Master of Law and Development – University of Melbourne

Master's Degree Law (JD) Full Time

Master of Law and Development

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

051271K

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

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$60,992 total

Per year

A$60,992/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Master of Law and Development at the University of Melbourne offers advanced study into the complex relationships between law, governance, and social and economic development. Delivered by one of Australia's leading public universities, this programme is designed for law graduates and professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how legal frameworks influence and are influenced by development policy and practice globally, with special attention to the Asia-Pacific region and other developing societies.

The course structure comprises a set of units of study, each contributing designated credit points, enabling students to tailor their learning to specific interests such as human rights, gender, international economic law, and regulatory frameworks. Typically completed over one year, the programme enables students to combine core and elective subjects and may include a capstone project, research thesis, or supervised research to integrate and deepen advanced legal and development knowledge.

Graduates gain critical skills in legal analysis, policy evaluation, and applied research, equipping them to address real-world challenges in law and development. The curriculum is ideal for those aiming for careers in international development agencies, non-governmental organisations, government departments, or private practice focusing on development law.

Australian master's degrees such as this one are highly respected globally. Studying in Melbourne places students in a vibrant legal community with numerous opportunities for networking, research, and professional engagement. International students benefit from the right to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters and may be eligible to apply for a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-graduation. Admission requires evidence of English proficiency, commonly at the level of IELTS 7.0 or equivalent for law. For precise details on structure and unit selection, always refer to the official University of Melbourne programme page.

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

Legal and policy advisor in Australian and international development agencies
Researcher or consultant for think tanks, NGOs, or multilateral organisations
Government policy and regulatory analyst
Program manager in aid and development projects
Legal practitioner specialising in development and human rights law

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Law and Development at University of Melbourne?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$60,992 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Legal and policy advisor in Australian and international development agenciesResearcher or consultant for think tanks, NGOs, or multilateral organisationsGovernment policy and regulatory analystProgram manager in aid and development projectsLegal practitioner specialising in deve...

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