Graduate Diploma in Government Law

Government operates within a framework of law and practice, consistently with the rule of law.

This framework includes constitutional law and administrative law but extends well beyond both to a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors.This is a dynamic branch of law, constantly changing in response to new pressures and government responses.

It lends itself to comparison between countries, enabling students to understand different ways of tackling problems and to draw lessons from them.

In an age of globalisation, it has a large and growing interface with international law, requiring a grasp of both areas.The specialisation in government law reflects the changing nature and complexity of the field.

The subjects offer students expertise in matters that lie at the cutting-edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.

Course structure

Students must complete 50 credit points from the prescribed lists.

Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.

Note: Most subjects in the MLM program are 12.5 credit points each. Check individual subject handbook entries for confirmation.

Entry requirements

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:

• a degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) at honours standard or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice; or
• a degree in Law (LLB, JD or equivalent) or equivalent leading to admission to legal practice and at least one year of documented, relevant professional experience; or
• an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and at least one year of documented, relevant professional work experience.

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:

• prior academic performance; and if necessary
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for graduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 6.5 is required.

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The Melbourne Law Masters welcomes applications from students with disabilities. The inherent academic requirements for study in the Melbourne Law Masters are:

• The ability to attend a minimum of 75% of classes and actively engage in the analysis and critique of complex materials and debate;
• The ability to read, analyse and comprehend complex written legal materials and complex interdisciplinary materials;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate in writing a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and to critically evaluate these;
• The ability to clearly and independently communicate orally a knowledge and application of legal principles and interdisciplinary materials and critically evaluate these;
• The ability to work independently and as a part of a group;
• The ability to present orally and in writing legal analysis to a professional standard.

Students who feel their disability will inhibit them from meeting these inherent academic requirements are encouraged to contact Student Equity and Disability Support.

Intended learning outcomes

Graduates of the Graduate Diploma in Government Law will:

• Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge relating to the field of government law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
• the legal and institutional framework for Australian government in theory and practice
• an analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law
• a range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law
• the context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it
• Have advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills that enable them to:
• analyse critically, evaluate and convey information and
• generate ideas and solutions to complex problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of government law
• Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner in the field of government law.