Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice at Murdoch University

Graduate Certificate Social Sciences & Psychology Full Time

Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice

at Murdoch University · Perth, Western Australia

CRICOS course code

090761B

CRICOS provider code

00125J

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$16,320 total

Per year

A$32,640/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice at Murdoch University is a focused pathway for law graduates who wish to qualify for legal practice in Australia. Over 26 weeks, students work through practical subjects that build on the theory learned in a Bachelor of Laws, covering topics such as ethics, civil litigation, property law transactions, and professional responsibility. The curriculum emphasises real-world legal skills that are essential to working as a solicitor or barrister in Australia.

This graduate certificate is structured in units of study, each carrying designated credit points as per standard Australian university practice. Students usually complete these units within a single semester, with assessment featuring a mix of coursework and simulated practical activities. Since legal practice requires hands-on experience, professional placements or closely-supervised practical components are a key part of legal training in Australia. Students should refer to Murdoch University's official page for current details about placement arrangements and assessment methods.

By the end of this course, students gain skills in legal analysis, client interviewing, negotiation, advocacy, and drafting legal documents. The programme is suited for recent law graduates aiming to meet the practical legal training (PLT) requirement for admission to practice law in Australia, as well as for international lawyers who seek to fulfil local practice requirements.

Murdoch University’s location in Perth allows students to build connections with legal firms, government agencies, and community legal centres in Western Australia. International students on a student visa may be eligible for post-study work rights under the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), and can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while studying. Always confirm entry requirements, placement availability, and course details on the official university site.

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

Solicitor in private practice
Barrister (following further training)
In-house legal counsel for corporations
Legal officer in government agencies
Community legal centre advocate
Legal advisor to non-profit organisations

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Graduate Certificate in Legal Practice at Murdoch University?

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

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$16,320 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor in private practiceBarrister (following further training)In-house legal counsel for corporationsLegal officer in government agenciesCommunity legal centre advocateLegal advisor to non-profit organisations

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