Faculty of Law
Further information
The University of Western Australia’s Juris Doctor (JD) is a distinctive program for graduates from non-law disciplines.
Why choose the Juris Doctor at UWA?
The Juris Doctor provides a challenging and focussed environment for postgraduate studies in law. Students enrolled in the JD are able to choose from a broad selection of law option units, with the opportunity to complete honours.
Law graduates have a diverse range of career destinations including professional legal practice, academia, private consultancies or non-government organisations, the private sector including; banks and financial institutions, accountancy firms, large resource companies, state or federal government departments or instrumentalities and trade unions.
Applications and Entry Requirements
Applications for the Juris Doctor open in September and close in December for studies commencing in the following February. There is no mid-year intake into the JD.
All applicants are ranked for selection in order of academic merit based on performance in a bachelor’s degree of three or more years in any discipline. The minimum GPA to be eligible to apply is 5.5 (out of 7.0). The precise GPA required for any particular year may be higher than this and depends on the overall number and standard of applications.
Some weighting may be placed on postgraduate study and honours. Factors other than academic merit will not be taken into account in the selection process.
How to apply
There are three pathways into the JD.
- Most students will enter the JD via the standard pathway following the completion of their undergraduate degree.
- School leavers will be able to apply through the University’s assured pathway arrangement.
- Indigenous students will be able to gain entry through the Advanced Diploma in Indigenous Legal Studies.
Fees
The Juris Doctor is fully Commonwealth Supported. Information on deferring fees through HECS may be found on the HECS-HELP page.
All requests for information on International fees should be directed to the International Centre
Receiving an offer
Offers for the JD will be made from mid December onwards. Successful applicants will have three weeks in which to accept their offer.
Orientation
Orientation for incoming JD students will be held in February in the week before formal classes commence. This experience should not be missed by any incoming students. Orientation Week covers information integral to studies in the JD and allows students to meet and interact with fellow JD students and Faculty members in an informal setting.
Credit for prior study
Students who have completed previous studies in Law at a postgraduate level, you may be eligible for advanced standing*. To apply for credit a student will need to submit an application for advanced standing along with academic transcripts and detailed unit descriptions. Credit will not be given for any non-Law units, not for Law units completed at an undergraduate level or for units completed via correspondence.
*Please note that the Juris Doctor taught at Murdoch University and ANU are delivered at an undergraduate level and will not be credited towards the UWA Juris Doctor.
Course Structure
The JD is a three year full time course involving the completion of 17 core units and 7 option units. Part time study is available and students have a maximum of 10 years to complete the course. The JD may not be completed in less than 3 years of full time study.
The core units of the Juris Doctor are:
YEAR ONE
S1 LAWS4101 Legal Process
S1 LAWS4102 Criminal Law
S1 LAWS4103 Contract
S1 LAWS4104 Property
S2 LAWS4105 Dispute Resolution
S2 LAWS4106 Torts
S2 LAWS4107 Land Law
S2 LAWS4108 Foundations of Public Law
YEAR TWO
S1 LAWS5101 Constitutional Law
S1 LAWS5102 Administrative Law
S1 LAWS5103 Equity and Trusts
S2 LAWS5104 Corporations Law
S2 LAWS5105 Remedies
S2 LAWS5106 Legal Theory and Ethics
YEAR THREE
S1 LAWS5107 Evidence
S1 LAWS5108 Commercial Practice
S2 LAWS5115 Procedure
A list of Juris Doctor options will be made available by the Faculty in late 2013.
Course Delivery
The Juris Doctor is an on campus program. Whilst some lectures may be recorded, the Law School does not promote correspondence learning. The Law Faculty promotes a ‘face to face’, interactive learning environment with participation marks included in many of the units assessment structures.
Honours
The Juris Doctor may be awarded with honours. An additional year of study is not required. Details on qualifying for honours is pending.
International Exchange
International Exchange is possible and is encouraged by the Faculty. More information on International Exchange will be available in late 2013.
Becoming a Lawyer
The Juris Doctor meets the pre-admission academic qualifications for the practice of law in Australia. One you have completed the JD, you will be ready to begin your Practical Legal Training (PLT). In Western Australia this course can be taken at The College of Law