Online Juris Doctor

Online Juris Doctor

POSTGRADUATE

Prepare for a fulfilling career as a lawyer in a rapidly evolving world.

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Student type:
Learning mode:
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
24 courses (3 years full-time)*
24 courses (6 years part-time)*
Fees:

Commonwealth supported places

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Online
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

See admissions

Duration:
24 courses (3 years full-time)*
Fees:

AU$42,240 (2024 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Online

Overview

RMIT’s Juris Doctor program allows you to design your own flexible program of study to meet your personal career aspirations.

Your gateway to a life in law

As a graduate who is passionate about law and justice, the Juris Doctor (JD) is your entry point to the legal profession or to deepen your understanding of the framework of law. You may also find that career possibilities evolve and open up as you move through the degree.

Through the JD, you will build skills and competency in core areas of legal practice. Under the supervision of expert legal academics and practitioners, you will understand the role of law in society, analyse cases and legislation, and engage in a variety of simulations to develop practical legal skills. 

Flexible online learning

The freedom of learning 100% online means you can study, whenever and wherever you want.

Industry connected

Built with industry partners to ensure you’re job ready. Learn practical skills that align with industry best practice.

Full time support

Our expert team of support advisors, academic tutors and course coordinators are here to support you.

Focus on contemporary issues

The Juris Doctor has been designed to create job-ready graduates, with direction and input from a Program Advisory Board. Senior executives from law firms, representatives from the Bar, magistrates and other senior members of the profession provide valuable input to ensure our degree remains relevant to industry.

During your studies, you will build practical legal skills such as mooting and advocacy, research and policy development, communication skills, an understanding of the role of technology, and client interviewing, negotiation and dispute resolution. These are integrated into the study of substantive areas of law.

There is scope to follow your own interests by choosing electives that delve deeper into advocacy, environment law, human rights law, commercial law, legal considerations of artificial intelligence, blockchain and privacy, family law, wills and intellectual property law.  

Details

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Learning and teaching

This program is delivered wholly online. Over the duration of your program, you will experience a variety of approaches to teaching and learning. 

These include online lectures and guest lectures by legal practitioners, problem solving and case analysis, and moots (mock courts).

You will build legal skills and gain expertise in the critical areas of practice. Under the supervision of members of the legal profession you will engage in a variety of simulations to develop practical legal capabilities.

You will also learn how to conduct research into policy development and law reform and communicate the results in a professional and precise manner.

RMIT offers an extensive range of legal databases that can be accessed online. There you will find the published reports of cases, journal articles and other legal materials. Many recommended textbooks are available through the library as e-books at no additional charge to you. The library also has an extensive range of resources to help you to research and write academically.

Enjoy a supportive environment with peers and leading experts to practice concepts and apply new skills, while having the flexibility to study 100% online so you can study around your work and life commitments. You'll be able to tailor your qualification with a wide range of career electives to focus on in-demand fields so that you can be across all emerging areas in law.

Assessment methods

Assessments in the JD will take numerous forms, including formal examinations, assignments, research projects, in-class tests, reflective papers, presentations and moots (mock courts).

24 courses | 3 years full time | 6 years part time.

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this degree and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

View the learning outcomes for the Juris Doctor Online: 

  • Juris Doctor – MC161O – Online delivery
  • Apply an advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge, including competence in the prescribed areas of knowledge, in professional practice
  • Demonstrate the intellectual and practical skills needed to justify and interpret theoretical propositions, legal methodologies, conclusions and professional decisions
  • Identify, research, evaluate and synthesise relevant factual, legal and policy issues
  • Practice law in a variety of fields, industry sectors and locations
  • Apply and integrate professional theory with practice in authentic Work Integrated Learning (WIL) contexts, professional contexts and industry settings.

To graduate from the Juris Doctor, you must complete 18 core law subjects (including the Priestley 11) and six elective subjects.

In your first year of study, the core subjects you undertake will explore criminal law, torts, property and company law.

In your second year of study, your core subjects will cover international law, company law and constitutional law.

In your final year, core subjects include the study of evidence, and equity and trusts. 

The structure of the Juris Doctor is such that core subjects are completed in the early semesters and the capacity to undertake electives increases as you move through the degree.

Career

Graduates of this degree can change their career direction and enter the legal profession by adding this fully accredited legal qualification to their undergraduate degree.

Juris Doctor graduates have access to a range of law jobs and legal opportunities. These include practising as a solicitor or barrister in the commercial or criminal legal sectors in organisations of all sizes and scales. Legal knowledge is useful in management, industrial relations and policy making professions. Many members of parliament have law degrees.

Alumni work in many fields where knowledge of legal principles and the ability to think deeply and rigorously are essential. These fields include public administration, NGOs, politics and business. Graduates are building a reputation as fully prepared, work-ready legal professionals. Even if you wish to stay within your current career framework, the JD is a master's-level qualification that teaches you the skills of critical thinking and analysis that could open up horizons in your existing career.

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Course accreditation or membership offered by professional bodies signals to employers the quality and relevance of RMIT's courses and opens up career pathways and networks.

Professional bodies accredit or recognise courses as meeting professional and academic standards deemed to be essential for a new graduate entering into that profession. An accredited course will either enable the graduate to enter directly into a professional qualifications program or provide the graduate with exemptions or credit towards a post university professional qualification.

Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB)

Course satisfies the academic requirements for graduates admission to the Australian Legal Profession. (Accredited for course delivery in Melbourne and online.)

Visit the Victorian Legal Admissions Board website

Council of Australian Law Deans (CALD)

The School is compliant with the standards for Australian Law Schools adopted by the Council of Australian Law Deans and assessed by the Australian Law Schools Standards Committee (ALSSC).

Visit the Council of Australian Law Deans website

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following entry requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have:

  • An Australian bachelor degree, higher level qualification, or equivalent in any discipline (except a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or Juris Doctor) with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

Commonwealth supported place (CSP)

A limited number of Commonwealth supported place (CSP) are available for this course. To be considered for a CSP you must apply for the Juris Doctor CSP offering through the RMIT Application System. CSP applications have been extended and close 9 February 2024 but may close earlier if places are exhausted.

Students currently enrolled in a full-fee place in the RMIT Juris Doctor may apply for a CSP in the Juris Doctor upon completing at least one year of full-time equivalent study (96 credit points) and have demonstrated a GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0).

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

You must meet the University's minimum English language requirements to be eligible for a place in this program.

You need to satisfy all of the following requirements to be considered for entry into this degree.

You must have successfully completed a qualification recognised by RMIT as equivalent to the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with a minimum average of 65% (see calculator below).

Equivalent qualifications may also include completion of the RMIT Foundation Studies program or a recognised post secondary diploma in the relevant discipline with the required grades.

Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee entry. Your application will still need to be assessed and accepted.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

To study this course you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:

  • IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
  • TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
  • Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.

For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.

Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.

Pathways

You can gain entry to this masters degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs, if you meet the entry requirements.

Advanced standing

Australian law degrees are required to include 11 core areas of knowledge - the 'Priestley 11’.

These areas are:

  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Torts
  • Contracts
  • Property
  • Equity (including Trusts)
  • Company Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Federal and State Constitutional Law
  • Civil Procedure
  • Evidence
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

No exemptions from the Priestley 11 are allowed unless the courses concerned are the equivalent courses in another postgraduate law program.

Credits and exemptions

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Business and Law research programs are offered at Master and Doctoral level.

Upon successful completion of this masters degree, you may be eligible to undertake further studies in related programs at RMIT University, including postgraduate research programs, subject to the program's entrance requirements.

Fees

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2024 tuition fees:

  • AU$42,420 annual fee 

If you are offered a Commonwealth supported place, your tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government.

Your share of the fee (student contribution) is set on an annual basis by the government and is determined by the discipline areas (bands) of your individual enrolled courses, not the overall program.

How much can I expect to pay for my Commonwealth supported place?

The Australian Government has introduced changes to university funding and student contribution fees under its Job-ready Graduates Package. 

The fees in the table below apply to students who commence their program in 2024. Fees for continuing students are available at fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Each course (subject) falls into a band. The band determines the student contribution amount for the course.

Amounts listed in the table below are based on a standard, full-time study load (96 credit points per year) with all courses in the same band. A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load or for enrolment in courses (subjects) from a combination of bands.

You can learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees for units from different bands at Fees for Commonwealth supported students.

Maximum student contribution amount for Commonwealth supported places in 2024 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2024
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $4,445 per standard year
$555 per standard (12 credit point) course
Allied Health, Other Health, Built Environment, Computing, Visual and Performing Arts, Professional Pathway Psychology, Professional Pathway Social Work, Engineering, Surveying, Environmental Studies, Science, Pathology $8,948 per standard year
$1,118 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $12,720 per standard year
$1,590 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $16,323 per standard year
$2,040 per standard (12 credit point) course

Student Learning Entitlement

On 1 January 2022, the Government implemented the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE).

  • The SLE allows students 7 years of full-time subsidised study in Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP).
  • Your total SLE amount will be reduced in accordance with your overall study load in a CSP. 
  • Once you have utilised all your SLE, you can not longer study in a CSP.

For more information about SLE, visit Study Assist.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF) based on your enrolment load, which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. Eligible local students can apply for an SA-HELP loan to defer payment of their SSAF.

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

Some students may be eligible to apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme. 

Visit our HELP loans page for lots of useful information about eligibility, how to apply and payment. You can apply for FEE-HELP once you have enrolled in a program.

HELP loans are not available to international students.

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The annual tuition fee for 2024 is AU$42,040.

In addition to tuition fees you also need to pay for:

You also need to account for your living expenses. Estimate the cost of living in Melbourne.

Student services and amenities fee (SSAF)

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2024 is $351.

Find out more details about how fees are calculated and the expected annual increase.

Applying for refunds

Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

This qualification is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

Information for international students

The Online Juris Doctor is not available for international students. Students eligible to study on a visa may wish to consider the Melbourne-based Juris Doctor, offered face-to-face. Please see the Juris Doctor course page for more information.

Information for local students

If you are a local student please select 'switch to local' below to view the full course information.

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information