose to study full-time or part-time, depending on your preference.

Core Units

Introduction to Australian Law & Statutory Interpretation (LAW10010)

Contract Law (LAW10028)

Commercial Law (LAW10029)

Torts 1 (LAW10014)

Torts 2 (LAW10025)

Criminal Law & Procedure (LAW10015)

Legal Writing (LAW10026)

Evidence (LAW20009)

Administrative Law (LAW20010)

Trade Marks & Related Rights (LAW20011)

Federal & State Constitutional Law (LAW20012)

Property Law (LAW20013)

Land Law (LAW20014)

Legal Technology and Innovation (LAW20040)

Copyright (LAW20043)

Patents & Designs (LAW30011)

Equity & Trusts (LAW30012)

Company Law (LAW30013)

Legal Practice & Professional Conduct (LAW30015)

Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution (LAW30029)

Law Electives

International Commercial Law (LAW20007)

Law and the Media (LAW20024)

Competition Law & Policy (LAW20036)

Advanced Criminal Law and Sentencing (LAW20041)

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

Indicative total fee $52,197

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.

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QS World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

19

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2026, within Australia:

15

Applicants are required to meet one of the following minimum entry requirements to gain direct entry into the Bachelor of Laws:

• Successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification, with a minimum ATAR of 85, and a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in EAL (or equivalent), or
• Completion, or partial completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or
• Completion of the Undergraduate Certificate in Law (hyperlinked to UGC in Law course page), meeting the minimum WAM requirements.

This course is not available to international students.

Students who do not meet the standard entry requirements may still qualify for the Bachelor of Laws through an approved alternative entry pathway.

Our alternative pathway is the Undergraduate Certificate in Law, designed to build your foundational legal knowledge and prepare you for the academic expectations of the Bachelor of Laws. This program also provides complementary study options drawn from related undergraduate degrees.

Please note that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee an offer of admission. For general information about the selection process, refer to Admissions at Swinburne.

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.