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Master of Laws

Campus North Terrace Campus
Degree Type Masters by Coursework
Duration 1 year full-time
or part-time equiv.
SATAC Code 3CM069
CRICOS 051753C

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.

Find out about the Master of Laws 'Access to Justice' specialisation

  • Entry Requirements

    For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

    For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2021 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely for most programs. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses. Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for a list of programs where in-person attendance is required.

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 3CM069
    Deferment Yes - 2 year
    Intake February and July
    Enquiries Future Students team

    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry

    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.
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 3CM069

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    CRICOS 051753C
    Intake February and July
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements
    Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
    IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6
    TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21
    Pearson Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50
    C1 Advanced Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements
    More Information
    Tertiary Qualifications Applicants must:
    • Have a completed Honours degree of Bachelor of Laws or equivalent with a credit average; OR
    • Have a completed Bachelor of Laws or equivalent with a credit average, plus a completed Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice; OR
    • Have a completed Bachelor of Laws or equivalent with a credit average, plus substantial professional experience* within the profession; OR
    • Have a completed Bachelor of Laws or equivalent with a credit average, plus relevant research experience ** within the profession.
    * Substantial professional experience is considered to be at least two years of practice as either a barrister or 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.
    How to Apply

  • Fees and Scholarships

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place: $33,000

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) International student place: $44,500

    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 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.
    1. Deep discipline knowledge
    2. Critical thinking and problem solving
    3. Teamwork and communication skills
    4. Career and leadership readiness
    5. Intercultural and ethical competency
    6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Potential careers

    Jury Consultant, Lawyer / Solicitor / Barrister

  • Degree Structure
    The degree is designed to offer flexibility to suit particular interests.

    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 over two or more weeks.

    A candidate shall satisfactorily complete a substantial research piece of scholarship. To satisfy this requirement, candidates must complete one of two options.

    1. A candidate must satisfactorily complete two, 7,000-8,000 word research essays, chosen from any Adelaide Law master's 3 unit courses - please note undertaking this option does not increase the unit value of the postgraduate course from 3 units. These research essays are in addition to any other course assessment requirements. Where a research essay is part of the course assessment, the word limit can be extended to 7,000-8,000 words to satisfy this requirement. This option can be undertaken any time during the program. 

    2. A candidate must satisfactorily complete the 6 unit Dissertation course (12,000-15,000 words). Successful completion of 9 units of study is required before this option can be undertaken.

    Academic Program Rules

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

    You can find the academic program rules for this degree under the Faculty of the Professions rules.

    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)
    • Competition Law
    • Criminal Law
    • Human Rights Law
    • Intellectual Property Law
    • Industry Specific
    • International Law
    • Migration Law
    • Military Law
    • Property Law
    • Technology / Internet Law
    • Workplace and Regulation Law

    Example Study Plan

    Indicative study plan
    Course - 24 units chosen from the following 3 units courses
    Research

    Students must complete either:

    • LAW 7025: Law Dissertation (PG) 6 unit course

    or

    • two 7,000 – 8,000 word research essays chosen from any postgraduate coursework Law course each to the value of 3 units. The research essays will be an addition to any other course assessment requirement. Where a research essay is part of the course assessment, the word limit will be extended to 7,000 – 8,000 words to satisfy this requirement.

    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

  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the Ask Adelaide
    Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

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, 8 Sep 2020