Key facts
English language requirements
IELTS overall score of 6.5 (with no band score less than 6.0) or equivalent
Duration
Campuses
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course information
Deakin’s Master of Laws has a focus on international commercial law and corporate regulation. The course will equip you with fundamental disciplinary knowledge on important areas of the Australian and international legal system and recent professional practice developments.
The course covers new developments in major areas of human activity (health, financial services, corporate governance), and increased regulation in traditional areas (dispute resolution, human rights, tax) to equip you with a high level of knowledge for an advanced legal career.
The eight credit point course can be completed in one year (full time). On completion you will have developed advanced research, analytical, evaluative and communication skills to prepare you for leadership roles in a variety of global careers.
Read MoreCourse structure
The Master of Laws requires the completion of 4 credit points of core units and 4 elective units chosen from a list, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point unit, MAI010 Academic Integrity.
Students will undertake a practice-based research methods and design unit as preparation for a significant independent research project that culminates in completion of a major research thesis unit.
4
Credit points of core units
4
Elective units
8
Total units
Core Units
^2 credit points
Compulsory 0-credit point unit
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Elective Units
The remaining 4 credit points may be selected from the below list:
Key information
2021 course information
Campuses by intake
Campus availability varies per trimester. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Read more to learn where this course will be offered throughout the year.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Burwood (Melbourne)
- Cloud Campus
Please note: Not all elective units are available in each trimester. Depending on the commencing study period, there may be limited elective choices.
Additional course information
Course duration - additional information
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as accessing or completing work placements.
Mandatory student checks
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.
Workload
As a student in the Faculty of Business and Law, you can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include classes, seminars or online interaction. 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.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Reasonable adjustments to participation and other course requirements will be made for students with a disability. Click here for more information.
Work experience
Entry requirements
Entry information
Deakin University offers admission to postgraduate courses through a number of Admission categories. To be eligible for admission to this program, applicants must meet the course requirements.
All applicants must meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please note that meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee selection, which is based on merit, likelihood of success and availability of places in the course.
For more information on the Admission Criteria and Selection (Higher Education Courses) Policy visit the Deakin Policy Library
Minimum admission criteria:
- an Honours degree or equivalent in the same discipline, OR
- a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the same discipline PLUS two years relevant work experience.
IELTS / English language requirements
Please note that English language requirements exist for entry to this course and you will be required to meet the English language level requirement that is applicable in the year of your commencement of studies.
It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that she/he has the required IELTS score to register with any external accredited courses. (more details)
Recognition of prior learning
If you have completed previous studies which you believe may reduce the number of units you have to complete at Deakin, indicate in the appropriate section on your application that you wish to be considered for Recognition of Prior Learning. You will need to provide a certified copy of your previous course details so your credit can be determined. If you are eligible, your offer letter will then contain information about your Recognition of Prior Learning.
Your Recognition of Prior Learning is formally approved prior to your enrolment at Deakin during the Enrolment and Orientation Program. You must bring original documents relating to your previous study so that this approval can occur.
You can also refer to the Recognition of Prior Learning System which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only based on a typical enrolment of students completing the first year of this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of Prior Learning.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the Handbook.
Learn more about tuition fees.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 15% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees. Your Immediate Family Members may also be eligible to apply for this bursary.
Apply now
How to apply
Applications can be made directly to the University through StudyLink Connect - Deakin University's International Student Application Service. For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply web page. Please note that closing dates may vary for individual courses.
Fill out the application form and submit to a Deakin International office or take your application form to a Deakin representative for assistance
For information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage.
If you’re still having problems, please contact Deakin International for assistance.
Entry pathways
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Professional recognition
Students who are member of Law Institute of Victoria and have completed Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor and must be an Accredited Specialist1 who has completed the Accredited Specialisation2 course will be eligible to receive up to 4 credit points into Deakin University M726 Master of Laws.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
| Discipline Specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop a fundamental, advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of legal knowledge relevant to Australian and international legal jurisdictions. |
| Communication | Develop high level communication skills in different forms relevant to different legal and non-legal audiences. |
| Digital Literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, and evaluate information for complex problem solving scenarios as well as communicating legal solutions. |
| Critical thinking | Exercise critical thinking capacities in defining complex legal problems and in examining major legal policy issues. |
| Problem Solving | Develop sophisticated problem solving capacities by developing intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions. |
| Self-management | Develop high level capacities to undertake major independent research and policy-related work in law. |
| Teamwork | Develop high level capacities in communicating and working effectively with others in collaborative exercises requiring sophisticated legal thinking and problem solving. |
| Global Citizenship | Develop a sophisticated awareness of, and a high level capacity to, apply legal knowledge in different environments and global contexts. |