#1 Melbourne university for law course satisfaction
Vibrant online learning community
Practical skills through work-integrated learning
Why choose juris doctor at Deakin
Launch your law career with Deakin’s online Juris Doctor, a progressive, engaging and flexible course at one of Victoria’s top 3 law schools. Designed for non-law graduates the Juris Doctor provides a comprehensive legal education with a focus on policy that will enhance your versatility and career opportunities.
Through core units you will meet academic requirements for legal practice and develop your critical thinking and communication skills. Choose specialist electives ranging from business taxation through to animal, technology or health law. Sharpen your practical skills through mooting, legal research, policy analysis and real-world experience at the Deakin Law Clinic, while exploring how law and law reform shape society.
By graduation, you will bring a solid combination of legal knowledge, practical experience and professional networks to pursue admission as a legal practitioner or build a career in areas such as legal practice, policy, regulation or advocacy.
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Flexible online learning
Offered 100% online, you can study wherever you are, while fitting learning around your work and life commitments and receiving strong support.
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Real legal experience
Build practical skills through online work-integrated learning opportunities including opportunities at the Deakin Law Clinic where you work on real cases in professional legal settings.
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Top-ranked law school
Study at a law school ranked among the top in Melbourne, recognised for strong teaching and student experience.
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Global learning opportunities
Expand your perspective through programs like Law Without Walls and international study experiences.
Connected to industry
Deakin’s strong industry connections help shape your learning. Build practical experience in real workplace contexts through work-integrated learning, mentoring and networking opportunities. Industry advisory boards also help shape our degrees, which means what you study is current, relevant and aligned to what your future employers need.
Deakin puts employability first
Career outcomes
Develop advanced legal knowledge, practical skills and critical thinking for careers across legal practice, government, business and policy. You will graduate ready to contribute confidently in legal and regulatory environments.
Employment lawyer
Advise employers and employees on workplace laws, contracts, disputes and compliance. Represent clients in negotiations and court to resolve employment and industrial relations matters effectively.
- $145k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 20%
Projected job growth in 5 years
Policy adviser
Research, develop and evaluate policies that help governments and organisations respond to legal, regulatory and community issues through evidence-based advice.
- $120k
Typical Australian annual salary
- 8.7%
Projected job growth in 5 years
- 4.6/5
Job satisfaction
Other jobs
- Solicitor
- Barrister
- Corporate legal adviser
- Government lawyer
- Community lawyer
- Risk and governance manager
“I was able to work full time whilst changing careers through studying the Juris Doctor. I gained a competitive role at a mid-tier law firm and finished my degree with a strong network of lawyers, barristers and friends.”
StellaJuris Doctor
Stories that start here
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Download a course guide
Study at Deakin and be rewarded with new skills that will give you an edge in the job market
FAQs
The cost of studying at Deakin depends on your degree, units and study load – tuition fees are listed on degree pages under the fees and scholarships tab. Beyond tuition, you will need to budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), accommodation, transport, groceries and textbooks. Find out more about the cost of living in Australia, use the Study Australia calculator to estimate living expenses and explore international scholarships which may help to reduce your tuition costs.
Deakin offers a range of merit-based scholarships that can reduce your postgraduate tuition fees by 20%, 25%, 50% or 100% for the duration of your degree. Eligibility varies by scholarship and the degree you choose, but you will automatically be considered for most scholarships when you apply to Deakin. Use the Find a scholarship tool and filter by 'citizenship' to see what is available to you, or explore Australia Awards scholarships if you are from an eligible country.
It depends on the degree and how you study. Graduate certificates typically take six months full time or one year part time. Graduate diplomas usually take one year full time and masters degrees typically take one to two years full time. Recognition of prior learning can reduce your study time. Check the degree page for full details.
Australia is widely regarded as one of the safest and most welcoming countries in the world for students, with strong legal protections, reliable public services and a multicultural community. In fact, Melbourne is ranked the #4 student city in the world! At Deakin, you will be part of a supportive community, with 24/7 help, dedicated campus security and practical tools to help you feel safe, confident and connected. Deakin’s SafeZone app also connects you directly to campus security and support services if you ever need help. Find out more about studying in Australia.
We value your experience and qualifications. That is why every new degree application at Deakin is assessed for recognition of prior learning (RPL). Through RPL, Deakin can assess your previous study and life experience and may award course credit that could reduce your study duration, as well as the cost of your study. Qualifications from universities and private tertiary institutions worldwide are considered, as is informal learning related to your degree. Use the RPL calculator to see how much credit you may be eligible for.
Deakin offers a wide range of support to help you settle in and succeed throughout your studies – we are ranked the #1 university in Melbourne for student support. You can access 1:1 study support, English language support, career planning help, disability services and free counselling, as well as financial assistance if you need it. On campus, the SafeZone app and 24/7 security services mean help is always within reach. You can explore the full range of support services for international students or start an online chat with a student ambassador before you arrive.
To enrol in a postgraduate degree at Deakin, many degrees require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent). Some degrees require higher scores, so check the entry requirements tab on the degree page for details. You may also meet the requirement through recent secondary or university study completed in English, or by demonstrating five or more years of living and working in an English-speaking country. Eligibility is assessed on a case-by-case basis. If you do not yet meet the requirement, the Deakin University English Language Institute (DUELI) offers pathway programs to help develop your English reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Completion of DUELI’s English for Academic Purposes can give you the minimum English language requirements for most Deakin degrees.
Deakin’s postgraduate degrees are designed to advance your career, whether you want to deepen expertise in your field, move into a specialist role or shift direction entirely. All our degrees are shaped by industry partners, so what you learn reflects what employers need now and into the future. We’re proud to be the #1 university in Melbourne for international student graduate employment. With flexible study options and financial support available, Deakin helps you gain the skills, recognition and confidence to reach your next professional goal.
*Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. Learn more about our achievements on our University rankings page, or explore our sources page for supporting references.
What will I study in the Juris Doctor?
Over three years, you’ll move from foundational legal principles to advanced legal analysis and practice, developing the critical thinking, ethical judgement and communication skills expected of legal professionals. You’ll graduate ready to pursue admission to legal practice and contribute confidently across diverse legal and policy contexts.
Foundations of legal knowledge
Learn core legal skills
From legal research to analysis and critical thinking, develop skills that you will call on throughout your studies and career.
Develop legal reasoning and interpretation
Build skills in analysing cases, interpreting legislation and constructing arguments.
Establish professional communication skills
Learn to communicate complex legal ideas clearly and persuasively.
Expanding legal capability
Engage with diverse legal fields
Study areas that reflect the breadth of modern legal practice and policy environments.
Apply law in practical contexts
Work through legal problems to strengthen decision-making and advisory skills.
Begin shaping your interests
Select electives aligned with your developing career goals.
Advanced practice and professional readiness
Refine advanced legal expertise
Tackle complex legal issues and deepen your knowledge in specialised areas.
Develop practice-ready capabilities
Build skills in advocacy, ethics and professional responsibility.
Tailor your pathway with electives
Choose advanced study options aligned with your intended legal career.
Course structure
To complete the Juris Doctor, you must pass 8, 12, 16 or 24 credit points. The number of credit points required may vary, depending on your entry point or how much credit you receive as recognition of prior learning (RPL) based on your professional experience and previous qualifications.
Most units are equal to one credit point. As a full-time student you will study four credit points per trimester and usually undertake two trimesters per year.
Are you a current student? For course information that applies to the year you started your degree, visit the handbook.
All students are required to meet the University's academic progress and conduct requirements
Units
Optional (but highly recommended) JD Induction program (refer to additional course information below for dates and times), which is live-streamed and recorded, plus online pre-recorded presentations
plus:
Note: MLP code denotes Priestley units, which teach the academic areas of knowledge prescribed for admission to legal practice .
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Not all elective units will be offered every year. Units not offered in 2027 may be offered in 2028 or 2029. From time to time, the Law School may develop new units to strengthen the law elective list.
7 credit points of elective units can be chosen from:
Elective units offered in 2027
#previously coded MLP705
Elective units not offered in 2027
*MLI code denotes optional residential version of the unit.
^MLT code denotes study tour version of the unit.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Juris Doctor is designed to satisfy the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession in Victoria; these have been established by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic requirements, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.
A person seeking admission in a jurisdiction outside Australia may be required to satisfy different academic or other requirements. Please check the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.
What to expect while studying
You may be able to study available units in the optional third trimester to fast-track your degree, however your course duration may be extended if there are delays in meeting course requirements, such as completing a placement.
JD students are invited to attend our Juris Doctor Induction Program which will occur in person (and livestreamed online) during Orientation Week and will support you in your studies. Orientation Week occurs the week prior to Week 1 teaching of each trimester.
Students receive an email with a link to the Orientation program and information about how to register.
2027 Induction Program dates:
- T1: Friday 26 February (Deakin Downtown starting at 2.30pm)
- T2: Friday 2 July (Deakin Downtown starting at 1.30pm)
- T3: TBC
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Deakin offers many courses which can be studied by distance education overseas.
However, international students living in Australia on a student visa, in each compulsory trimester (that is, Trimesters 1 and 2), must enrol in at least one unit that is offered as a Campus located unit and can, in addition enrol in units offered online. International students may undertake a maximum of up to one third (or equivalent) of their study as online study. Please note enrolment in one face to face unit in compulsory study periods is only allowed if the student is completing their final unit of study and will not exceed maximum one third (or equivalent) online requirement.
At Deakin, we're committed to ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all students to belong, thrive and succeed. We work closely with students, where needed, to identify potential barriers to participation and where possible, provide tailored support so students can engage with learning and assessment activities.
If you are neurodivergent, have a disability, health condition or mental health condition that may impact your study or participation in university life, and want to know how Deakin could support you, contact our Domestic students (opens in a new window) or International students (opens in a new window) or Disability Resource Centre (opens email client) teams for a collaborative and confidential discussion. This discussion is to support you to make plans for your studies and future career and will not have any bearing on your application to the course.
When can I start?
When you study depends on your course, location and available intakes. Check the table to see when you can start and how study is offered throughout the year.
Please note: Full-time study in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 only. Part-time study only in Trimester 3.
Students should be aware of the commitment required for this course. Each core subject includes 22 hours of pre-recorded lectures, 22 hours of seminars and up to 100 hours of reading and assessment time. The live seminars are not mandatory however students who do attend gain a greater learning experience.
Your course learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and capabilities you’ll develop and be able to demonstrate by the time you graduate. Built into your course through your units and assessments, they provide a clear picture of what you’ll be equipped to know, understand and do – preparing you to apply your learning with confidence beyond university.
| Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|
| Develop an advanced and integrated understanding of the Australian legal system, the fundamental areas of knowledge required for legal practice, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise, including international and comparative contexts and contemporary developments in the law; and apply that understanding, including to demonstrate appropriate competence in the fundamental areas of knowledge. |
| Develop and apply an ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to both legal and non-legal audiences, orally and in writing |
| Use technologies to identify, locate, and evaluate information for researching legal questions, solving legal problems and communicating legal solutions |
| Apply sophisticated critical thinking capacities and exercise intellectual independence to identify and articulate complex legal issues. |
| Apply legal reasoning and research to understand and analyse legal problems, to identify possible responses, and to make reasoned and appropriate choices to generate and justify jurisprudential and practical solutions. |
| Develop the capacity to learn and research with autonomy, accountability and professionalism, and to reflect on and assess personal capabilities and performance. |
| Collaborate effectively in team environments, demonstrating constructive engagement and contribution to the team and the ability to draw on strengths of others. |
| Recognise and reflect on the ethical and professional responsibilities of legal professionals, and the requirements of ethical decision-making in legal practice; and apply these to a range of social, ethical, global and environmental contexts. |
- Award granted
- Juris Doctor
- Year
2027 course information
- Deakin code
- M729
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Fees
Estimated tuition fee
$48,000
for 1 yr full-time AUD
The estimated tuition fee above is based on a typical first-year full-time enrolment of 8 credit points and is provided as a guide only. Your tuition fees are determined by your course and unit enrolment. Your tuition fees will vary depending on your study load, the course duration, and any approved recognition of prior learning.
Save 10% as a Deakin alumni
We love welcoming Deakin alumni back to continue their journey with us. If you're starting a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible for a 10% discount on your enrolment fees, applied per unit. It's our way of supporting your next step.
Scholarships
Deakin scholarships recognise your hard work and achievements. Our support can ease the financial pressure of studying in Australia so you stay focused on your success. Numbers are limited, so apply early for the best chance.
Applications for 2027 are open
Ready to take the next step? Apply now to start your journey at Deakin and get ready for what’s next.
Key dates
Direct applications
Trimester 3 2026 applications close 18 October 2026
Apply now
Apply directly to Deakin
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service.
We recommend engaging with a Deakin Authorised Agent who can assist you with the process and submit the application.
Recognition of prior learning
We value your previous study and experience. Recognition of prior learning enables you to get credit for what you've already achieved. When you apply, we'll consider your previous study and experience for recognition of prior learning.
Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate Masters-level law studies in Juris Doctor programs offered at other universities.
Note:
(a) For accreditation purposes, the University normally only considers RPL for core Deakin Bachelor of Laws units, or core Juris Doctor units, on the basis of previous law study that has taken place within five years of the anticipated commencement
[Note 1] of the degree at Deakin. Please note that RPL requests for any law unit core to the degree undertaken more than 5 years ago is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Deakin Law School.
(b) RPL for any non-core (elective) units will be determined via normal RPL policy rules; however, if the unit would be more than 5 years old at the student's anticipated course commencement date, then the decision needs to be made within the Law School (in order to ensure the currency of the learning that is being recognised).
[Note 1] Note that the date taken is commencement of studies at Deakin, not the date of the RPL Application.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.