COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Laws with a focus on commercial and intellectual property law at Swinburne University is structured to provide students with a progressive and comprehensive legal education, combining foundational knowledge, specialised study, and practical experience. In Semester 1 of the first year, students begin with core units such as Introduction to Australian Law and Statutory Interpretation (LAW10010), Torts 1 (LAW10014), Contract Law 1 (LAW10028), and Criminal Law and Procedure (LAW10015), establishing essential legal principles and analytical skills. Semester 2 builds on this foundation with Legal Writing (LAW10026), Torts 2 (LAW10025), Contract Law 2 (LAW10029), Evidence (LAW20009), and Professional Experience in Law 1 (LAW10016), which includes a 150-hour placement to provide practical exposure to legal work.In the second year, Semester 1 covers Property Law (LAW20013), Federal and State Constitutional Law (LAW20012), Trade Marks and Related Rights (LAW20011), and an elective, offering both foundational and intellectual property-focused study. Semester 2 includes Land Law (LAW20014), Administrative Law (LAW20010), Copyright (LAW20043), an elective, and Professional Experience in Law 2 (LAW20018), further developing students’ understanding of property, administrative, and IP law, alongside real-world legal practice. Students have the option to undertake professional placements instead of some placement units, which may adjust course duration and elective requirements.In the final year, Semester 1 includes Equity and Trusts (LAW30012), Company Law (LAW30013), Civil Procedure and Alternative Dispute Resolution (LAW30029), and an elective, deepening knowledge of corporate, civil, and trust law. Semester 2 focuses on Legal Practice and Professional Conduct (LAW30015), Legal Technology and Innovation (LAW20040), Patents and Designs (LAW30011), an elective, and Professional Experience in Law 3 (LAW30016), providing specialised intellectual property expertise and practical skills. Throughout the program, students gain a thorough grounding in commercial and intellectual property law while completing multiple professional placements, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience to confidently protect and advise on the rights of creators, innovators, and businesses.