Graduate Diploma in Communications Law

The specialisation in communications law provides students with an advanced understanding of the existing and developing laws affecting the media and communication industries and the impact that such laws have on the important role that new and old forms of media play in society.

Topics covered include the constraints imposed on the publication of certain categories of information, as well as the increasingly dominant role played by new media platforms.

Attuned to the rapid and evolving development of communications technologies, this course provides a valuable insight into this vibrant area of law.

Melbourne Law School has a high level of expertise in communications law, as well as a dedicated research centre, the Centre for Media and Communications Law, which provides a useful resource for students.

Course structure

Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects, including at least 12.5 credit points from each group.

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 Communications Law will:

• Have advanced knowledge within a systematic and coherent body of knowledge relating to the field of communications law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
• the implications of different regulatory models for individuals, corporate entities, states and information providers
• the international context facing law and the media and communications industries
• divergent legal norms and cultural values within contemporary approaches to communications law and policy
• Have advanced cognitive, technical and communication skills that enable them to:
• analyse critically, evaluate and convey information
• generate ideas and solutions to complex problems from both theoretical and practical perspectives in the field of communications law, policy and research
• Apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy, well-developed judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner in the field of communications law.