Master of Laws
A competitive edge in law
Studying law is more challenging and intellectually adventurous than ever before. In an expanding and evolving legal landscape, extended development is a strategic door opener.
Our Master of Laws is suited to students proceeding directly from undergraduate study, as well as experienced legal practitioners looking to specialise.
What will you do?
- Focus your program through a range of elective options—including international and comparative commercial law.
- Develop advanced legal writing, reasoning and analysis skills.
- Study with legal professionals, former judges and international academics.
- Broaden your networks through the University’s Lex Salus, Next Steps and Law Students’ Society events.
- Undertake a substantial research project.
Where could it take you?
You might help update evidence laws around internet activity and new technologies. You could move into property or Native Title law. Perhaps you’ll become a co-owner in a Hong Kong law firm. Whether you want to uphold, use or change the system—a master in law can take you just about anywhere.
Note: This program is offered in intensive mode with intakes in late February and late July.
^ Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject, 2022
Entry Requirements
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| SATAC Code | 3CM069 |
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| Deferment | Yes - 2 year |
| Intake | February and July |
Selection Criteria
| Higher Education Study | Applicants must: a) have a completed Honours degree of Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent); OR b) have a completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent) plus a completed Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice; OR c) have a completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent), plus substantial professional experience^ within the profession; OR d) have a completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent), plus substantial research experience^^ within the profession. ^Substantial professional experience is considered to be at least two years of practice as either a barrister or a solicitor. ^^Relevant research experience is the ability to demonstrate knowledge of the underlying principles in law at an advanced level and would include the demonstration of cognitive technical and communication skills and method associated with the discipline. |
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Admissions Transparency Data
Student Profile
Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023 Number of students Percentage of all students International students 2 16.7% All students 12 100.0%
Fees and Scholarships
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Australian Full-fee place
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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.
Careers
Career Readiness
Graduates are well equipped to pursue advanced and rewarding 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 Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice and the Bachelor of Laws programs in Degree Finder.
The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.
Graduate Attributes
The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.- Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
- Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Professionalism and leadership readiness
- Intercultural and ethical competency
- Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
- Digital capabilities
- Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
Potential careers
Jury Consultant, Lawyer / Solicitor / Barrister
Degree Structure
It consists of 24 units chosen from the list of law courses. It is also possible to include courses from other disciplines within the University, subject to approval by the Program Coordinator.
Seminar-style teaching is employed, with one course usually involving 24 hours of classes. Some courses are taught during the evening or on weekends, while other courses may be taught intensively one or more weeks.
Students who do not already hold an LLB, JD or LLB (Hons) from a common law jurisdiction must complete LAW 7177 Introduction to Australian Law in their first semester of studies.
A candidate shall satisfactorily complete a substantial research piece of scholarship. To satisfy this requirement, candidates must complete one of two options.
- A candidate must satisfactorily complete two 4,000 word (or more) research essays chosen from any postgraduate coursework Law elective course. The research essays will be in addition to any other course assessment requirements if students seek to undertake the essay in a course which does not otherwise have a research essay assessment. Where a research essay with shorter length is part of the course assessment, the word limit will be extended to 4,000 words to satisfy this requirement. Students may apply to undertake the extended research essay option for any course during the program, and will be accommodated if it possible for the courses in which students propose to complete the essay.
- A candidate must satisfactorily complete:
LAW 7187 Advanced Legal Research and Writing (3 units)
LAW 7025 Dissertation (PG) (6 units)
Areas of Specialisation
While the Master of Laws has no official specialisations, students can choose to focus in a number of different study areas, such as the following:
- Commercial Law
- Comparative Law (International)
- Criminal Law
- Human Rights Law
- Intellectual Property Law
- International Law
- Military Law
- Property Law
- Technology / Internet Law
- Workplace and Regulation Law
Example Study Plan
| Course - 24 units chosen from the following 3 units courses |
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| Research |
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Students must complete either:
or
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Note: Other courses may be taken subject to the approval of the Program Co-ordinator Not all courses will be offered in any one calendar year. |
Related Degrees
Testimonial
The one-year program was perfect it gave me time to figure out if I wanted to practice as a lawyer or to work as a Developmental Educator. It was a win/win situation for me.
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: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2023
