Master's in Law & Legal Studies in Australia
Australia offers 19 Master's in Law & Legal Studies programmes across 9 universities, providing pathways for both domestic law graduates seeking specialisation and internationally trained lawyers pursuing Australian legal qualifications. Institutions such as the University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology, the University of Technology Sydney, and La Trobe University are among the listed providers. Tuition information is not available for these programmes; fees should be confirmed directly with each institution.
Australian Law Master's degrees cover areas including international commercial law, human rights, environmental law, and migration law. Edith Cowan University, Southern Cross University, and other listed institutions offer professionally oriented programmes suited to working lawyers and career changers. Graduates may seek admission to the Australian legal profession, subject to the relevant state or territory admissions authority requirements.
Juris Doctor
La Trobe's Juris Doctor (JD) is an accredited degree designed to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to excel as a legal professional. You will build a strong foundation in legal theory, research, and practice through core subjects, while also developing specialist knowledge through electives developed in collaboration with experienced judges and lawyers. The program emphasizes real-world experience through placements, internships, and the La Trobe Legal Clinic. Graduates will meet the academic requirements for admission to practice law in Victoria upon meeting additional requirements. The JD is offered with flexible, small evening classes at the City Campus, located in Melbourne's business and court district. The degree can be completed in 3 years of full-time study, or accelerated to 2.5 years by starting earlier or completing summer electives. Students may also have the opportunity to complete practical legal training (PLT) by the end of their third year, potentially allowing for both qualifications within three years. This program is recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as a Level 9 - Master Degree.
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a postgraduate professional law degree designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in any field or have an overseas law degree, providing a pathway to practice law in Australia. It equips students with essential analytical, research, writing, and advocacy skills, with a strong emphasis on international, comparative, and transnational legal aspects. This program prepares graduates for diverse legal careers, including roles as solicitors, barristers, corporate counsel, government policy advisors, and entrepreneurs.
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate-entry law program designed for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other than law, or for those who have completed a law degree internationally. This program equips you with essential professional skills applicable across various careers, not just within the legal profession. Studying at Australia's top clinical law school, you will benefit from competitive tuition fees and modern learning facilities at NUspace, located in Newcastle's vibrant CBD. Its proximity to the court precinct provides excellent opportunities for networking with legal practitioners. This degree is recognized in Australia and, with further study, can facilitate qualification to practice law in other common law countries like Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
Master of Administrative Law and Policy
The Master of Administrative Law and Policy is a postgraduate program designed for public administrators, lawyers, and policy analysts. It provides an opportunity to study law, government, and social policy together. This course is ideal for individuals working in law, economics, government, social work, or related fields who want to enhance their qualifications for career advancement or academic interest. Administered by Sydney Law School, the program also allows for study through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the School of Education and Social Work, offering a comprehensive legal education and developing critical thinking skills.
Master of Criminology
The Master of Criminology is a postgraduate degree focused on contemporary issues in crime, social control, policy, theory, and practice. It offers a multidisciplinary approach, allowing you to examine crime and criminal justice within Australia and compare it to global contexts. This program is suitable for individuals with an interest in the criminal justice system, including practitioners and students from diverse backgrounds such as social policy, research, advocacy, psychology, public health, history, media, policing, corrections, law, and socio-legal studies. The course emphasizes research, policy, and applied learning, and is delivered by leading Australian experts in various fields of criminology.
Master of Criminology and Justice
The Master of Criminology and Justice is designed for professionals working within the justice system or those with an existing qualification in criminology and justice. This program provides advanced training across various specialisations, including Investigative Practice, Misconduct and Corruption Prevention, and Cyber Criminology. Given the evolving nature of crime and criminal behaviour, the curriculum focuses on developing innovative solutions to contemporary challenges with a global perspective. Graduates will acquire the skills necessary for senior roles in both public and private organisations, enabling them to drive positive transformations in professional practice within the sector.
Master of Health Law
The Master of Health Law (MHL) is a flexible, specialist postgraduate qualification that delves into the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding healthcare and health services. It is designed for both legal and non-legal professionals seeking to deepen their understanding or advance their careers in this field. The program equips students with the ability to identify, analyse, and develop solutions for legal, ethical, and policy challenges within the health sector. Students from diverse backgrounds, including practising lawyers, health professionals, administrators, and government officers, benefit from the program's comprehensive curriculum. You will explore areas such as healthcare law, the impact of new technologies, regulation of health professions, public health law, and global health governance. The University of Sydney's Law School is highly regarded globally, offering students access to leading expertise and a strong academic environment.
Master of International Law
The Master of International Law is a postgraduate degree designed for students interested in the legal principles governing relationships between states and international organizations. It offers an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge of international relations, security studies, politics, and government with legal frameworks. The program aims to equip students with critical knowledge and skills for professional roles or academic research in public international law and policy. You will study core international law units and have the flexibility to choose electives, potentially including units from the Department of Government and International Relations or the Centre for International Security Studies. The degree requires completion of 48 credit points.
Master of Labour Law and Relations
Master of Law and Legal Studies
Master of Laws
The Master of Laws (LLM) is a postgraduate program designed for students with an undergraduate law degree or a Juris Doctor who wish to specialise and deepen their understanding of the legal field. This program equips you with advanced knowledge, critical thinking skills, and the ability to conduct in-depth, evidence-based analysis, preparing you for success in the competitive global legal landscape. You will learn from leading academics and practitioners, developing your capacity for problem-solving, professional ethics, and sophisticated legal reasoning. The LLM offers flexibility in study areas, allowing you to tailor your education to your specific interests and career goals.
Master of Laws
The UTS Master of Laws is designed for law graduates seeking to advance their careers with specialised legal expertise. This highly customisable program allows you to tailor your studies to your professional goals. Beyond two core subjects focused on research and analytical skills, you can select electives from various legal fields, including dispute resolution, intellectual property, commercial law, and law and technology. The program offers flexible study modes, including in-person, online, evening, and intensive classes, with the option to adjust your study load between full-time and part-time. You will learn from industry and academic experts, and have opportunities to network with other legal professionals.
Master of Laws (LLM)
The Master of Laws (LLM) program at the University of Newcastle offers a pathway for legal professionals to specialise in a chosen area of law. With flexible study options, you can tailor the program to your specific career aspirations, focusing on advanced studies and developing critical thinking skills to analyse complex legal issues. The program is delivered in Newcastle's CBD at NUspace, a modern learning environment designed to support academic success. Opportunities for international study experiences and legal externships are also available, providing practical, real-world exposure.
Master of Laws (Research)
The Master of Laws (Research) is designed for graduates who wish to pursue a research-focused pathway in law. This program offers a rigorous academic experience where you will develop advanced research skills and contribute new knowledge to the field of legal studies. You will work closely with experienced academics, engage in independent research, and produce a significant scholarly work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Master's in Law cost in Australia?
+
Tuition varies by programme — check each listing directly. Australian Master of Laws (LLM) programmes for international students typically cost AUD 25,000–50,000 per year depending on the institution.
Which Australian universities offer a Master's in Law & Legal Studies?
+
Nine universities are listed, including the University of Sydney, Queensland University of Technology, the University of Technology Sydney, La Trobe University, Edith Cowan University, and Southern Cross University.
Can international students apply to Australian Law Master's programmes?
+
Yes. Australian universities welcome international LLM students. You will need a law degree or equivalent, English language proficiency, and a valid student visa. Admission to the Australian legal profession has additional requirements set by state admissions authorities.
What entry requirements are typical for a Law Master's in Australia?
+
A law degree (LLB or JD) or equivalent professional legal qualification is usually required. Some graduate diplomas and coursework LLMs accept applicants with non-law degrees plus relevant professional experience.
How do I apply for a Law Master's in Australia?
+
Apply directly through each university's international admissions portal. Most universities offer one or two intakes per year (February and July). Prepare academic transcripts, a CV, and a statement of purpose focused on your legal career goals.