Juris Doctor

Juris Doctor

POSTGRADUATE

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

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Student type:
Mode of study:
On campus
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Other
Part-time 6 years
Fees:

AU$41,280 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Online
Melbourne City
Mode of study:
On campus
Online
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 3 years
Fees:

AU$46,080 (2023 annual)

Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City

Overview

Your gateway to a life in law

If you are a graduate who is passionate about law and justice, our Juris Doctor is your entry point to the legal profession.

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

Woman in black suit sitting at desk

Lawyers for a Changing World

In three years, the RMIT Juris Doctor will transform you from a non-law graduate into a legal professional. We will develop your practical and theoretical capabilities through a unique approach that we call ‘bringing law to life’. Through our deep industry connections, you will gain valuable legal experiences that prepare you to contribute in a rapidly changing world.

Why study your Juris Doctor at RMIT?

Innovative structure

Build real-world skills such as research, advocacy, negotiation and how to work with clients, in a course ranked #1 in Victoria for skills development in law.

Industry connected

Take advantage of RMIT’s deep industry connections. Choose from a range of clinical, judicial, research and international study opportunities.

Focus on contemporary issues

Work on law reform projects with our industry partners including RMIT’s Business and Human Rights Centre.

Legal skills

The RMIT Juris Doctor is an innovative postgraduate law course focusing on the fundamentals of law and the justice system.

This course is based on a unique approach that we call ‘bringing law to life.’ It has been designed specifically to create job-ready graduates, with direction and input from a Program Advisory Board made up of senior executives from law firms, representatives from the Bar, Magistrates and other senior members of the profession.

You will build practical legal skills such as mooting and advocacy, research and policy development, interviewing and working with clients and negotiation, influencing and mediation. These are integrated into the study of substantive areas of law.

You will learn how to conduct research, to gain insights into policy development and law reform through a subject focussed on innovative justice that incorporates design thinking in law. We offer a core subject in Law and Technology that gives you skills for the changing world of work and critiques the impact of technology on the law.

You will also choose from a range of law electives that cover human rights law, tax law, intellectual property law, international business law, competition and consumer law, insolvency, acquisitions and mergers, labour law, environment and planning law, health law, wills and family law.

The RMIT Juris Doctor has a three-year flexible structure. The course can be delivered in ways that suit your life. For example, a part time option is available, or you can study off-campus via Open University Australia’s online portal.

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Designed to create job-ready legal professionals

A feature of this course is the focus on Innovative Justice giving students the knowledge and skills to capitalise on emerging opportunities in the changing world of the law.

What you will study

The RMIT JD is structured to bring the study of law to life by offering an amalgamation of practical, theoretical and research opportunities. You will develop a full range of contemporary legal skills. You will study Australian and international substantive law, focussing on all core areas of legal practice including commercial law, international law and innovation in the justice system.

Students can undertake 3 years of full-time study, or on a part-time basis. Online learning options are also available.

Learn here, succeed anywhere

At RMIT, we understand the importance of providing students with real-world experiences and the skills to succeed in a rapidly evolving job market.

RMIT’s focus on industry-based, practical learning has seen our law courses ranked #1 in Victoria for skills development and among the top 10 for employer reputation in Australia. RMIT is also recognised as being among the top 250 institutions in the world for the teaching of Law.

 

Details

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Your classes on campus are held in the evening, generally at 5.30pm, and on selected weekends via intensive delivery.

They will mostly be held at the Emily McPherson College Building, a magnificent heritage property on the corner of Russell and Victoria streets in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Facilities include a student lounge, conference suite, teaching theatres and classrooms with the latest multimedia technology, and a rooftop patio with views of the city.

A summer semester is available and some students may be able to accelerate their progress. Classes are offered in weekly and intensive mode over summer.

In addition you will have access to online and digital resources through an online learning portal. You will be able to view online resources and learning activities created by lecturers, access course materials via Canvas, collaborate with lecturers and fellow students, and access your student email account.

Build legal skills

Throughout the course, 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, to gain insights into policy development and law reform.  

As an RMIT JD student, we prepare you for the changing world of work in Law. We offer real industry internships and opportunities for Clinical Legal Education. Practical, industry-relevant options include:

  • shadowing judges, magistrates and practising lawyers in their daily work
  • working with industry mentors to solve legal problems
  • clinical legal education with community legal centres and the Neighbourhood Justice Centre
  • research for the Centre for Innovative Justice on law reform projects
  • participating in international study tours to observe innovative courts and overseas legal systems.

There is the opportunity to observe a number of innovative courts, both locally and internationally in study tours for law students.

There is also the opportunity to take a study tour to our Vietnam campus looking at legal systems in Asia.

Classes on campus are held in the evening, and on selected weekends via intensive delivery.

A summer semester is available, and some students may be able to accelerate their progress. During the summer semester, classes are offered in weekly and intensive mode.

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 each stream:

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.

You must complete 18 core law subjects (including the 'Priestley 11') and six optional subjects (electives).

Course structure

Please note: Plan MC161 is no longer taking new applicants. This plan applies to students who commenced the JD in, or prior to, semester 1 2014. Students in this plan should ensure that they are familiar with any relevant transition rules.

Juris Doctor
Program code: MC161
Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Juris Doctor
City Campus
Three Years
MC161
Location
City Campus
Duration
Three Years
Plan code
MC161
CRICOS
View plan
Juris Doctor
City Campus
Domestic students: 3 years full time; 6 years part time; International student: 3 years full-time
MC161P14
103207F
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students: 3 years full time; 6 years part time; International student: 3 years full-time
Plan code
MC161P14
CRICOS
103207F
View plan
Juris Doctor
City Campus
Domestic students: 3 years full time
MC161P14
103207F
Location
City Campus
Duration
Domestic students: 3 years full time
Plan code
MC161P14
CRICOS
103207F
View plan

Note: International student visa holders can only study full-time.

Career

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

RMIT’s Juris Doctor graduates have access to a range of legal opportunities. These include practising law in the commercial legal sector, practising as a barrister, or working as an in-house lawyer with corporations, governments or not-for-profit organisations.

JD graduates work in many other 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. RMIT JD alumni are building a reputation as fully prepared, work-ready legal professionals. Finally, for those who are not contemplating a career change, the JD is a Masters level qualification can be a significant enhancement to 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.

Statutory accreditation

This type of accreditation is where a statutory body must approve a course of study in order for a graduate to practise in that profession.

Membership

Professional bodies or associations are representative organisations of professions that provide membership and other career development support to its members. Many professional bodies offer membership opportunities for students and new graduates with benefits such as career advice, networking within the profession and access to resources not available through the university. The aim of these benefits is to assist with your transition from university into the profession.

Juris Doctor

Current course accreditations and information about membership and development opportunities for students and graduates.

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 via Open Universities Australia.)

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 or equivalent in any discipline (except a Bachelor of Laws (LLB - Common Law)) with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

Note:

  • Applicants with an Australian bachelor degree in any discipline (except a Bachelor of Laws (LLB – Common Law)) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0) may be considered for a full fee place when a personal statement is provided demonstrating significant interest or intended career progression in law.
  • Applicants seeking to enrol in a subject or subjects  required to obtain admission into legal practice will only be considered for full-fee places. A letter from the Board of Examiners, Victorian Council of Education (or equivalent interstate body) that lists the subjects(s) required to be completed must be submitted. 

Commonwealth supported places

  • Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) may be available for this  program. Admission for CSP is competitive and eligible applicants are ranked and selected in order of merit based on their academic achievement. The minimum GPA for CSP in an intake may be higher than 2.5 out of 4.0 as it is dependent on the number of applications received and available places in an intake.
  • Students currently enrolled in a full-fee place in the RMIT Juris Doctor may apply for a CSP in the Juris Doctor on completion of at least one year of full-time equivalent study (96 credit points) and have demonstrated a GPA of 3.0 (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:

  • An Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification) in any discipline, except a Bachelor of Laws (LLB - Common Law) with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 (out of 4.0).

Note:

  • Applicants with an Australian bachelor degree (or equivalent overseas qualification), in any discipline except a Bachelor of Laws (LLB – Common Law) with a minimum GPA of 2.0 (out of 4.0) may be considered when a personal statement is provided demonstrating significant interest or intended career progression in law.
  • Applicants seeking to enrol in a subject or subjects required to obtain admission into legal practice must submit a letter from the Board of Examiners, Victorian Council of Education (or equivalent interstate body) that lists the subjects(s) required to be completed.

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

For non-law electives, exemptions may be granted for courses successfully completed at master degree level.

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.

You can gain entry into this degree from a range of RMIT undergraduate programs.

For non-law electives, exemptions may be granted for courses successfully completed at master degree level.

Credit

Credit may reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant study experience.

When you are submitting an application, please indicate that you want to be considered for credit and provide detailed course syllabus (also known as course outline), outlining volume of learning, course content and weekly topics, learning objectives/outcomes, assessment types and their weightings, and reference to the learning resources such as prescribed textbooks and recommended readings.

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 degree, you may be eligible for entry into an RMIT Masters by Research or Doctoral (PhD) program.

Fees

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This program has full-fee places, with a limited number of Commonwealth supported places (CSP). 

Government financial assistance is available to eligible students regardless of the type of place you enrol in.

2023 indicative fees

Full-fee places

  • AU$41,280* per annum

Commonwealth supported places

The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.

  • 2022 Commonwealth supported places (CSP) range from AU$3,985 to AU$14,630*.

Additional expenses

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$315 maximum fee for 2022*.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment*

Amounts quoted are indicative fees per annum, and are based on a standard year of full-time study (96 credit points). A proportionate fee applies for more or less than the full-time study load.

*Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Defer your payment

  • You may be eligible to apply for a HELP loan, which can be used to defer payment of up to the full amount of your student contribution fees. You may also be eligible to apply to defer payment of your SSAF through the SA-HELP loan scheme.
  • For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees see postgraduate study fees.

Paying your fees and applying for refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

Summer semester

A summer semester is available for this program, allowing some students to accelerate their progress. If you choose this option and enrol in more than the standard full-time load (96 credit points) for the year, you will be charged accordingly.

More information

For more information and to learn how to calculate your exact tuition fees visit postgraduate study fees.

If you are offered a full-fee place, you will need to pay the full tuition costs of your program. However, eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

The Commonwealth supported place (CSP) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The first year indicative tuition rates are expected later in the year and will be published when they are available.

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 commenced their program in 2022. 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 2022 for commencing students

Student contribution band by course (subject)

Maximum annual student contribution amount (per EFTSL) in 2022
Education, Postgraduate Clinical Psychology, English, Mathematics, Statistics, Nursing, Indigenous and Foreign Languages, Agriculture $3,985 per standard year
$498 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 $8,021 per standard year
$1,002 per standard (12 credit point) course
Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Science $11,401 per standard year
$1,425 per standard (12 credit point) course
Law, Accounting, Administration, Economics, Commerce, Communications, Society and Culture $14,630 per standard year
$1,828 per standard (12 credit point) course

*The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) rates for 2023 have been delayed by the Australian Government. The fee information will be published when they are available.

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 2022* is $315. 

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

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

FEE-HELP loans

Eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) may apply to defer payment of some or all of their tuition fees via the Commonwealth Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme.

HECS-HELP Loans

The Australian Government provides financial assistance via the HECS-HELP loan scheme, which allows eligible students (such as Australian citizens or holders of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa) to defer payment of up to the full amount of their student contribution.

SA-HELP Loans

You may be eligible to apply to defer payment of the Student services and amenities fee (SSAF) through the SA-HELP loan scheme. If you use SA-HELP, the amount will be added to your accumulated HELP debt.

How does a HELP loan work?

If your FEE-HELP, HECS-HELP and/or SA-HELP loan application is successful, the Australian Government will pay RMIT, on your behalf, up to 100% of your fees. This amount will become part of your accumulated HELP debt.

You only start repaying your accumulated HELP debt to the Australian Government once you earn above the minimum income threshold for repayment, which is set each year by the Australian Government (this also applies if you are still studying). The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) will calculate your compulsory repayment for the year and include this on your income tax notice.

For more information about loan repayment options see Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans) or Study Assist.

This program is approved for income support.

You may be eligible for student income support payments from the Commonwealth Government if you are undertaking a graduate certificate, graduate diploma or an approved professionally oriented masters by coursework program. For more information see Income support for Masters students.

If you are enrolled in an eligible program you will also need to satisfy all other student payment eligibility requirements. You can contact Centrelink or Services Australia for further information about student income support entitlements, your eligibility and how to apply.

You may be eligible to apply for income tax deductions for education expenses linked to your employment.

See the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) for more information.

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

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The annual tuition fee for 2023 is AU$46,080.

The total indicative tuition fee for 2023 commencement is AU$138,240.

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.

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.

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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.

More information
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