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.
Find out about the Master of Laws 'Access to Justice' stream
^QS World Ranking, 2021
Entry Requirements
Please note: For programs including placements and/or study-related activities in settings where COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, it is an inherent requirement that all students be fully vaccinated prior to undertaking the placement and/or study-related activity.
For our students who are studying offshore in 2022, 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 further information and 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
| SATAC Code | 3CM069 |
|---|---|
| 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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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
| Indicative annual tuition fees |
Australian Full-fee place: $35,000
|
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
| 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, 30 Mar 2022
