Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Find out more about fees
Program handbook
Description
The Juris Doctor allows students to develop high level academic skills. Offered at a postgraduate level, the Newcastle JD program prepares graduates with strong work-ready skills and extensive knowledge to become a leader in Australian and global legal industries.
Key features of the program:
- Students will be able to gain in-depth knowledge and experience across a broad range of legal subjects including core courses and directed units.
- Students will study in a tight-knit, interactive learning community with highly qualified academic staff dedicated to their success.
Program learning outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will have:
- Demonstrating cognitive and technical skills to engage in legal research
- Analysing, synthesising and evaluating complex information
- Engaging in lateral thinking and problem-solving skills which enable the provision of appropriate advice and solutions over a range of dispute resolution mechanisms
- Communicating with superior skill to specialist and non-specialist audiences
- Thinking critically and engaging reflectively with legal material and professional practice
- Acting as an advocate for the rule of law
- Accepting professional responsibility to play a constructive role in the maintenance and reform of the legal system
- Upholding the highest ethical standards in discharging their responsibilities to clients, other professionals, the courts and the public
- Demonstrating specialised knowledge of both theory and practice that facilitates an extended understanding of the interaction of law and society, legal and policy issues and professional practice
Details
| Information correct as at | May 11, 2024 1:11 am |
|---|---|
| Program code | 50016 |
| AQF level | Level 9 Masters Degree (Extended) |
| Locations and UAC codes |
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| Mode of delivery |
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| Duration |
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| Term type | Semesters and Trimesters |
| Fees |
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| Relevant University rules and policies |
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| CRICOS Code | 114390M |
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Admission information
Admission requirements
Entry to the Juris Doctor is available to students who have one of the following qualifications with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or above:
- a Bachelor Degree
- a Bachelor Honours Degree
- a Master's Degree
Students who have gained one of the above qualifications from a University outside of Australia in the discipline of law with a GPA of 4.0 or above can be admitted.
Students with a Bachelor of Laws degree from an Australian University cannot be admitted.
Applicants with one of the above qualifications with a GPA of 3.5 may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Students with an overseas law degree qualification can apply for up to 80 units of specified or unspecified credit through recognition of prior learning.
Where a student seeks specified credit for one or more of the eleven courses normally required for admission to practice law in Australia (known as the Priestley 11), then this will be considered where applicants have satisfied the NSW Legal Profession Admissions Board (or the equivalent body in another Australian state) that courses completed at the relevant overseas institution are substantially equivalent to the courses for which they are seeking specified credit.
English Language Requirements
All Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the University’s English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy here.
- IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
- IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 6.5
Credit transfer
If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution, or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.
Academic requirements for program completion
Total units required
240 units
Program duration
3 years full-time.
International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Program requirements
The Juris Doctor requires students to successfully complete 240 units, which is comprised of:
- 160 units of core courses; and
- 80 units from the course list.
Program planner
Current students program planner
Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.
Prospective student degree planner
If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.
Program structure
Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.
Advanced course filters
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Core Courses
Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program. Note: LAWS6000 will be taught intensively prior to commencement of Semester 1 and Semester 2 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LAWS6000 | Legal System and Method I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6001 | Legal System and Method II |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6005 | Property |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6006 | Constitutional Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6007 | Administrative Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6008 | Civil Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6009 | Evidence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6010 | Company Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6011 | Professional Conduct |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6012 | Equity and Trusts |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6013 | Public International Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6120 | Torts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6121 | Torts II |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6130 | Criminal Law and Procedure |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6140 | Contracts I |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6141 | Contracts II |
| 10 units |
Course List
Choose 80 units from the following course list | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Code | Title | Term / Location | Units |
| LAWS6016 | Taxation Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6017 | Family Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6018 | Commercial Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6019 | International Human Rights Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6020 | Environmental Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6021 | Advanced Criminal Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6022 | Crime and Society | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6023 | Jurisprudence | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6024 | Employment Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6025 | Environmental/Natural Resources Law Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6026 | Refugee/Migration Law Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6028 | Criminal Law Practice & Procedure |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6029 | Social Justice/Public Interest Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6032 | Advocacy Skills |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6035 | Competition Law and Policy | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6037 | International Environment Law and Policy | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6038 | Law and Economics of Climate Change |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6041 | Sentencing: Global Theory, Law and Practice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6043 | Advanced Legal Research Project |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6050 | Commercial Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6081 | Advanced Taxation Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6085 | International Trade Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6086 | Intellectual Property Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6087 | Internet Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6090 | Health Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6091 | Special Interest Topic |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6094 | Indigenous Peoples, Issues and the Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6095 | Law and Religion | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6096 | Child Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6097 | Competitive Mooting |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6098 | Equal Opportunity Law |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6099 | Sport and the Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6100 | Workplace Health and Safety Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6101 | Legal History | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6102 | Alternative Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6103 | International Arbitration |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6104 | Human Rights and Climate Change-Induced Human Displacement |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6105 | Expert Evidence |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6106 | Advanced Communication Skills |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6107 | Mediation Skills and Theory |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6108 | Corporate Power and Corporate Accountability: Pathways to Socially Responsible Business | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6109 | Restorative Justice |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6110 | Australian Consumer Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6111 | Dispute Resolution |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6112 | Food and Wine Law | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6113 | Law for Startups | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6114 | Negotiation in a Legal Context |
| 10 units |
| LAWS6115 | Criminal Trial Courts - Theory and Practice | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6116 | Legal Innovation and Design | Not currently offered | 10 units |
| LAWS6119 | Renewable Energy Law Clinic | Not currently offered | 10 units |
Additional information
Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka institute.
International students
All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.