A law student is facing serious charges after he was allegedly caught hacking a University of Queensland computer to change his grades.

It’s believed the student, at prestigious TC Beirne School of Law, used a lock-picking device and a staff ID card to gain access to the office area, according to the Courier Mail .

Hidden cameras were set up after security detected a breach and he was allegedly caught in the act.

The student was just a few months from completing his degree, and was understood to be passing his subjects but looked unlikely to secure a top job.

“If a student is found to have cheated then the impact on their future career is likely to be devastating,” UQ Deputy Vice-Chancellor Joanne Wright said.

“In fact, it could be far more damaging than failing a subject or course.”