Graduate Diploma in Employment Law | University of Melbourne

Graduate Diploma Law (JD) Full Time

Graduate Diploma in Employment and Labour Relations Law

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

075252D

CRICOS provider code

00116K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

26 weeks

Tuition (whole course)

A$30,496 total

Per year

A$60,992/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Graduate Diploma in Employment and Labour Relations Law at the University of Melbourne provides an in-depth exploration of legal frameworks governing work and workplace relations in Australia. You will examine key contemporary issues in employment and labour law, including workplace rights and obligations, dispute resolution, collective bargaining, and the intersection between local law and global workplace trends. Case law, legislative developments, and comparative approaches to employment law are addressed through a series of advanced legal units.

As a graduate diploma (AQF level 8), this programme is designed to be completed in approximately 26 weeks and typically consists of multiple units of study, each earning a set number of credit points towards the diploma. The structure usually features core and elective subjects, providing both essential legal principles and opportunities to specialise in specific areas of employment and industrial relations law. Completion of all prescribed units is required to graduate, with assessment based on written assignments, examinations, and potentially practical legal research.

This qualification is well suited to law graduates, practising lawyers seeking to expand their expertise, and professionals in HR, industrial relations, or workplace compliance roles. Skills developed include legal analysis, legislative and policy interpretation, dispute resolution techniques, and advanced research in employment law. Students should confirm the latest details and specific structure on the official University of Melbourne page.

Studying in Melbourne enables engagement with leading legal practitioners, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. Australian higher education students, including international students, may work up to 48 hours per fortnight during study periods and may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) upon graduation, subject to visa conditions.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Employment lawyer or workplace legal advisor
Workplace and industrial relations consultant
Human resources compliance manager
Government policy analyst (labour and employment law)
In-house counsel for corporations and unions
Positions in legal research and academia related to employment law

Graduates are employed by Australian law firms, HR departments, government agencies, unions, and employer associations where expertise in employment and labour law is essential.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Diploma in Employment and Labour Relations Law at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 26 weeks, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$30,496 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Employment lawyer or workplace legal advisorWorkplace and industrial relations consultantHuman resources compliance managerGovernment policy analyst (labour and employment law)In-house counsel for corporations and unionsPositions in legal research and academia related to employme...

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