Graduate Diploma in Law New

Want to bolster your business skills with legal expertise?

The ability to understand, analyse and use legal information can be critical for strength and longevity in the business realm. Postgraduate law courses provide an overview of legal issues within a contemporary business context.

What will you do?

Our Graduate Diploma in Law caters to the needs of busy professionals. The majority of courses are taught intensively over one or two weeks and some include evening and weekend sessions. You will:

  • undertake approximately 24 hours of seminar-style classes
  • cover the foundations of Australian law through one core course
  • pursue seven law electives relevant to your business sector or interests 
  • build legal communication skills
  • have the opportunity to study international or comparative law.

This program may meet your needs for professional development by itself, or act as a first step toward a Master. It's offered in intensive mode with intakes in late February and late July.



  • Ranked 87 globally for Law*
  • Majority of courses taught intensively
  • AACSB accredited

* Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

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Domestic applicants

SATAC Code
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake

February and July

Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study

A completed Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a field other than law, with at least a credit average; or a completed Graduate Certificate in Business Law / Graduate Certificate in Law. 


Fees and Scholarships

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Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

Graduates are well prepared to pursue advanced career options in business, management and many other professional fields.

Note: this degree does not provide admission to practise law. Those seeking admission to practise should refer to the Bachelor of Laws.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Potential careers

Jury Consultant, Manager / Business Management, Auditor, Business Analyst, Business Consultant, Business Management, Business Manager, Commercial Manager, Commercial and Operation Analyst, Taxation Officer, Government or Corporate Policy Adviser, International Trade or Business Analyst

Degree Structure

The Graduate Diploma in Law will provide professionals in business and government with the chance to study challenging areas of commercial law. The program includes a range of elective courses suited to those with a particular interest in International and Comparative Law. Seminar style teaching is employed, with one course usually involving 24 hours of classes taught in the evening over a twelve week semester or taught intensively over weekends or a week.

The Graduate Diploma in Business Law is an AQF Level 8 qualification with a standard full-time duration of 1 year.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

To qualify for the Graduate Diploma in Business Law, the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 24 units, comprising:

Core courses to the value of 3 units
Electives to the value of 21 units

Core course

LAW 7177 Introduction to Australian Law 

Example Study Plan

Indicative Study Plan
Core Course (3 units)
  • LAW 7177: Introduction to Australian Law
Electives (21 Units)

21 units chosen from the following 3-unit courses:

  • LAW 7034: Anti-discrimination Law - Practice and Theory (PG)
  • LAW 7057: Corporate Governance (PG)
  • LAW 7061: Globalisation and the Legal Regulation of Work (PG)
  • LAW 7070: International Trade Law (PG)
  • LAW 7115: Insolvency Law (PG)
  • LAW 7123: Perspectives on Property and Society
  • LAW 7155: Introduction to Arbitration
  • LAW 7156: Advanced Arbitration
  • LAW 7164: Criminal Law - Selected Issues
  • LAW 7170: Public International Law
  • LAW 7174: Advanced Comparative Law
  • LAW 7178: Planning Law
  • LAW 7179: Special Topic B
  • LAW 7180: Relational Corporate Governance
  • LAW 7182: Personal Bankruptcy Law and Practice (PG)

Note: Other courses may be taken subject to the approval of the Program Coordinator

Not all courses will be offered in any one calendar year.

Related Degrees

Testimonial

The GDLP will help you achieve success in legal practice and outside of it.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 26 Sep 2023