C10245v4 Bachelor of Information Technology Bachelor of Laws
Award(s): Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT)Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
UAC code: 609020 (Autumn session)
CRICOS code: 064382G
Commonwealth supported place?: Yes
Load credit points: 240
Course EFTSL: 5
Location: City campus
Overview
Career options
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Course intended learning outcomes
Admission requirements
Inherent requirements
Assumed knowledge
Recognition of prior learning
Course duration and attendance
Course structure
Course completion requirements
Course diagram
Course program
Levels of award
Honours
Transfer between UTS courses
Professional recognition
Other information
Overview
A combined qualification in IT and law can prepare students to leverage technology for professional gain. This combined degree emphasises practice-based IT skills that can be integrated into a legal career or comprehensive legal skills that can prepare students for the competitive world of IT.
Students study the fundamentals of law (such as ethics, criminal, tort, contracts and constitutional law, among others) and IT (including programming, networking, information and web systems) plus a range of specialist electives that reflect their professional interests. The Legal Futures and Technology major can also build additional technical expertise.
By completing the law component of this combined degree, students meet the academic requirements for admission to practise law in NSW. As well as gaining discipline-specific skills, students also build capabilities in critical thinking, problem solving, communication and collaboration that can serve them well in a wide range of workplace environments.
Career options
Lawyers with IT skills are in demand. Career opportunities include lawyer or policy adviser in various government departments, in-house legal counsel to an IT or software company, or specialist in areas such as intellectual property, e-commerce and privacy or internet censorship. Alternatively, graduates can work as IT professionals in legal practice, legal publishing or private law firms.
Innovation and Transdisciplinary program
Transdisciplinarity and Innovation at UTSAll UTS students have the opportunity to develop distinctive capabilities around transdisciplinary thinking and innovation through the TD School. Transdisciplinary education at UTS brings together great minds from different disciplines to explore ideas that improve the way we live and work in the world. These offerings are unique to UTS and directly translate to many existing and emerging roles and careers.
Diploma in InnovationThe Diploma in Innovation (C20060) teaches innovation, supports personal transformation and provides the hard skills needed to support the inventors and inventions of the future. Students come out of the Diploma in Innovation, with the hard skills to create and support sectoral and societal transformation. Graduates are able to fluently integrate ideas, across professional disciplines and are inventors of the future.
All UTS undergraduate students (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation) can apply for the Diploma in Innovation upon admission in their chosen undergraduate degree. It is a complete degree program that runs in parallel to any undergraduate degree. The course is offered on a three-year, part-time basis, with subjects running in 3-week long intensive blocks in July, December and February sessions. More information including a link to apply is available at https://dipinn.uts.edu.au.
Transdisciplinary electives programTransdisciplinary electives broaden students' horizons and supercharge their problem-solving skills, helping them to learn outside, beyond and across their degrees. Students enrolled in an undergraduate course that includes electives can choose to take a transdisciplinary subject (with the exception of students concurrently enrolled in the Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation). More information about the TD Electives program is available here.
Course intended learning outcomes
| FEIT.A.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates are culturally and historically informed, able to work as respectful professionals with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. |
| FEIT.B.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates are socially responsible professionals, able to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, to assess personal, organisational, social, ethical and environmental needs and impacts of IT systems. |
| FEIT.C.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates apply design techniques and appropriate methodologies to develop IT systems and components to meet stakeholder requirements. |
| FEIT.D.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates apply a range of discipline fundamentals, tools, and techniques to design, implement, operate and evaluate IT systems. |
| FEIT.E.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates work as effective team members, communicating effectively, and operating within diverse contexts. |
| FEIT.F.1 | Bachelor of Information Technology graduates critically self-review their professional performance, to improve themselves and their teams. |
| LAW.1.1 | A coherent understanding of fundamental areas of legal knowledge including: a. The Australian colonial and post-colonial legal system, international and comparative contexts, theoretical and technical knowledge; b. The broader contexts within which legal issues arise and the law operates including cultural awareness, social justice and policy; c. The impact of Anglo-Australian laws on Indigenous peoples, including their historical origins in the process of colonisation and ongoing impact; and d. The principles and values of justice and ethical practices in lawyers' roles. |
| LAW.2.1 | A capacity to value and promote honesty, integrity, accountability, public service and ethical standards including: a. An understanding of approaches to ethical decision making and professional responsibility; b. An ability to recognise, reflect upon and respond to ethical issues likely to arise in professional contexts in ways that evidence professional judgment, promote justice and serve the community; and c. An ability to reflect on and engage constructively with diversity in practice. |
| LAW.3.1 | A capacity to think critically, strategically and creatively, including the ability to: a. Identify and articulate legal issues in context, including the skill of critical reading and writing; b. Apply reasoning and research to generate appropriate responses; c. Engage in critical analysis and make a reasoned choice amongst alternatives; and d. Think creatively in approaching legal issues and generating appropriate responses. |
| LAW.4.1 | Well-developed cognitive and practical skills necessary to identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues. |
| LAW.5.1 | Effective and appropriate communication skills including: a. Highly effective use of the English language to convey legal ideas and views to different and diverse audiences and environments; b. An ability to communicate to inform, analyse, report and persuade; c. An ability to strategically select an appropriate medium and message; d. An ability to assess how messages are received and alter communication strategies accordingly; and e. An ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others. |
| LAW.6.1 | Effective and appropriate collaboration skills in working together to achieve a common goal in a group learning environment or the workplace including: a. An ability to give and receive feedback; b. Appropriate professional and interpersonal skills in working collaboratively; c. A capacity to develop strategies to successfully negotiate group challenges; and d. An ability to be responsive and adaptive to the perspectives of collaborators, clients, counter parties and others. |
| LAW.7.1 | Bachelor of Law graduates will: Apply knowledge and skills to develop professional capabilities to work effectively with and for Indigenous peoples and communities across the law profession. |
| LAW.8.1 | The ability to implement appropriate self-management and lifelong learning strategies including: a. An ability to undertake and initiate self-directed work and learning; b. Well-developed judgment and responsibility as a legal professional in a broader social context; c. The ability to support personal and professional development by: (i) Reflecting on and assessing their own capabilities, wellbeing and performance; (ii) Making use of feedback as appropriate; (iii) Identifying and accessing appropriate resources and assistance; (iv) Making use of resources and support in developing resilience; and d. A capacity to adapt to and embrace change and a commitment to ongoing learning. |
Key
LAW = Law course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
IT = Information Technology course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
Admission requirements
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification, Australian Qualifications Framework Diploma, or equivalent Australian or overseas qualification at the required level.
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International students
Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.
Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.
UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.
For course specific information see the Faculty of Law Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.
Assumed knowledge
HSC or equivalent mathematics; and any two units of English.
Mathematics Extension 1 and English Advanced are recommended.
Recognition of prior learning
Students who have previously undertaken relevant study at a recognised tertiary education institution may be eligible for recognition of prior learning (RPL) in the Bachelor of Information Technology component if the subjects completed are deemed by the faculty to be equivalent to subjects in the course. Study completed more than three years prior to the date of admission cannot be recognised. Limits apply to the number of credit points of RPL granted.
Course duration and attendance
The course duration is five years of full-time study. The law component requires attendance of 10–15 hours of lectures a week and timetable constraints require attendance at daytime and evening classes. The IT component normally requires around 12 hours attendance of lectures and seminars a week and attendance at some evening classes may be required. The Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C20056) includes at least nine months of paid work experience in the IT industry.
Course structure
The course comprises a total of 240 credit points, allowing students to graduate with the separate degrees of Bachelor of Information Technology and Bachelor of Laws. The study components for course completion are as follows.
The law component of 144 credit points is made up of:
- 108 credit points of compulsory core law subjects
- 30 credit points of law options, including either:
- 30 credit points of law options, or
- 30 credit points of legal futures and technology options
- a 6-credit-point legal theory option.
The IT component of 96 credit points is made up of:
- 48 credit points of core IT subjects, and
- 48 credit points of subjects for an IT major.
For a current listing of subjects in each course refer to the study package directory.
Industrial training/professional practice
To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal academic qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Laws) and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), which UTS offers through its PLT program.
Students enrolled in this course may complete their practical legal training by undertaking a postgraduate course in PLT, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Students also have the option to undertake the Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C20056) once they have secured suitable full-time employment in the IT industry. This incorporates a minimum of nine months' full-time paid work experience with four supporting subjects at UTS.
Course completion requirements
| STM90691 Law stream | 144cp | |
| STM90651 Core subjects (Information Technology) | 48cp | |
| CBK90781 Major choice (Information Technology) | 48cp | |
| Total | 240cp |
Course diagram
Course program
The standard program shown is for a full-time student with law options.
All options shown are law options and are to be drawn from those on offer in CBK90922.
Students wishing to study the major MAJ09443 Legal Futures and Technology need to study 76106 Technology Law, Policy and Ethics (Capstone 1) in the Autumn session of their final year and 76107 Applied Project in Law, Innovation and Technology (Capstone 2) in their final Spring session.
All electives shown are IT electives and are to be drawn from those on offer in CBK90781.
| Year 1 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 31265 Communication for IT Professionals | 6cp | |
| 31268 Web Systems | 6cp | |
| 70102 Foundations of Law | 8cp | |
| 70103 Ethics Law and Justice | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 31266 Introduction to Information Systems | 6cp | |
| 41092 Network Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 70311 Torts | 8cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| 48023 Programming Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 41039 Programming 1 | 6cp | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 31269 Business Requirements Modelling | 6cp | |
| 70114 Criminal Law and Procedure | 8cp | |
| 70211 Contracts | 8cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 31271 Database Fundamentals | 6cp | |
| 70616 Australian Constitutional Law | 8cp | |
| 70104 Civil Practice | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points of options | 6cp | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 70327 Introduction to Property and Commercial Law | 6cp | |
| 70109 Evidence | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points of options | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 70617 Administrative Law | 8cp | |
| 70108 Public International Law | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points of options | 12cp | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 70317 Real Property | 8cp | |
| 70517 Equity and Trusts | 8cp | |
| Select 6 credit points of options | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| 31272 Project Management and the Professional | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points of options | 6cp | |
| Select 12 credit points of options | 12cp | |
| Year 5 | ||
| Autumn session | ||
| 71116 Remedies | 6cp | |
| 70417 Corporate Law | 8cp | |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6cp | |
| 76008 Jurisprudence | 6cp | |
| 76033 Animal Law and Policy in Australia | 6cp | |
| 76057 Judgment and the Rule of Law | 6cp | |
| 76081 Gender and Law | 6cp | |
| 78039 Wickedness and Vice | 6cp | |
| 76902 Law and Literature | 6cp | |
| 76012 Criminology | 6cp | |
| 76068 Indigenous Peoples and the Law | 6cp | |
| Select 6 credit points of options | 6cp | |
| Spring session | ||
| Select 24 credit points of options | 24cp | |
Levels of award
The Bachelor of Information Technology may be awarded with distinction, credit or pass.
Honours
Students can graduate with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) if they complete subjects 76090 Research Methodology and 76040 Research Thesis within the course. The degree may be awarded with first or second class honours, which does not require an additional honours year. The rules concerning the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) can be found in undergraduate course information.
Students who meet these criteria for honours are eligible for transfer into the appropriate undergraduate honours exit course on completion of all coursework and occurs just prior to graduation.
Students who undertake the Legal Futures and Technology major and who meet the criteria for honours can choose to undertake honours as part of their degree.
Students interested in research and who excel in their IT studies are eligible to undertake one additional full-time year of honours study in the Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (C09019). The honours year is also available on a part-time basis over two years.
Transfer between UTS courses
Students in this combined degree may transfer to the Bachelor of Information Technology Diploma in Information Technology Professional Practice (C10345) or the Bachelor of Laws (C10124).
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission to the Supreme Court of NSW as a lawyer, provided students complete a practical legal training (PLT) program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Graduates are eligible to apply for professional-level membership of the Australian Computer Society.
Other information
Further information on the law component or the IT component for current students is available from:
UTS Student Centre
telephone 1300 ask UTS (1300 275 887)
or +61 2 9514 1222
Ask UTS
Further information for future students on the IT component is available from:
Engineering and Information Technology Outreach Office
telephone +61 2 9514 2666
email it@uts.edu.au