Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security

Course summary for international students

Year	2026 course information
Award granted	Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Cyber Security
Campus	Burwood (Melbourne) Waterfront (Geelong) Online
Length	5 years full-time
Fee paying annual fee - commencing 2026	$46,400 for 1 yr full-time AUD
Level	Undergraduate
CRICOS code	0100550 Burwood (Melbourne), Waterfront (Geelong)
VTAC codes	1400410653 - Waterfront (Geelong), International full-fee paying place 1400510653 - Burwood (Melbourne), International full-fee paying place
Deakin course code	D397
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition	The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 7
Please note that students enrolled at Waterfront (Geelong) in this combined course will be required to undertake units of study at both Waurn Ponds (Geelong) and Waterfront (Geelong) campuses.

Course sub-headings

Course overview

Protect society from the growing threat of cybercrime with Deakin's Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security. Be ready to explore roles from either field with the benefit of a complementary skill set 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. It's not just everyday consumers who are facing the threat of cybercrime; government and businesses need professionals who can identify risks and protect their digital operations and assets. This combined course puts you in a position to answer the call. With an emphasis on real-world learning, you will develop advanced skills in cyber security that perfectly complement your legal knowledge, and you will graduate with two degrees after just five years of full-time study.

Ready to go beyond the traditional with a sought-after skill set that will get you noticed?

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

constitutional law
administrative law
contract law
criminal law
equity and trusts
property law.

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

computer crime and digital forensics
database and information security management
penetration testing
threat intelligence
vulnerability assessment
ethical hacking
cyber security operations and management.

Through this broad range of units, you will build a diverse set of skills, opening the door to exciting career opportunities. You could choose to pursue a role as a 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 aim to be on the front line of cybercrime, using your skills in system security to set up digital barriers between businesses and cyber threats.

Gain practical legal experience at the Deakin Community 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. You will also 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 will feel confident and well-prepared by the time you enter the workforce. You will be able to leverage the extensive research, industry partnerships, and state-of-the-art facilities of the Deakin Cyber Research and Innovation Centre. With research in areas from cyber analytics and artificial intelligence, to organisational security and information warfare, you will have direct access to some of the most progressive cyber security content in the world.

Professional recognition

Deakin's Bachelor of Laws is designed to satisfy the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession. In Victoria these have been set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic qualifications, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.

Requirements for admission in jurisdictions outside Australia vary. Please check the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security is professionally accredited with the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and is recognised for specialist cybersecurity accreditation. This course is also recognised internationally for entry to professional practice by other accrediting bodies through the Seoul Accord.

Fees and charges

The tuition fees you pay are determined by the course you are enrolled in. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of 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 eight credit points of a typical combination of units for this 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 international student fees.

Career opportunities

Studying this combined course means you will be well placed to work in the field of law and cyber security, or in roles where both disciplines intersect. As the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, Deakin equips you 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
cyber threat analyst
penetration tester
policy 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 operations analyst
security systems manager.

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 will be qualified to work as a solicitor in legal fields, including:

commercial law
criminal law
family law
personal injury law
public international and human rights law
refugee law
the law pertaining to government.

Course learning outcomes

Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Laws	Course Learning Outcomes Bachelor of Cyber Security
Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities	Demonstrate an understanding of the Australian legal system and the fundamental areas of knowledge required for legal practice as situated within international contexts and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise.	Develop a broad, coherent knowledge of the IT discipline including its dynamic environment, with detailed knowledge of project management principles and in depth knowledge in IT Security. Design, develop and implement IT systems and software, and associated policies and procedures for optimal use and apply industry standards and best practice in one or more specialised areas of IT. Acquire in-depth knowledge and skills to develop, implement and manage security solutions for systems, networks, and data according to industry-accepted standards and best practice.
Communication	Communicate legal knowledge effectively to legal and non-legal audiences, both verbally and in writing.	Communicate in a professional context to inform, explain and drive sustainable innovation through cyber security, utilising a range of verbal, graphical and written methods, recognising the needs of diverse audiences.
Digital literacy	Use a range of digitally-based technologies to locate, evaluate and disseminate information.	Use digital technologies, platforms, frameworks and tools from the field of cyber security to generate, manage, process and share digital resources and solutions.
Critical thinking	Exercise critical thinking, judgment and intellectual independence to evaluate, consolidate and synthesise knowledge relevant to legal doctrine and legal practice.	Critically analyse information provided to inform decision making and evaluation of plans and solutions associated with the field of cyber security.
Problem solving	Apply legal reasoning and critical analysis to generate and articulate accurate and relevant responses to legal issues.	Apply cognitive, technical, and creative skills from cyber security to understand requirements and design, implement, and operate solutions to real-world and ill-defined computing problems.
Self-management	Exercise responsibility and accountability for own learning, and possess abilities to reflect on own capabilities, performance and feedback to support personal and professional development.	Work independently to apply knowledge and skills to new situations in professional practice and/or further learning in the field of cyber security with adaptability, autonomy, responsibility, and personal accountability for actions as a practitioner and a learner.
Teamwork	Collaborate effectively in a team environment demonstrating constructive engagement and contribution to the team and the ability to draw on strengths of others.	Work independently and collaboratively to achieve team goals, contributing knowledge and skills from cyber security to advance the teams objectives, employing effective teamwork practices and principles, and comprehending distinct workplace roles and their functions.
Global citizenship	Reflect on the ethical and professional behaviours and responsibilities of legal professionals and demonstrate an understanding of the impact that different social, ethical, global or environmental perspectives have on exercising legal practice in the community.	Apply professional and ethical standards and accountability in the field of cyber security, and engage openly and respectfully with diverse communities and cultures.

Course rules

To complete the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Cyber Security, you must pass 40 credit points. This includes:

DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin (0-credit-point compulsory unit) in your first study period
16 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security
- SIT010 Safety Induction Program (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- STP010 Career Tools for Employability (0-credit-point compulsory unit)
- 13 credit points of core units (excluding SIT306)
- 2 credit points of course elective units
- 1 credit point of course elective units SIT-coded
- a minimum of 4 credit points of level 3 SIT-coded units
24 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws
- 18 credit points of core units
- 1 credit of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) or practical course elective units (as outlined in the Bachelor of Laws)
- 5 credit points of course elective units
course requirements for both the Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334) and Bachelor of Laws (M312) must be satisfied.

Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.

All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements.

Note:

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

Course structure

Compulsory 0-credit point module

DAI001

Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin ^*

STP010

Career Tools for Employability

^*To be completed in the first trimester of study

Core units

Students to complete 18 credit points from the Bachelor of Laws

MLL110

Legal Research and Statutory Interpretation

MLL113

Resolving Disputes and Legal Communication

MLP114

Criminal Law

MLP117

Misleading Conduct and Economic Torts

Contract A

Torts

Criminal Procedure

Contract B

Legal Practice and Ethics

Constitutional Law

Land Law

Property

Corporate Law

Evidence

Civil Procedure and Dispute Resolution

MLP405

Equity and Trusts

MLP424

Administrative Law

MLL427

Advanced Legal Problem Solving and Persuasion ^(Capstone)

Note: MLP code denotes Priestley units, which teach the academic areas of knowledge prescribed for admission to legal practice.

Students to complete 13 credit points from the Bachelor of Cyber Security

SIT102

Introduction to Programming

SIT111

Computer Systems

SIT182

Real World Practices for Cyber Security

SIT192

Discrete Mathematics

SIT202

Computer Networks and Communication

SIT232

Object-Oriented Development

SIT282

Computer Forensics and Investigations

SIT324

Malware Analysis

SIT218

Secure Coding

SIT223

Professional Practice in Information Technology

SIT327

Network Forensics

SIT384

Cyber Security Analytics

SIT379

Ethical Hacking

Course electives

CYBER SECURITY

Students must complete 2 credit points from the following cyber security course elective units:

SIT374

Team Project (A) - Project Management and Practices ^capstone

SIT378

Team Project (B) - Execution and Delivery ^capstone

SIT344

Professional Practice ^capstone(2 credit points)

LAW

Students must complete 5 credit points from the following law course elective units:

MLL215

Commercial Law

MLL224

Advanced Statutory Interpretation

MLL225

Personal Injuries Compensation Schemes

MLL228

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Principles and Practice

International Law

Business Tax Law

Human Rights Law

Corporate Insolvency Law

MLL319

Sentencing Law and Practice

MLI320/MLL320

Family Law ^*

MLL329

Financial Services Regulation

MLL330

Health Law

MLL332

International Arbitration

MLL336

International Commercial Law

MLL338

Legal Professional Practice

MLL339

Corporate Governance and Sustainability

MLL342

Workplace Law

MLL351

Community Legal Internship

MLL362

Succession Law

MLL364

Animal Law

MLL394

Migration and Refugee Law and Policy

MLT324

Transnational Study Tour ^

MLL406

Taxation

MLL409

Competition Law and Policy

MLL410

Intellectual Property

MLL419

Contemporary International Legal Challenges (Intensive)

MLL420

Deakin Law Clinic

MLL425

Environmental and Climate Law

MLL426

Mining and Energy Law

MLL444

Privacy and Data Law

MLL460

Mooting and Advocacy

^*MLI code denotes optional residential version of the unit.

^MLT324 does not count as one of the WIL/Practical course elective units (listed above) required for the Bachelor of Laws.

Note: Not all units will be offered every year. The Law School might from time to time develop new units to strengthen the law elective list.

WIL|Practical course elective units

Students must complete one of the following Law experiential/practice units

MLL338

Legal Professional Practice

MLL351

Community Legal Internship

MLL420

Deakin Law Clinic

MLL460

Mooting and Advocacy

Further details can be found at WIL Opportunities for law students

Equipment requirements

The learning experiences and assessment activities within the Bachelor of Cyber Security require that students have access to a range of technologies beyond a desktop computer or laptop. Students will be required to purchase minor equipment, such as small single board computers, microcontrollers and sensors, which will be used within a range of units in this course. This equipment is also usable by the student beyond their studies. Equipment requirements and details of suppliers will be provided on a per-unit basis. The indicative cost of this equipment for this course is AUD$500.

For information regarding hardware and software requirements, please refer to the Bring your own device (BYOD) guidelines via the School of Information Technology website in addition to the individual unit outlines in the Handbook.

Admission criteria

Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.

A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.

If you don't meet the academic entry requirements as outlined in the tabs below, or haven't completed Year 12, or don't hold any relevant qualifications, the STAT (Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test) Multiple Choice (MC) may be an option for you to meet course entry requirements.

Academic requirements

Academic requirements - Current or recent secondary education

If you're currently studying Year 12, or completed Year 12 in the last two years, you will need to meet all the following criteria to be considered for admission to this degree:

Year 12 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

Senior Secondary Certificate of Education with an unadjusted ATAR of at least 50 or equivalent.

Academic requirements - Higher education study

If you have undertaken higher education studies after secondary schooling, you will need to meet the following to be considered for admission to this degree:

successful completion of at least four credit points in an equivalent (AQF Level 7) bachelor degree with a minimum WAM of 60 or equivalent

Academic requirements - VET study

This course does not accept VET study for entry, please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.

Academic requirements - Work and life experience

This course does not accept work, volunteer and/or life experience for entry. Please check for alternative entry requirements or visit the pathways finder for alternate pathways into this course.

English language proficiency requirements

To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) English Units 3 and 4: Study score greater than 30 in English as an Additional Language (EAL) or greater than 25 in any other English
IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band score less than 6.5) or equivalent
other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)

Admissions information

Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning. We're also committed to admissions transparency. Read about our first intake of 2026 students (PDF, 879KB) – their average ATARs, whether they had any previous higher education experience and more.

Not sure if you can get into Deakin? Discover the different entry pathways we offer and study options available to you, no matter your ATAR or education history.

Credit for prior learning - general

If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of prior learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of prior learning.

Your Recognition of prior learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.

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.

For accreditation purposes, the University normally only considers RPL for core Deakin Bachelor of Laws units, or core Juris Doctor units, on the basis of previous law study that has taken place within five years of the anticipated commencement [Note 1] of the degree at Deakin. Please note that RPL requests for any law unit core to the degree undertaken more than 5 years ago is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Deakin Law School.
RPL for any non-core (elective) units will be determined via normal RPL policy rules; however, if the unit would be more than 5 years old at the student's anticipated course commencement date, then the decision needs to be made within the Law School (in order to ensure the currency of the learning that is being recognised)

[Note 1] Note that the date taken is commencement of studies at Deakin, not the date of the RPL Application

You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit

Alternative exits

Bachelor of Cyber Security (S334)
Bachelor of Laws (M312)

Articulated courses

Bachelor of Information Technology (Honours) (S470)
Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (M412)

Course duration

You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.

Workload

You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. 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.

Work experience

This course provides students the opportunity to complete one or more work integrated learning units.

Explore Business and Law WIL opportunities.

International Students:

This course includes Work Integrated Learning (WIL) formally registered as part of the course on the CRICOS register. The total work integrated learning hours will differ depending on the WIL unit you choose. For more information about WIL hours, please check the unit information in the handbook or the unit guide.

For information about how WIL units may impact student visa holder work rights, please visit Home Affairs. See 8105 Work limitation.

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.

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.

Selection adjustment

Subject adjustment

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

Access and equity

Equity schemes and scholarships, formerly known as Special Entry Access Schemes (SEAS), enable Deakin to consider any disadvantaged circumstances you may have experienced and how these have impacted your studies. Equity schemes help us identify whether you are from an under-represented group when making selection decisions for certain courses. It's important to note that participation in an equity scheme does not exempt you from meeting the standard course entry requirements. Learn more about Deakin's equity schemes and scholarships.