Subject focus: Juris Doctor (JD) programmes in Australia

Open up a world of opportunity and possibility with the UNSW JD (Juris Doctor). The UNSW JD is the professional law degree for graduates of disciplines other than law, or with a law degree from an overseas institution. The JD provides the basis for admission to legal practice, as well as a wide range of careers in government, business, legal and social policy, or international relations.

Why choose the UNSW JD? 

• Set yourself apart with a degree from the Law School ranked 13th in the world in the 2016 QS World University Rankings.
• Join a mature cohort of students with proven proficiency in tertiary study.
• Study 17 compulsory courses and 7 elective law courses giving you the depth and breadth of study to set you apart in today’s competitive careers market.
• Enrol in an exclusively postgraduate degree for graduates of disciplines other than law.
• Have the opportunity to apply for Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) and full-fee places.
• The JD can lead to admission to legal practice internationally and is valued by employers around the world.
• A comprehensive and established social justice programme of internships and clinical legal practice onsite at Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC) or at a range of other local and international organisations.
• UNSW JD and Oxford University Faculty of Law have signed a memorandum of understanding to give UNSW JD students the opportunity to graduate with two internationally recognised qualifications in just three and a half years - the UNSW JD and the Oxford Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) or Masters in Law and Finance (MLF).
• Those with a degree in law from a different legal system may also apply for the UNSW JD.
• Study at Australia's leading Law School.

Programme structure

The UNSW JD programme has been designed to provide you with a sophisticated understanding of core legal concepts and fulfils the requirements for admission to legal practice.

The foundation compulsory course, Introducing Law and Justice, is studied on an intensive basis one week prior to the start of other first year law subjects. This enables you to acquire the basic conceptual tools needed to study the substantive law subjects, such as principles of statutory interpretation and how to read and interpret case law. This course continues into Semester 1, along with the rest of your foundational courses. 

A distinctive feature of the UNSW JD is the depth of study of the law we offer. You will undertake 7 electives subjects in areas of particular interest to you. This could include internships, clinical programmes and our two-week short courses overseas.

Entry Requirements

The UNSW JD is open to international applicants who have completed, or are about to complete, a Bachelor's degree in any discipline.  Those who have a degree in law from a different legal system may also apply for the UNSW JD. You may be eligible for advanced standing.

Programme Details

Start Date: February (Semester 1)

Duration: 3 years

Tuition Fees (2016) per year: AU$41,040

UNSW Australia