Key facts

Domestic students course information.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Master of Laws or Juris Doctor, with additional full-time relevant professional experience required for some entry rules.

Entry is based on a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Laws with Honours, Master of Laws or Juris Doctor, with or without full-time relevant professional experience. English language requirements must also be met.

View full entry requirements
Duration
  • 1 or 1.5 or 2 years full-time
  • Up to 6 years part-time
Number of Units (Subjects)
  • 16 units (96 credit points)
View course structure
Fees
  • Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
  • Full Fee
  • International
View more fees information
CRICOS code
  • 084919B
Start Dates and Campus
Trimester 1 – February 2024Trimester 2 – June 2024Trimester 3 – October 2024
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered
OnlineOfferedOfferedOffered
Armidale CampusOfferedOfferedOffered
Sydney CampusNot OfferedNot OfferedNot Offered

Course information

Download course brochure
UNE student sitting at desk studies with laptop and textbooks

The UNE Master of Laws enables you to broaden your legal knowledge and enhance your independent, critical thinking and research skills. You will achieve a high standard of professional writing and research relevant to current issues in law and practice.

Our course gives you the opportunity to choose units of interest or specialise by undertaking units from a particular area of law. It will equip you with advanced legal knowledge and skills and the advanced research skills to make a difference in an increasingly interconnected world.

Why study the Master of Laws with UNE?

As a tailored program of study, the UNE Master of Laws allows you to refine your professional legal skills, broaden your knowledge and enhance your independent, critical thinking and research skills. If you have a Bachelor of Laws with at least two years of relevant professional experience or you have a Juris Doctor or Bachelor of Laws with Honours this course is for you. Gain a mastery of higher-level research and communication skills relevant to current issues in law and practice and graduate with a sharpened analytical mind, ready to take advantage of new professional opportunities in a rapidly changing landscape.

What makes our course different?

The depth and breadth of our Master of Laws makes it an ideal pathway to refine your skills and develop specialist legal expertise in areas that reflect your interests. You will have the opportunity to:

  • Build a solid foundation in critical thinking and analysis, alongside an advanced understanding of research methodology, theory and practice
  • Be part of UNE's School of Law, Australia’s largest law school outside a capital city with a significant understanding of legal issues related to regional, remote and rural Australia — not just metropolitan areas.
  • Gain versatile knowledge to apply to new legal careers which are emerging a result of new technology developments.
  • Apply your professional judgment and knowledge of the ethical responsibilities associated with a law degree including an understanding of international and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives.
  • Develop your knowledge of research principles and methods by completing a research project.
  • Hone your skills in evaluating ideas and making informed judgements on complex issues in law.

By choosing UNE, you are choosing an industry leader in the provision of online lifelong learning for aspiring and qualified professionals in Legal fields. Students consistently award UNE the maximum 5-star ratings for Overall Experience and Student Support, so when you choose to study with UNE, you are setting yourself on the path to a rewarding future.

Study online

Most of our students choose to study online across three study periods with 24/7 tutor support* and fit study around work and family commitments. Uniquely, our online students are mostly over 30 and bring valuable experience with them. They form a community of adults juggling the same challenges and priorities and who bring their life and work experience together at UNE in order to become future-fit and better respond to a rapidly changing world.

Study on campus

Many of our students choose to take advantage of the on-campus lifestyle in Armidale, in the beautiful New England region, with access to unparalleled support, accommodation and sporting facilities. These students are often starting their first degree and have left school recently. Through access to academic and career support they get a fantastic start to their careers.

* 24/7 tutor support includes: essay feedback (within 24 hours); live chat 24/7 for generic feedback on academic writing; and subject-specific help at a foundation or first-year level for subjects including mathematics, chemistry, biology, physics, business, accounting, microeconomics, macroeconomics and statistics. There are also a wide range of workshops, resources and courses available in academic skills support to assist you and help you to succeed.

Entry requirements

Select the option that best describes you.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study on campus in Australia:

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You meet ONE of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a master's qualification in Law (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) (or overseas equivalents) AND have completed a minimum of two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) or overseas equivalents.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant professional experience includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Law departments
  • Legal practice
  • Legal research
  • Policy writing

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

On-Campus study
If you would like to study full-time in Australia at one of UNE's campuses, you will need to have a visa that allows you to study. For most international students this visa will need to be a Student Visa. The Australian Department of Home Affairs has further information about visa eligibility and conditions.

If you are an international applicant who wants to study online (overseas or in Australia):

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You meet ONE of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a master's qualification in Law (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) (or overseas equivalents) AND have completed a minimum of two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) or overseas equivalents.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant professional experience includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Law departments
  • Legal practice
  • Legal research
  • Policy writing

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

International applicants, please note: You may also need to show evidence of your English language proficiency to the Department of Home Affairs if you are applying for a Student Visa.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Visa Information

Online study in your own country
If you would like to study online with UNE while you reside outside of Australia you do not need a Student Visa. If your course requires you to visit Australia to attend any mandatory study requirements, you would need to explore Visitor Visa options for a short-term stay.

Online study in Australia
If you would like to study online with UNE while you are residing in Australia, you will need to hold a visa (other than a Student Visa) that allows you to study. If you are unsure if your visa allows you to study, you can check with UNE's International Admissions team. If you hold a Student Visa you cannot study completely online; you must be enrolled as an on-campus student (although you can study a limited number of online units).

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule A based on your completed Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor, you must provide both a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification AND a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.
  • Proof of identity and citizenship. This can be a certified/notarised copy of the photo page of your passport, or another form of official photo identification that lists your full personal details including name and date of birth; for example, a foreign government identity card.
  • Evidence of English Language Requirements satisfied. If you have completed a UNE-approved formal English test within the last two years, you must provide a copy of the test results with your application. Please see UNE’s English Language Requirements above for further information.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

  • If you are admitted under Rule A you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule B you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

  • If you are admitted under Rule A you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which are not part of the qualification you used for admission. This can include up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent qualification leading to admission to the legal profession.
  • If you are admitted under Rule B you can apply for up to a further 36 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which are not part of the qualification you used for admission. This can include up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent qualification leading to admission to the legal profession.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

This course is offered under two admission rules.

Rule A: You meet ONE of the following entry requirements:

  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws with Honours (AQF Level 8 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a master's qualification in Law (AQF Level 9 or overseas equivalent).
  • You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) (or overseas equivalents) AND have completed a minimum of two years of full-time (or part-time equivalent) relevant professional experience.*

If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule A. Please see the Rule A Course Structure (Program of Study).

Rule B: You have completed a Bachelor of Laws (AQF Level 7) or Juris Doctor (AQF Level 9) or overseas equivalents.
If you are admitted on this basis, you will be eligible for admission under Rule B. Please see the Rule B Course Structure (Program of Study).

* Relevant professional experience includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  • Law departments
  • Legal practice
  • Legal research
  • Policy writing

Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.

These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.

English Language Requirements

When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.

Intensive Schools

Mandatory intensive schools on campus may be a requirement of some of the units in this course. Please see the UNE Course Handbook for the specific requirements of each unit.

Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:

  • A certified academic transcript of your completed qualification/s.
  • If you are applying for admission under Rule A based on your completed Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor, you must provide both a certified academic transcript of your completed qualification AND a Statement of Service from your employer/s on company letterhead. Learn about our Statement of Service requirements.

Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.

Course Entry Advanced Standing
Some entry rules come with Advanced Standing or Articulation Programs that are assessed automatically without the need for you to fill in an additional application. Simply apply for your course and we’ll look after the rest.

  • If you are admitted under Rule A you will be granted 48 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.
  • If you are admitted under Rule B you will be granted 24 credit points of Block Advanced Standing.

Individual Unit Advanced Standing
If you are admitted into this course and believe you have already completed the equivalent of one or more of the units in your Course Structure (Program of Study) within the last ten years, you can apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing.

  • If you are admitted under Rule A you can apply for up to a further 24 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which are not part of the qualification you used for admission. This can include up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent qualification leading to admission to the legal profession.
  • If you are admitted under Rule B you can apply for up to a further 36 credit points of Advanced Standing based on units which are not part of the qualification you used for admission. This can include up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing based on completion of a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice or equivalent qualification leading to admission to the legal profession.

> Learn how to apply for Individual Unit Advanced Standing

Course structure

To qualify for the award a candidate must pass units to the value of 96 credit points including a minimum of 48 credit points at 500-level.

Candidates admitted under Rule (a) must complete 48 credit points at 500-level as identified in the program of study.
Candidates admitted under Rule (b) may complete a maximum of 24 credit points at 300-level and must complete a minimum of 48 credit points at 500-level as identified in the program of study.

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

48 credit points

48 credit points block advanced standing granted for candidates who hold an AQF Level 8 Bachelor of Laws with Honours or AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with at least two years full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or AQF Level 9 Masters qualification in Law.

18 credit points

Complete the following units:

30 credit points

Complete 30 credit points from the following units:

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (a)

48 credit points

48 credit points block advanced standing granted for candidates who hold an AQF Level 8 Bachelor of Laws with Honours or AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor with at least two years full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or AQF Level 9 Masters qualification in Law.

24 credit points

Complete the following units:

24 credit points

Complete 24 credit points from the following units:

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

24 credit points

24 credit points block advanced standing granted for candidates who hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor.

18 credit points

Complete the following units:

54 credit points

Complete 54 credit points with at least 30 credit points at 500-level from the following units:

96 credit points

For candidates admitted under Rule (b)

24 credit points

24 credit points block advanced standing granted for candidates who hold an AQF Level 7 Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor.

24 credit points

Complete the following units:

48 credit points

Complete 48 credit points with at least 24 credit points at 500-level from the following units:

See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.

Fees and scholarships

How much will it cost?

Estimated fees for your first year of study in this course are:

Fee typeCost
Full Fee
$28,312*
International
$30,200*
Commonwealth Supported Place (quotas apply)
$16,320*
Estimated amenities fee per year if studying full-time$351
*The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary. “Estimated fees” are provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students undertaking a study load of 48 credit points in the first year of this course. For courses that require less than 48 credit points the fees indicated are based on the total credit points required for completion of that course. For more information, please see fees and costs.

*Annual course fees only cover the cost of tuition. They do not include other expenses associated with university study such as text books, accommodation and living expenses. If you are successful in gaining admission to study at UNE, the Offer of Admission will list the exact tuition fees you need to pay for your course. Fees quoted cover full-time tuition for two full-time trimesters only. For more information, please see fees and costs.

What are the course fee payment options?

Full Fee places are mostly in postgraduate coursework degrees. In a full fee place you pay the tuition fee set for your course, however you may be eligible for a FEE-HELP Loan to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

If you are enrolled in a Full Fee place and there is a direct connection between your work and your study, you may be able to claim your tuition fees as a tax deduction.

A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is a government subsidised place in a university course. The government pays part of your tuition fees, and you pay the remainder.

If you have a CSP in either an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree, you may be eligible for a HECS-HELP Loan, which allows you to defer payment of your fees until you are earning above the threshold.

UNE scholarships are open for all to apply and offer financial help while you are studying. There are scholarships for students with high academic achievement, from rural areas, studying specific degrees, in disadvantaged groups, experiencing financial hardship, who excel at sport or want to live in a UNE residential college.

UNE scholarship applications are free and confidential. You may apply for more than one scholarship.

Scholarships

UNE offers bursaries and scholarships that can help you with the costs of studying and living in Australia.

The UNE International Bursary reduces the published annual tuition fees for international students by up to 20%. These bursaries are available for international students commencing coursework studies at UNE in 2024. View detailed Bursary information.

UNE also offers a number of substantial research scholarships to postgraduate students studying research-based degrees.

Your career

Career outcomes

By completing the UNE Master of Law program, you can apply your specialised knowledge and skills to a wide range of career opportunities in any businesses and organisation dealing with legal requirements.  

Career options include: 

  • legal aid agencies, advocacy organisations and commercial law firms  
  • government departments 
  • banking, finance and commerce 
  • business management 
  • environmental scientist 
  • education
  • policy, research and analysis.
Other career information

Students who complete the Master of Law program may use their specialised knowledge and skills in their employment with businesses and organisations to deal with legal requirements. Those who work as lawyers may use the experience and skills gained to become specialists in a particular area of law.

Course outcomes

The Master of Laws aims to enable students to use their undergraduate skills, as well as any practical or professional experience, to develop independent critical thinking and to reflect upon and further develop research analysis in legal environments. They can gain specialised knowledge and skills for professional practice, scholarship, research and/or further learning. These studies enable students to apply interdisciplinary and global approaches to the development of law.
  1. demonstrate a well developed understanding of advanced skills in research analysis and the written or oral communication of complex ideas;
  2. demonstrate a sound knowledge in a range of theories that seek to explain how law is created and operates in society;
  3. demonstrate advanced knowledge of, and an ability to, apply methodological approaches to legal research in order to identify and analyse complex legal and policy problems. In doing so exhibit a highly developed understanding of the use of relevant technology;
  4. demonstrate developed concrete conceptual, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills; and
  5. demonstrate a well-formed and tested ability to design and construct a logically compelling legal thesis dealing with issues of significance in contemporary society.
Knowledge of a Discipline

Students are presented with appropriate scholastic, teaching and assessment experiences to enable them to develop and demonstrate that they have a comprehensive knowledge of the law and the legal skills needed to conduct research into contemporary issues. Students are also challenged to take an interdisciplinary and theoretical approach to research in order that they have a more holistic understanding of law and its relationship with society. The dominant focus of this Masters is the Australian legal system. However, students are encouraged to take a global and international perspective in evaluating the law. To this end students are required to read academic literature and scholastic articles dealing with other jurisdictions and are challenged to engage in a comparative analysis. Consequently they can critically evaluate the effectiveness of Australian law in the global context.

Communication Skills

The learning environment has been designed to facilitate student interaction and collaboration with their peers and for them to practise the skills of communicating effectively and confidently both orally and in writing, either physically or with the application of relevant technologies.

Problem Solving

Individual units will present students with problem-based learning and case studies so that they can learn and practice solutions. Identification, conceptualisation and solution modelling is required, both in teams or individually, and also forms part of their assessment.

Information Literacy

Throughout their studies, students are taught advanced legal research methods. This provides them with the means to construct arguments, to present new considerations, and the ability to verify or refute the academic literature on a particular topic.

Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility

In law, students are constantly reminded that their actions, and reporting of research findings, have consequences. It is important that they conduct their research ethically, and report their findings responsibly.

Lifelong Learning

The skills aquired and developed throughout the course will prepare the students with self-motivated learning techniques for their future challenges.

Independence and Collaboration

Academia is, on the whole, a collegial vocation, which is reflected in this course. Students are required to work independently and to participate in small groups. They will be discussing the work of others and may be asked to generate a single submission, lead a team, and interact with other students from various disciplines as appropriate. Participatory exercises are assessed in some units.

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

*The Good Universities Guide

A five-star experience

2024 Overall Experience Good University Logo

Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row

UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience

Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
2024 Student Experience Good University Logo

No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience

QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience

QILT Student Experience Survey
2024 Teaching Quality Good University Logo

Five Stars for
Teaching Quality

UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality

Good Universities Guide 2024
Woman studying online at home

Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian University.

As an international student you can take advantage of flexible online study from overseas or while you are studying in Australia on a visa other than a student visa. You can’t study fully online on a Student Visa.

To study online from overseas you need to consider that you may need to travel to Australia to attend a UNE campus for some mandatory intensive schools.

Studying on Campus

Whether you are an undergraduate student coming to study in Australia for the first time, a PhD student coming to live here with your family, or you only need short-stay accommodation whilst in Armidale for Intensive Schools, we have the perfect accommodation option for you.

Find out more about studying on campus

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Why study with us?

UNE student Morgan Robins smiles on balcony with harbour behind

Having a lecturer know your name and feeling confident enough to approach them has been a massive asset to my studies.

Morgin Robins

Why study with us?

UNE graduate studying in the Dixson Library

The university provides an environment for studying and learning in a relaxed atmosphere, with access to modern facilities and teaching materials which makes learning feel like a walk in the park.

Stephen Mushimwa Chileshe, UNE graduate

How to apply

Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are an
you can apply at any time. Apply now and we'll get you started in the next possible intake.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances
Applying to UNE is quick and easy. If you are applying as a
, the application process may be a little different depending on who you are and what you want to study.

Preparing to apply

You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.

The kind of documents you need will depend on:

  • Your preferred course/s
  • Your personal circumstances

Important Dates

Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.

If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.

IntakeApplication Closing DateTrimester Start Date
Trimester 116 February 202426 February 2024
Trimester 214 June 202424 June 2024
Trimester 311 October 202421 October 2024

Important Notice for Prospective Students

For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.