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Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security

Undergraduate degree

Protect society from the growing threat of cybercrime and build your legal knowledge by studying Australia's only combined laws and cyber security degree.

Key facts

ATAR

Burwood:
92.75
Waterfront:
NP?
Online:
NP?
Lowest selection rank

Duration

5 years full-time or part-time equivalent

Key dates

Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 2 2023 close 25 June 2023

Current Deakin Students

To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook

Course overview

Protect society from the growing threat of cybercrime by studying Australia's only combined law and cyber security degree. Through Deakin's Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security, you can explore roles in both fields or use your dual expertise to become an in-demand cyber security lawyer, capable of handling the complex issues of our evolving digital world.

Professionals with cyber security risk detection and mitigation skills are needed more than ever and it's not just everyday consumers who are facing the threat of cybercrime. Government and businesses need professionals who can identify risks and provide legal protection for their digital operations.

This degree puts you in a position to answer the call. Graduate with two degrees in two years fewer than if you studied each degree separately and develop advanced skills in cyber security that perfectly complement legal knowledge.

Ready to earn the power to make a difference?

Study Deakin's unique Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security and learn all the major areas of law, including:

  • legal practice and ethics
  • constitutional, administrative, commercial and land law
  • criminal procedure
  • advanced legal problem-solving and persuasion.

 

As well as industry-relevant areas of cyber security such as:

  • computer crime and digital forensics
  • database and information management
  • ethical hacking
  • cyber security management.

 

Through this broad range of units you will build a diverse set of skills, opening the door to exciting career opportunities. For example, you could become an accomplished cyber security lawyer, leaning on your deep understanding of privacy law and criminal law to better protect the rights of your clients. Or, you could be on the front line of cybercrime, using your skills in system security to set up digital barriers between businesses and cyber threats.

Whichever path you choose, you’ll be well-served by the practical experience on offer throughout the course. Gain real-world legal experience at the renowned Deakin Law Clinic; a teaching law firm that gives you the opportunity to work with real clients under the supervision of qualified legal practitioners. Analyse complex legal problems and develop the drafting, communication and problem-solving skills required for a successful career in law. Better still, you’ll get hands-on experience with our specialised cyber security software that allows you to simulate and respond to real cyber attack scenarios. By practising your skills under pressure, you’ll feel confident and well-prepared by the time you enter the workforce.

You’ll also be able to leverage the extensive research, industry partnerships and state-of-the-art facilities of Deakin’s Centre for Cyber Security Research and Innovation (CCSRI). With research in areas from cyber analytics and artificial intelligence to organisational security and information warfare, you'll have direct access to some of the most progressive cyber security content in the world.

Importantly, this course has the accreditations you need to take your career forward. Deakin’s Bachelor of Laws is a recognised pathway towards becoming a practising Australian lawyer. The Bachelor of Cyber Security is in the process of being professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) as part of this double degree.

* Source: Norton Cyber Security Insights Report 2019 – Global Results

 

Read More

Course information

Award granted
Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Cyber Security
Year

2023 course information

VTAC code

1400410651 - Waterfront (Geelong), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400510651 - Burwood (Melbourne), Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
1400610651 - Online, Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)

Deakin code
D397
CRICOS code?
0100550 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
Level
Undergraduate
Approval status

This course is approved by the University under the Higher Education Standards Framework.

Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition

The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7.

Course structure

To complete the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security, students must attain a total of 40 credit points consisting of 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security and 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws. Most units (think of units as 'subjects') are equal to 1 credit point. Course requirements for both the Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) and the Bachelor of Laws (M312) must be satisfied plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, MAI010 Academic Integrity Module and unit, SIT010 Safety Induction Program. Most students choose to study 4 units per trimester, and usually undertake 2 trimesters each year.

The 16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security include:-

  • 13 credit points of core units
  • 2 credit points of Cyber Security capstone units
  • 1 credit point of SIT coded elective unit
  • SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0 credit point compulsory unit)
  • STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0 credit point compulsory unit)
  • Level 3 - at least 4 credit points of SIT-coded units

Students undertaking this combined degree are not required to undertake SIT306 IT Placement.

The 24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws include:-

  • 18 credit points of core units
  • MAI010 Academic Integrity Module (0-credit-point compulsory module to be completed in the first trimester of study)
  • 6 credit points of law elective units, including 1 credit point of WIL/practical unit.

 

16

Credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security

24

Credit points from the Bachelor of Laws

40

Total credit points

Compulsory 0-credit point units

To be completed in the first trimester of study.

  • Academic Integrity Module

  • Safety Induction Program

  • Career Tools for Employability
  • Units

    To assist you in following the course rules:

    Please see course entry for Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) and Bachelor of Laws (M312).

    Intakes by location

    The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.

    Trimester 1 - March

    • Start date: March
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waterfront (Geelong)
      • Online

    Trimester 2 - July

    • Start date: July
    • Available at:
      • Burwood (Melbourne)
      • Waterfront (Geelong)
      • Online

    Students and Applicants to Geelong Waterfront Campus
    Travel between campuses will be required to complete this combined degree. The Bachelor of Laws degree will be taught at Waterfront campus and the Bachelor of Cyber Security degree will be taught at the Waurn Ponds Campus.

    Deakin splits the academic year into three terms, known as trimesters. Most students usually undertake two trimesters each year (March-June, July-November).

    Additional course information

    Course duration - additional information
    Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.

     

    Mandatory student checks

    Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.

    Workload

    As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars, practicals and online interaction. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.

    Participation requirements

    Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.

    Entry requirements

    Current or recent Year 12

    If you are currently studying Year 12 or completed Year 12 in the previous two years and have not attempted higher education or VET/Polytechnic study since, your selection is based on the following.

    VCE Prerequisite subjects

    Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.

    ATAR

    This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection consideration.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection. Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Higher education study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of higher education after secondary schooling, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    Weighted Average Mark (WAM)

    Successful completion of 4 credit points or more at an accredited higher education institution with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    If you have not successfully met the WAM requirements for this course, you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice) to be considered for this course. Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    VET study

    If you have undertaken at least one unit of Vocational Education and Training (VET) study after secondary school, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your secondary education and subsequent academic records as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.

    English language requirements

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Work and life experience

    If you finished Year 12 more than three years ago or did not finish Year 12, your selection is based on the following.

    Education

    This course uses your entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

    VCE Senior Secondary prerequisite studies

    Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English EAL (English as an additional language) or at least 25 in English other than EAL or equivalent.

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. Please read about other ways of satisfying the English language proficiency requirement.

    Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

    To be considered for this course you will need to achieve at least 60 in the STAT (Multiple Choice). Learn more about the STAT Multiple Choice test results for entry into Deakin University here.

    English language requirements

    All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements. For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library.

    Selection is competitive and meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee selection.  Our Admission Criteria and Selection Policy outlines the principles of selection.

    Selection adjustments

    Subject adjustment

    A study score of 35 in English other than EAL, any History, Legal Studies, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 3 aggregate points per study. A study score of 30 in English other than EAL, any History, any Information Technology, Legal Studies, Australian Politics or Global Politics equals 2 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

    Access and equity

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enable Deakin to consider disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and the impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you’re from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin’s special entry access schemes.

    Admissions information

    Learn more about this course and others that Deakin offers by visiting VTAC for more information. You can also discover how Deakin compares to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning by visiting the ComparED website.

    Special entry access schemes (SEAS) enables Deakin to consider disadvantageous circumstances you may have experienced and their impact upon your studies. SEAS also allows us to identify if you're from under-represented groups when making selection decisions for some courses. SEAS does not exempt you from meeting any of the course entry requirements.

    You can also find out about different entry pathways into Deakin courses if you can't get in straight from high school.

    Finally, Deakin is committed to admissions transparency. As part of that commitment, you can learn more about our first intake of 2023 students (PDF, 354.0KB) - their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

    Recognition of prior learning

    The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.

    You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.

    Fees and scholarships

    Fee information

    Estimated tuition fee - (CSP)?
    $12,652 for 1 yr full-time - Commonwealth Supported Place (HECS)
    Learn more about fees.

    The tuition fees you pay will depend on the units you choose to study as each unit has its own costs. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the time it takes to complete your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning you have.

    Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together 8 credit points of a typical combination of units for that course. Eight credit points is used as it represents a typical full-time enrolment load for a year.

    You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.

    Learn more about fees and available payment options.

    Scholarship options

    A Deakin scholarship could help you pay for your course fees, living costs and study materials. If you've got something special to offer Deakin - or maybe you just need a bit of extra support - we've got a scholarship opportunity for you. Search or browse through our scholarships

    Apply now

    Apply through VTAC

    Applications for Trimester 1, 2024 open in August. Each year, thousands of students prepare for uni with the help of Deakin support services. We offer a huge range of support, including one-on-one consultations, webinars, online resources and events throughout the year.

    Apply direct to Deakin

    Direct applications are open for applicants who are not currently in Year 12, including:

    Entry pathways

    View pathways into the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security with our pathways finder.

    Contact information

    Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.

    Careers

    Career outcomes

    Studying this combined degree means you’ll be well-placed to work in the field of law and cyber security, or in roles where both disciplines intersect. You’ll graduate with the diverse skills and practical experience required to thrive in roles including:

    • business analyst
    • business manager, company administrator or consultant
    • corporate lawyer
    • cyber security consultant
    • national security adviser
    • policy adviser for government departments or authorities such as the Attorney General's Department, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission
    • security analyst
    • security systems manager or cryptographer.

    Obtaining a law degree is your first step to entering the legal profession. Upon completion of your degree and the additional practical legal training, you’ll be qualified to work as a solicitor or barrister in all legal fields, including: 

    • commercial law
    • criminal law
    • family law
    • personal injury law
    • public international and human rights law
    • refugee law.

    Professional recognition

    The Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the university component of the requirements to become an Australian lawyer set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to completing an approved LLB degree, you’ll need to work for one year as a supervised legal trainee or undertake a practical legal training (PLT) course.

    The Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

    Course learning outcomes

    Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.

    Please refer to the Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) of each of the single degrees.