The Juris Doctor (JD) is a professional entry Masters degree that satisfies the academic degree requirements for admission to practice as an Australian lawyer. The program is available to both domestic and international graduate students who are looking for a highly regarded law degree with a strong focus on student employability across diverse careers in law and beyond.
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Duration
Full Time: 3 Years (Available Part Time)*
Next Start Date
04 March 2024
22 July 2024
Closing Date
Campuses
Parramatta South
UAC 950071
Domestic Student Fees
Indicative annual fee from $11,885
Additional Information
Program Code: 2826
CRICOS Code: 0101997
Law at Western
The Juris Doctor provides advanced and integrated knowledge of the principal areas of legal practice, legal concepts, and broader perspectives about the law. It develops advanced professional skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, research, communication, collaboration and self-management, and ethical and professional awareness and judgement.
Engage in collaborative face to face problem and case-based learning experiences, that will be supported by online learning materials, and participate in authentic assessment to develop knowledge and skills.
You also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of additional specialist subjects which includes the opportunity to study overseas.
The program is available to both domestic and international graduate students who are looking for a highly regarded law degree with a strong focus on student employability across diverse careers in law and beyond.
You will also engage in legal research projects which includes the option for tailored support for those considering future enrolment into a PhD program.
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Accreditation
The Juris Doctor is an accredited degree. Graduates of this degree who wish to practice in NSW may apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission as a legal practitioner after undertaking prescribed professional legal training (PLT).
What you can expect to study
The program structure is outlined in our handbook. Here you can view all of the subjects you will be studying.
Career Opportunities
As a graduate of this degree, you can look forward to a broad range of exciting career opportunities in different sectors and industries. Below are some examples of the possible careers you can pursue with this degree:
- Law
- Lobbying
- Arbitration
- Mediation
Alumni
"I want to make a difference for those youth who come from refugee backgrounds and need someone to guide them as I know the struggles of coming into a country and not knowing the language, not having any friends or extended family.
This degree has been fantastic. I have met amazing students and have received endless support from the staff, which makes the experience more enjoyable.
I have taken part in the Moot Court for both Criminal Law and Torts Law which is such a beneficial experience for my study and work."
— Nidal Zrkoshe, Juris Doctor
Entry requirements for domestic students
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about special requirements here.
Entry requirements for international students
**Please note, if this course lists a part-time option, this is not available to International Students on a Student Visa.
Please consult the handbook for more information regarding entry requirements for this course.
You can read more about international academic entry requirements here.
Indicative annual fee
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) is one that is subsidised by the Commonwealth and applicable only to Domestic students. This means that the Australian Government pays part of your fees towards your program, therefore reducing your program fees, and the remaining amount is paid by you, this is considered your Student Contribution.
To work out how much your Student Contribution will be before you study, you will first need to find out the Student Contribution band your subjects fit into based on their general discipline area.
You can then calculate your student contributions to work out the total amount of your contribution.
The Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) is a range of loans introduced by the Australian Government from 2005 to provide fee payment assistance to eligible students. Loans are for Australian citizens studying in Australia or overseas. Permanent residents who hold a humanitarian visa are also eligible if studying in Australia.
If eligible you may be able to defer all or part of your Student Contribution through the HECS-HELP loan program. You may also be eligible for OS-HELP if undertaking studies overseas.
New Zealand citizens and holders of an Australian permanent resident visa (other than an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) are generally not entitled to HECS-HELP assistance. If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident your Student Contribution amount must be paid in full by the census date.
However, the Australian Government has passed new legislation that changes the way some New Zealand citizens, who hold a Special Category Visa (SCV), studying in Australia will pay their fees. More information is available on the Changes to fees for New Zealand Citizens webpage.
Apply as a Domestic Student
If you are a domestic student, you can apply through our Western Application system which is free of charge.
Domestic students are:
- Australian Citizens
- New Zealand Citizens
- Australian permanent residents
- Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders
Scholarships
Western Sydney University recognises and rewards students who demonstrate community engagement, outstanding academic ability and superior leadership skills. Donor-funded scholarships are also available, providing support for students based on both academic achievements and equity considerations. There are also scholarships available for specific degrees.
Apply as an International Student
If you are an international student, you can apply for free through our international student application system or through an agent representative.
International students are:
- Not an Australian citizen;
- Not a New Zealand citizen; and
- Not a permanent resident of Australia.
Admission to Western Sydney University is on the basis of meeting minimum academic and English language requirements. For more information about tuition fees and other costs, visit the Fees and Costs page.
Scholarships
When you apply to Western, you’re automatically assessed for a Scholarship, no additional application required! We’re offering multi-year scholarships (for up to 3 years) valued at $6,000 or $3,000 and even 50% off tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded on academic merit.
FAQs
We've gathered common questions to provide you with quick, clear answers about this program. Whether you're exploring admission requirements, details about the degree or career prospects, you'll find valuable insights here. If you need more information, our support team is ready to assist you on your journey to Western. You can find their details below.
The Master of Laws is not professionally accredited and it can't lead to admission as a legal practitioner. Comparatively, the Juris Doctor is accredited and graduates can apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission as a legal practitioner after undertaking practical legal training.
Both programs are accredited and students may apply to the Legal Profession Admission Board for admission as a legal practitioner after undertaking prescribed professional legal training (PLT). The admission criteria for Juris Doctor provides more admission pathways compared to the Bachelor of Laws, in which admission criteria is only a tertiary qualification at Bachelors level from a recognised university for the latter.
Want to know more?
We're here to provide clarity.
If you're uncertain about your study journey, enquire about our program today and gain the confidence to move forward.
Australian students
1300 668 370
International students
+61 2 9852 5499
The tuition fees quoted above are the fees for the normal full-time study load of the program (80 credit points) per annum. International students will be subject to a variable fee regime; i.e. enrolled students will be required to pay fees during their program based on the approved fee for each calendar year. Fee changes (if any) will occur at 1 January each calendar year. Students who extend their program past the normal finish date of the program will be required to pay additional fees based on the prevailing fee level. Western Sydney University is a multi-campus institution. The University reserves the right to alter the location of its programs between campuses and other locations as necessary. Students should be aware of the possibility of change of location for the whole or part of programs for which they enrol and should plan for the need to travel between Western Sydney campuses.