Professional Certificate in Space Law

Get unique legal insight into off-Earth enterprise

Human activity in space—commercial, strategic and exploratory—is on the cusp of exponential growth. Consequently, complex related legal issues are emerging and being addressed at an incredible rate.

Our new Professional Certificate in Space Law—Australia’s first dedicated postgraduate program in the field—provides priceless, up-to-the-minute legal insight for anyone conducting, planning or advising on enterprise in ‘the final frontier.’

What will you do?

Completed over six months part-time, or on a more flexible schedule, the program has been co-developed by the Adelaide Law School’s world-renowned space law researchers. Among them are the joint lead authors of The Woomera Manual, the world’s first definitive text on international law as it applies to military conflict in space.

The program will give you the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge of domestic and international law as it applies to:

  • commercial activity in space, including an overview of the UN Space Treaties, and issues such as technology transfer, contracts, insurance and liability
  • security operations in space, including laws relating to situational awareness, space launches, intelligence gathering and defence.

You’ll also have the chance to pursue applied research in an area of space law of particular interest to you.

Where could it take you?

You will emerge with the capability and confidence to guide and advise on a wide range of off-Earth activity, in the professional setting of your choosing—from government departments, research centres and the military, to legal practices, consultancies and non-government organisations.


  • Ranked 87 globally for Law^
  • Strong links with industry partners
  • Flexible delivery of program

^ Times Higher Education World University Ranking by Subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

SATAC Code 3PC012
Deferment Yes - 2 year
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry


  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 3 100.0%

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

Potential careers

Legal Officer / Legal aid, Consultant, Research Associates, Research and Education

Degree Structure

To qualify for the Professional Certificate in Space you must select and complete satisfactorily two of the following courses:

Testimonial

The GDLP refined my ability to assess any real situation in an engaging, collaborative, thoughtful and respectful manner.

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