Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Bachelor of Science - Data science (Dual Degree)

at La Trobe University - Melbourne Campus Australia

The world is drawing closer together. As the speed and quality of digital technologies continues to evolve, we need more passionate professionals who can create meaningful solutions and connections.

Designed to help you build our digital future, La Trobe's Bachelor of Information Technology equips you with skills across programming, networking, databases, systems analysis and design, and project management.

Along with building a strong set of core IT skills you can choose to major in one of several areas aligned to future industry growth including artificial intelligence, cloud analytics, cybersecurity, network engineering or information systems.

Broaden your knowledge and capabilities further through a wide range of electives. Combine your core IT skills with business, social sciences, humanities, web engineering, computer technology, security and information systems analysis subjects. Plus you could develop a software program of your own, which you could present at the annual Engineering and IT Showcase to potential employers.

With industry-based projects and CISCO certification embedded in the course, you'll receive professional mentoring opportunities as you build career ready skills. You'll also gain access to our expert research centres, including the Centre for Technology Infusion and our state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Lab for the Internet of Things – developed in collaboration with Microsoft and CISCO.

Network engineering

Computer networks are part of our daily life – so much so that an hour-long outage can cost organisations hundreds and millions of dollars. Designed to help you build our digital future, La Trobe's networking major equips you with skills across basic programming, networking, databases, systems analysis and design, and project management. Network engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, and managing the local and wide area networks of an organisation to ensure maximum uptime for users. The role can include designing system configurations, documenting and managing the installation of a new network, and maintaining and upgrading existing systems as necessary. Network engineers also ensure network firewalls and security are up to date. With data driven and cloud-driven approaches coming into picture, the role a network engineer is always evolving. In this major, you’ll learn to design and develop new systems and hone your expertise in computer networks, signal processing, network security, and mobile communication network design – all using the latest technology. You’ll develop fundamental skills in programming, web and network security, entrepreneurship in information technology, network design, wireless networking engineering and project management. With industry-based projects and certification embedded in the course, you’ll receive professional mentoring opportunities as you build career-ready skills. You’ll also have access to our expert research centres, including the Centre for Technology Infusion and our state-of-the-art Technology Innovation Lab for the Internet of Things – developed in collaboration with Microsoft and CISCO. By majoring in network engineering, you have the opportunity to work in almost any industry in a team. With more companies making the shift to big data and cloud computing, it’s a field experiencing growing demand.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

Chinese studies beginners

A Chinese studies major will enable you to understand and use an increasingly significant world language. Chinese is spoken by nearly one-fifth of the global population, predominantly in the world’s second-largest economy, China. The Chinese Studies major will give you the opportunity to develop skills in oral and written Chinese (Mandarin), and enhance your understanding in China’s past (culture and tradition) and present (economy and technology). At more advanced levels, specialist subjects are available in Chinese for academic and professional purposes—these will help you develop your integrated communication skills to a professional level. Studying Chinese language and culture will give you an advantage in a range of industries and area of government, given that China has been Australia’s largest trading partner since 2007. You will have the opportunity to enrol in overseas programs to extend your language skills in-country. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) The major offers four entry-levels to cater to your standard in the Chinese language. You may enrol at beginners, intermediate, advanced or extension levels depending on your background and experience.

Hacking, cybercrime and defence strategies; welcome to the world of cybersecurity. Now and in the years to come, cybersecurity experts will be in high demand.

La Trobe's Master of Cybersecurity prepares you for a successful career in this fast-growing field, whether you have an IT background or not.

The degree has been carefully designed by industry leaders to first give you a strong foundation in cybersecurity, then invite you to specialise in either computer science, business operations or artificial intelligence.

Build fundamental skills in system design, implementation, testing and documentation. Develop technical expertise in pen testing, blockchain and cyber forensics, and get hands-on experience applying your knowledge in our state-of-the-art Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless labs. You'll also get to hone your networking skills in our CISCO networking and security labs.

Cybersecurity is about so much more than just technology. This degree explores the psychology of hacking and cybercrime, the legal and ethical frameworks you'll be working within, and approaches to governance and risk management.

Begin building your career while you study. Industry-based learning opportunities embedded throughout this degree give you the change to not only build practical experience, but also start developing your professional network. You'll work on a real industry project alongside our industry partners, undertake a professional placement, or, if you're working towards a research career, complete a thesis on emerging topics in cybersecurity.

Early exit points mean that every part of your degree contributes to your future career. Exit after six months with a Graduate Certificate in Information Technology Fundamentals, or after one year with a Graduate Diploma in Cybersecurity.

In the era of globalisation, having advanced language skills is becoming increasingly valuable. Organisations need professionals who not only communicate effectively, but also have the multilingual and cross-cultural knowledge that can help them thrive on an international scale.*

La Trobe's Bachelor of Languages and Linguistics introduces you to the foundations of human communication. Learn about the structure and history of languages, while examining how communication skills are acquired and developed. You'll also select from a range of language majors and explore the culture from which your chosen language emerged.

Develop an advanced understanding of linguistics, investigating the sound systems used for communication, how sentences are structured, and the ways we use language and interpret meaning.

Focus on the language you're passionate about by selecting from Chinese, French, Greek, Italian, Spanish, Japanese or Hindi. You'll also be able to select a starting point that suits your language proficiency, including beginner, intermediate and advanced studies.

From there, you'll investigate a variety of other languages, examining their evolution, structure and use. Explore the nuances of linguistic variation in communities, looking at the social, ethnic and age factors that influence the variation.

Enhance your language proficiency by taking advantage of our study abroad opportunities.* Immerse yourself in your chosen language and build a greater understanding of its everyday application.

Build your communication, team-working, problem-solving and analytical skills, which experts suggest will be highly sought after by the workplaces of tomorrow.**

Through optional minors, you'll also have the chance to explore further languages, including Auslan, or broaden your studies into complementary areas such as psychology, philosophy and history.

Graduate with the advanced languages skills to boost your global career.

Spanish studies intermediate

In the Spanish studies major you will learn the Spanish language and about Spanish and Latin American history and cultures. Spanish is one of the world's major languages and the first language of more than 400 million people. As well as developing your language skills, you can take subjects in Spanish and Latin American culture, linguistics, translation, literature and film. Learning Spanish will give you highly employable communication skills in a competitive globalised labour market. It is also important in international development and diplomatic contexts as an official language of the United Nations and the World Bank. As part of this major, you are encouraged to apply to do in-country study programs in Spanish through the University’s exchange programs. These are available in Spain and in various Latin American countries. (Please note overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) You can major in Spanish Studies whatever your skill level. Depending on your prior knowledge of and/or qualifications in the Spanish language you will start at Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced level or Extended.

Information technology (IT) has become a fundamental part of almost every industry. Fast-track the career you want with a degree accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS).

La Trobe's Master of Information Technology allows you to ride the IT wave and set yourself up for a successful tech career.

This degree builds your technical expertise and gives you a strong, industry-standard IT skill set. It's also flexible – you'll have the opportunity to specialise in one of several booming areas, including software engineering, cloud analytics, digital media, networking, artificial intelligence, digital health or cybersecurity.

Your degree is designed to ensure the skills you build are well-suited to future industry needs. Your teachers are IT professionals who'll share industry insights and make sure you graduate ready to work.

Shape your degree to fit your personal and professional goals with a range of electives. Build expertise in areas that interest you, such as app development, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, Internet of Things (IoT), user experience design, cybersecurity and more.

Supplement your skills with free certifications through our partnership with Microsoft. Administered via on-campus exams, these certifications give you practical skills you can apply in a wide range of industries and workplaces.

From day one, hands-on experience is top priority. Our state-of-the-art on-campus CISCO labs offer a wide range of networking capabilities – and they're available to you 24/7. We're also home to the Centre for Technology Infusion and the La Trobe Cyber Security Research Hub.

An industry development project or work-based placement will cement your learning and prepare you to launch your career. Alternatively, if you have a research career in your sights, you can pursue an applied research project or an industry-based thesis.

Rapid evolutions in science and technology mean our advancements sometimes outpace the law. Get the skills to stay ahead.

In La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws(Honours)/Bachelor of Science, you can pursue multiple interests and gain a powerful combination of legal skills and cutting-edge scientific knowledge.

From stem cell research to how personal information is collected, stored and shared, advances in science and technology have real human impacts. This double degree uniquely prepares you to address contemporary challenges from a scientific, legal and ethical perspective.

Benefit from our progressive approach to legal education with a law degree you can shape to your own career goals. You'll get a solid grounding in the basics of law and hone your expertise in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution – skills valued by employers across industries.

Your science degree offers you huge flexibility, with an extensive range of majors to choose from. Follow your interests in emerging areas like cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science or traditional fields including chemistry, botany and genetics. Bring knowledge to life in world-class facilities, including the La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science (LIMS), and learn from academics who are leaders in their fields.

Take your skills into the real world while you study. You'll have the opportunity to do placements in a range of legal settings, including community legal centres, law firms, government agencies, and judges and magistrates (subject to availability). On the science side, you could complete a placement with one of our industry partners – previous students have worked with CSIRO, Bayer Crop Science, and various government departments.

You will graduate ready to start your career as an expert legal practitioner, with an advanced understanding of scientific concepts or a science professional with a solid understanding of regulatory environments and how they impact scientific work.

Crop science

Want to help meet the growing worldwide demand for sustainably produced nutritious food? This is the challenge addressed by crop science: the study and improvement of production of our most important food crops. In this major, you’ll explore the issues set to dominate the future of crop production, including unpredictable water supply, climate change, food security, environmental impacts of agriculture, and the impact of pests, pathogens and advances in biotechnology. Build your knowledge in agronomy, agricultural systems, and sustainable intensification. Learn to advise clients and solve problems to improve crop production, improve profits and sustainability. You’ll develop expertise in plant, land and soil management and understand the science of using plants for food, and how to address issues in plant health and sustainable agriculture. Theory is good, but hands-on experience is even better. This major includes a range of practical learning opportunities in the lab and the field, so you can see first-hand how your skills and knowledge apply in real-world settings. These experiences will give you the opportunity to begin building your network of industry contacts – something you’ll be able to draw on throughout your career.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

French studies extension

The French Studies major enables you to participate in a dialogue with the French-speaking world by developing your proficiency in the language and your knowledge of French history, society and culture. The French Studies major will give you access to a vast network of international communication and a rich body of literary, historical and scientific knowledge. It will also extend your knowledge into the Latin language. French is spoken on all continents and in various organisations such as the United Nations and Médecins Sans Frontières. The language prepares you to excel in numerous fields including education, translating and interpreting, foreign affairs and trade, international law and humanitarian work. You will be strongly encouraged to apply for an exchange program with one of La Trobe’s partner universities in France. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) You should enrol in the appropriate stream at first-year level: Beginners (students with little or no prior knowledge of French), Intermediate (students with Year 11 French or equivalent), Advanced (students with Year 12 French or equivalent) or Extended (native or near-native competency).

Whether it’s advocating for a client, supporting community services or writing policy that shapes the nation, studying law empowers you to make an impact on society.

In La Trobe's Bachelor of Laws (Honours), you'll develop the knowledge and expertise to establish yourself as a forward-thinking legal professional. You'll combine outstanding intellectual and skills-based legal training with a progressive approach to law, preparing you for a rewarding career.

Explore the principles of key areas of legal practice. Tailor your degree to your career aspirations with a diverse range of electives. Study how legal practice shapes the most pressing challenges of our time, including in areas such as environmental law, international law, intellectual property law, and cyber law and policy.

As you study, you'll build your talents in advocacy, negotiation and dispute resolution, so you'll be ready to apply them in both legal and non-legal settings. You'll also have opportunities to test your skills in competitions – whether that's competing against fellow La Trobe students, going up against students from other Australian universities, or even competing with representatives from international universities like Harvard, Cambridge and the University of Hong Kong.

Learn from legal experts in our Law School and hone your skills in critical thinking, research, writing and teamwork. Then put your knowledge into practice with opportunities for real-world placement experiences – from working in environments including community legal centres, law firms and government agencies to building mentor relationships with judges, magistrates and coroners.

Want to use your legal training to pursue your passion? Study your Bachelor of Laws (Honours) as a double degree and add a new discipline to your expertise – such as arts, criminology, commerce, science, psychological science, global studies or media and communications. You'll be prepared for exciting careers that mix legal expertise and technical knowledge to meet the needs of modern employers.

For thousands of years, human societies have grown, prospered and warred through diplomacy and trade. In today’s hyper-connected global markets and diplomatic arenas, we need highly skilled professionals who can navigate this complex global landscape and make the most of evolving business structures.

La Trobe's Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Global Studies gives you the expertise to build a rewarding career in global politics, human rights and international business. Gain strong foundations in international trade and diplomacy, as well as a well-rounded business skillset.

Explore the complex social, commercial and sustainability challenges faced by corporations and diverse communities. Understand how to analyse problems, develop forward-thinking solutions, and negotiate with stakeholders to turn your ideas into action.

Grow as a leader and a thinker. Challenge your ideas and preconceptions. Expand your networks and your horizons. You'll be prepared for the rapidly evolving world of international trade and the complex web of relationships negotiated by governments and multinational organisations every day. Develop the creative and analytical skills to work across a wide range of industries, and build the resilience to face real-world challenges.

We understand that global experiences are vital for your studies. You'll have the opportunity to get out of the classroom and build both your skills and your professional network at one of our overseas partner universities. You'll also have the opportunity to do an internship, either in Australia or overseas, that's tailored to your career goals.

Whatever your ambition, tailor your degree with specially curated majors and minors that allow you to explore the various business, economic, geopolitical and humanitarian forces shaping our world.

Graduate ready for a rewarding career in trade, diplomacy, politics, government, business, economics and finance.

Japanese studies advanced

With a Japanese studies major, you'll build competence in the modern Japanese language and study Japanese society, civilisation and culture.  You will learn to see the world from multiple perspectives through the study of language and culture. You will be taught by enthusiastic staff who specialise in sociology and anthropology of education, minorities, Koreans in Japan, gender, literary studies and popular culture. Japanese Studies major graduates have found employment in teaching, hospitality industry, diplomacy, government, international business, publishing, tourism, and translating, both in Japan and Australia. Japanese is one of the major LOTE subjects in Australian schools. You are encouraged to participate in an exchange program (one or two semesters) at one of the many universities with which La Trobe has exchange agreement. (Please note: overseas programs may be impacted by travel restrictions.) Japanese is taught at a number of levels, from beginners through to advanced. A placement test and interview may be used to determine a student’s suitability for entry level.

The future is moving fast. With evolving technologies creating opportunities for engineers of all stripes, there’s never been a better time to grow your skillset in this high-demand and growing field.

If you're keen to launch your career in engineering, La Trobe's Associate Degree in Engineering Technology will give you solid foundations for success and a pathway to one of two world-class Bachelor's degrees in engineering.

Learn how to tackle the big problems faced by engineers every day. Develop essential skills in maths, physics and computer programming. Then set yourself apart from other graduates when you learn valuable human skills in innovation, business management and leadership.

In this highly practical degree, you'll collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and develop your problem-solving skills. Explore the impacts of climate change and find innovative engineering solutions to help create sustainable societies. You'll work with real-world engineering systems and learn current best practice from leading engineering experts.

Develop your written and oral communication skills. You'll build your confidence in relaying complex technical information and explore the technical, financial, legal and environmental impacts of engineering innovations.

Get a degree that's recognised by industry. Graduates can apply for membership with Engineers Australia as an Engineering Associate.

Once you've completed your Associate Degree, you'll be eligible to apply to La Trobe's Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) or Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Industrial). You will then be able to apply for advanced standing to commence Bachelor studies at third year where you can further enhance your industry knowledge and experience by undertaking large-scale projects and work placements.