Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies (GDLS) is a post-graduate law program designed for those who have already completed or are close to completing a bachelor's degree in another discipline.

It will allow professionals who have already completed a degree in another discipline to try post-graduate legal studies and will allow them to transition into the Juris Doctor (JD).

It will also allow UC undergraduate students who are completing a degree in another discipline to begin adding post-graduate level law units towards the end of their studies, operating as a vertical pathway into the JD.

The JD is a master's level law degree which has professional accreditation with the Supreme Court of the ACT and the State of New South Wales.

Students graduating from a GDLS will be able to demonstrate foundational legal knowledge and skills at post-graduate level, enhancing their employment opportunities.

The units in the GDLS are also introductory, foundational units in the JD.

With an emphasis on practical legal problem-solving, the JD units are designed to ground legal education in the broader social and economic context and support students' development as socially responsible and ethical professionals.

With small class sizes and highly qualified and experienced staff, students will be encouraged to develop their advocacy abilities and legal skills, while understanding their connections to the theory and history of law.

Students who transition to a JD will apply their talents in the real world, with opportunities to complete a law internship and/or international study through linkages with law firms, government and non-government agencies and overseas universities.

Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies (24 credit points) Required - Must pass 24 credit points as follows

• 11431 - Foundations of Law and Justice G - 6 cp, Level G 11432 - Dispute Management G - 3 cp, Level G 11433 - Lawyers and Professional Responsibility G - 3 cp, Level G 11434 - Contract Law G - 3 cp, Level G 11435 - Torts Law G - 3 cp, Level G 11436 - Criminal Law and Procedure G - 3 cp, Level G 11437 - Constitutional Law PG - 3 cp, Level P

Admission Requirements

An undergraduate degree in any discipline, with a GPA of at least 5/7.

Assumed Knowledge

None.

Periods Course is Open to New Admissions

Information on admission closing dates can be found here.

Notes for International Applicants

This course is only available for part-time enrolment and therefore not open for international applicants.