Selection criteria
Most programs in the Melbourne Law Masters are available to both law and non-law graduates. Selection is based on the following criteria:
Master of Laws by Coursework
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.
Master of Laws by Coursework and Minor Thesis
Applicants must:
- Meet the selection criteria for the Master of Laws by Coursework; and
- Have completed four subjects towards a masters degree or graduate diploma, with a minimum of 70% in each.
Note: Selection criteria for the Master of Laws by Coursework and Minor Thesis is currently under review. Please refer to this website to ensure you are aware of the most up to date admission requirements
Specialist masters degrees
- A degree in a relevant discipline and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least two years of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in a relevant discipline, successful completion of four subjects in a cognate graduate diploma and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant work experience.
Specialist graduate diplomas
- A degree in a relevant discipline and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.
Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies
- A degree and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.
Single subjects
- A degree in a relevant discipline and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent), at honours standard or equivalent; or
- A degree in law leading to admission to legal practice (LLB, JD or equivalent) and the equivalent of at least one year of full-time, documented, relevant professional experience.
Note to applicants
Applicants should note that even where they can demonstrate they have obtained the qualifications specified for each of the degrees and diplomas listed above, this does not guarantee admission. The selection committee will consider:
- The quality of the degree/s that the applicant has previously been awarded
- The standing and reputation of the university or universities that awarded the degree/s
- The duration and type of work experience the applicant has obtained
- The extent to which the applicant's work experience relates to the degree applied for at the University of Melbourne.
Applicants without legal qualifications should note that subjects are offered in the discipline of law at an advanced graduate level. While every effort will be made to meet the needs of students trained in other fields, concessions will not be made in the general level of instruction or assessment. Most subjects assume the knowledge usually acquired in a degree in law (LLB, JD or equivalent).
English language requirements
English language requirements may apply to international students and Australian permanent residents.