29 July 2026: When Ashley enrolled in a law degree at the University of Canberra, she expected to learn from experts.
She didn't expect to become one of the people helping to build the University's newest postgraduate qualification.
Now in just her second year of a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Politics and International Relations, Ashley has helped shape UC's new Graduate Certificate in Law (Data and Artificial Intelligence), developed with support from Google, to prepare Australian Public Service professionals for the legal and ethical challenges of artificial intelligence and data governance.
For Ashley, the opportunity is a perfect example of what sets studying at UC apart.
"From the moment I started my law degree, it's been an incredibly supportive environment," Ashley said.
"The professors genuinely care about you, and they're invested in making sure you graduate with real, practical experience alongside your qualification."
After her Torts unit – a core subject that deals with civil wrongs – sparked her passion for law, Ashley began seeking opportunities beyond the classroom. She secured a research assistant position, followed by a summer research internship, before being invited to help develop the new graduate qualification with user feedback.
Conceived by Program Director Tess Rooney, the Graduate Certificate was developed with funding and curriculum support from Google.org to help prepare professionals for the rapidly evolving field of AI and data governance. Building on her research and teaching in emerging technology governance and law, Ms Rooney designed the course and its curriculum to meet the growing demand for expertise in this area.
When Ms Rooney asked Ashley to join the project, she jumped at the opportunity.
Rather than simply observing the process, Ashley became part of it.
She reviewed teaching materials from a student's perspective, fact-checked legal references, contributed to assessment design and helped ensure the course remained practical and engaging for future learners.
"When Tess asked if I'd help develop the Graduate Certificate, I said yes without hesitating," Ashley said.
"I never once felt like my perspective was there for show."
Instead, Ashley saw her ideas translated directly into the finished course, including practical learning activities that ask students to apply legal principles to real-world scenarios.
"Understanding the difference between content that's technically correct and content that genuinely teaches is exactly where a student's voice matters."
Ms Rooney said Ashley's contribution helped ensure the course remained grounded in the student experience.
"Ash has been invaluable in bringing the student experience and focus to the program design, helping us make the course as practical as possible for students from a non-law background," Ms Rooney said.
The Graduate Certificate responds to growing demand for professionals who can navigate the legal, regulatory and ethical challenges created by artificial intelligence and data. Delivered online and part-time, the course equips students with practical skills they can apply immediately in the workplace through a curriculum grounded in real legislation, case law and contemporary governance challenges.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor and President Professor The Honourable Bill Shorten said the Graduate Certificate reflects the University's commitment to preparing professionals for the future of work.
"Government operations are increasingly driven by data and AI and emerging technologies. Increasingly, public sector professionals need to know how and when to navigate emerging technologies in a complex environment, with ethics and legal knowledge built in by design," Professor Shorten said.
"This course will help bridge the gap between data, privacy and statutory compliance. With Google.org's support, our public service is being equipped to apply innovation safely, transparently and ethically."
For Ashley, the biggest lesson wasn't about AI law.
It was about what can happen when students are trusted to contribute.
"Getting to help shape something other students will actually study while I'm still a student myself is the kind of hands-on experience you don't expect this early in a degree," Ashley said.
"There's something remarkable about knowing students I'll never meet will learn from something I helped build."
She hopes future students leave the course with practical confidence, not just theoretical knowledge.
"If they finish this course believing they could walk into a room and advise on a live data governance issue, rather than simply holding a certificate that says they studied one, then it's done its job."
Just as importantly, Ashley hopes students experience the same supportive environment that encouraged her to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.
"If you put your hand up at UC, people don't just give you a seat at the table – they actually listen," she said.
The Graduate Certificate in Law (Data and Artificial Intelligence) commences on 31 August 2026 and is currently open to Australian Public Service employees. The flexible online course is delivered part-time over four study blocks, allowing professionals to build specialist expertise while continuing to work.
