Overview

Equip yourself with the skills to succeed in commercial and intellectual property law. Our Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science give you necessary information about trademarks, patents and copyright laws to help you progress in the industry. You’ll emerge ready to work in legal fields specialising in intellectual property, media, and science.

You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo

Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.

Your major

Biotechnology

Uncover a career path of enormous potential at the intersection of biology and technology and play your role in making better healthcare, products and business practices a reality. Chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and statistics all feature in this major. You’ll investigate the application of biotechnology to areas such as business, ethics and environmental science. Students who select Biotechnology as a major may not select Biochemistry as a second major.

Your industry experience

Work Integrated Learning is a guaranteed part of all our bachelor degrees. In this double degree, you'll complete law-related professional experience placements at organisations in Australia or overseas.

We'll introduce you to the practical aspects of law through improvised court scenarios and advocacy exercises. You'll undertake three professional science-related industry linked projects. 

Skills you’ll learn

  • Australian law
  • Analyse legal issues
  • Persuasive communication
  • Technical report writing
  • Conducting laboratory experiments
  • Understanding biomolecular structures

Your career opportunities

  • Lawyer
  • Solicitor
  • Legal counsel
  • Biotechnology researcher
  • Clinical biochemist
  • Pharmaceutical scientist

Key codes

CRICOS course code
085633G
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210463
VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210461
International student visa

International students in Australia who hold student visas are required to study full-time and on campus. Courses that are taught entirely online are only available to international students studying outside Australia or those in Australia who are not on a student visa. Online courses are not available to international students in Australia who hold a student visa.

Why Swinburne?

Top 150 for law

The median income for graduates 1 year out is $54.5K (second highest in Melbourne / Victoria)

Top 200 for physical science

Guaranteed lab access from year 1

Professional accreditations

Qualifications

One of the following:

  • successful completion of the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or its equivalent, such as an interstate or international Year 12 qualification
  • completion or partial completion of an approved tertiary qualification (including certificates IV (completed), diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees).

Guaranteed Entry ATAR

80.0

You’ll be guaranteed a place in this course if you meet or exceed the ATAR Guaranteed Entry Score, provided you meet the course prerequisites.

If your ATAR is below the guaranteed entry score, you can still be offered a place as your ATAR may be adjusted based on subject adjustments, equity schemes or other factors. 

Subject adjustments: 

  • A study score of 25 in any Business, any Humanities, any LOTE, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 2 aggregate points per study.
  • A study score of 30 in any Business, any Humanities, any LOTE, any Mathematics, Physical Education or any Science equals 3 aggregate points per study.

Overall maximum of 12 points. Subject adjustment points are applied to the aggregate, not the ATAR.

Students admitted to the course with prior tertiary studies that satisfy part of the academic requirements of this course may be eligible for academic credit.

*Applicants without a formal qualification but with significant and relevant work experience will be considered if they can demonstrate that they can undertake the course with a reasonable prospect of success.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

Course prerequisites

  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. 
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent
     

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

Applicants who do not meet the mathematics prerequisites for this course will be required to successfully complete Swinburne’s MathsLink Methods bridging program.

  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a minimum study score of 25 in any English (except EAL) or 30 in English as Alternate Language (EAL) or equivalent. 
  • VCE Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in any Mathematics or equivalent
     

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee offer of a place. See Admissions at Swinburne, for general information about admission process.

Admission requirements

Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. Check admission requirements for general information about the admission process.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and/or experience and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

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.

Apply for a pathway course

Pathways allow students to progress from one qualification to another where the first course is recognised as an entry requirement and/or provides credit (advanced standing) to the second.

How credit points work

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Science requires students to complete units of study to the value of 500 credit points. All units of study are valued at 12.5 credit points unless otherwise stated.

28
Core units
+
8
Major units
+
4
Elective units
+
3
Work placement units
=
Double degree

What your course could look like

This is the indicative sequence for Semester 1, 2025 only. You are advised to use the study plan template available via your student portal in conjunction with your course planner to plan your studies. Sequence may also vary depending on advanced standing and exemptions. The unit offering information is correct at the time of publication, however changes may occur.

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Introduction to Australian Law and Statutory Interpretation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10010
Contract Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10011
Commercial Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10013
Torts 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10014
Criminal Law and Procedure
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10015
Torts 2
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10025
Legal Writing
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW10026
Evidence
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20009
Administrative Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20010
Trade Marks and Related Rights
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20011
Federal and State Constitutional Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20012
Property Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20013
Land Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20014
Legal Technology and Innovation
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20040
Copyright
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW20043
Patents and Designs
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW30011
Equity and Trusts
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW30012
Company Law
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW30013
Legal Practice and Professional Conduct
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW30015
Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
LAW30029
Professional Experience in Law 1
Core unit
LAW10016
Professional Experience in Law 2
Core unit
LAW20018
Professional Experience in Law 3
Core unit
LAW30016
Units of study Unit code
Core units
Technology and Society
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ART10002
Concepts of Biology
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO10001
Chemistry 1
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
CHE10001
Introduction to Chemistry
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
CHE10004
Preliminary Mathematics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MTH00007
Foundations of Statistics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
STA10003
Digital and Data Systems
Core unit
ENG10004
Essential Mathematics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MTH10010
Calculus and Applications
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MTH10012
Linear Algebra and Applications
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
MTH10013
Sustainability Challenges in Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
NPS10003
Energy and Motion
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
PHY10001
Introduction to Physics
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
PHY10002
Skills and Strategies for Social Change
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ART20003
Societal Challenges in Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
NPS20011
Changemakers in Action
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ART30004
BA Professional Practice
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
ART30005
Grand Challenges in Science
Core unit , 12.5 credit points
NPS30004
Major units (Biotechnology)
Concepts of Biotechnology
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO10003
Introduction to Biochemistry
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BCH20002
The Microbial World
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO20002
Biochemistry of Genes and Proteins
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BCH20001
Microbes in the Environment
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO30005
Advanced Biochemistry
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BCH30003
Applications of Bioinformatics
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO30009
Molecular Biotechnology
Major unit , 12.5 credit points
BIO30004
Want to see the full range of electives?

Learn about all the electives you can take in the course handbook.

Units of study Unit code
Option 1
Work Experience in Industry A
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A – Law
Professional unit
LAW20021
Work Experience in Industry B
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B – Law
Professional unit
LAW20022
or
Option 2
Work Experience in Industry A
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20001
Integrated Professional Placement A - Science
Professional unit, 25.0 credit points
NPS20003
Work Experience in Industry B
Academic unit, 25.0 credit points
WEI20002
Integrated Professional Placement B - Science
Professional unit, 25.0 credit points
NPS20004

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$13,153

Total fee* ($AUD)

$65,765

2025 fees

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$43,280.00

Fees are estimates only

Published student tuition fees for 2025 unit enrolments in HE Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and Undergraduate Full Fee Paying (FFP) are subject to change based on individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees may vary for units studied in future years, with part-time fees being proportionally lower depending on the number of units taken per semester. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

Fees are estimates only

The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.

How do I pay my fees?

HECS-HELP is a loan and discount scheme available to you if you are eligible and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. A HECS-HELP loan can cover all or part of your contribution amount. You can also choose to pay your fees up front. 

International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.

To pay your fees:

  • log in to My Financials
  • check your Australian bank account details are correct 
  • check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe 
  • pay using your preferred payment method.

Eligibility for HECS-HELP

You are eligible for a HECS-HELP loan if you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for an undergraduate degree at Swinburne or a UniLink course, and you:

  • are an Australian citizen and doing at least one unit of your course in Australia; or
  • hold a permanent humanitarian visa and will be living in Australia for the duration of your course; or
  • hold a New Zealand Special Category visa and meet the special eligibility requirements for New Zealand citizens.

Student services and amenities fee

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

The fee shown in the capped amount for 2025.

This funding serves to improve the student experience at Swinburne. You may use many or just some of the services and amenities that the fee provides.

This amenities fee is included within your annual tuition fee listed above. The fee shown is the capped amount for 2025.

Please refer to the Student Services Amenities Fee page for more information.

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

SSAF fee* ($AUD)

$365

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals. 

Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.

When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 20 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.

Professional placement fees

Students who participate in a six- or 12-month professional placement will be subject to an increase in total course fees.

Apply through an agent

Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.

Representatives and agents
BB-LAWSC
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Course code
BB-LAWSC
Apply directly
Course code
BB-LAWSC
CRICOS code
085633G
Apply directly

Apply through VTAC

International students currently studying Year 12 in Australia must apply through VTAC. VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. 

VTAC is the central office that administers the application processes for places in tertiary courses, scholarships and the Special Entry Access Scheme at universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria.

VTAC Code (CSP)
3400210461
Apply through VTAC
VTAC Code (IFP)
3400210463
Apply through VTAC
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Semester 1
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
03-March-2025
Semester 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start dates
04-August-2025
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
21-January-2025