Master's Degree Law (JD) Full Time

Juris Doctor

at University of Western Australia · Perth, Western Australia

CRICOS course code

089786C

CRICOS provider code

00126G

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

3 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$171,300 total

Per year

A$57,100/yr

Intake

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

About this program

The Juris Doctor at the University of Western Australia is a professional graduate-entry law degree based in Perth. Structured over three years of full-time study, students complete units across key areas of Australian law such as contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, administrative law, and legal theory. Learning is centred on case analysis, legal reasoning, statutory interpretation, and practical skills training like legal research, advocacy, and drafting.

This programme follows the Australian academic calendar, usually delivered in semesters, with each unit assigned a specific number of credit points contributing to the total required for graduation. A capstone experience—often a research thesis or practical legal clinic—gives students direct exposure to complex legal issues and real-world legal work. UWA also encourages participation in mooting, internships, and work-integrated learning experiences with law firms, courts, and community legal centres in Western Australia.

Graduates develop skills in legal analysis, problem-solving, oral and written communication, negotiation, and ethics. The course is ideal for those who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-law discipline and want to pursue a career as a lawyer, legal advisor, or policy professional. It’s also suitable for international students meeting high English proficiency standards set for law courses (overall IELTS 7.0 or above, with accepted alternatives). Confirmation of subjects and progression rules should be checked on the official UWA site.

UWA's links with the Western Australian legal profession and industry partners support strong placements and networking. Australian and eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. International students have work rights of 48 hours per fortnight during studies.

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 or barrister (after required professional training and admission)
In-house legal counsel (for corporations or government departments)
Legal and policy adviser (in government or non-government organisations)
Compliance officer in sectors such as finance, mining, or health
Community legal centre lawyer
Roles in research, advocacy, or academia within Australian universities or think-tanks

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Juris Doctor at University of Western Australia?

It typically takes 3 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$171,300 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor or barrister (after required professional training and admission)In-house legal counsel (for corporations or government departments)Legal and policy adviser (in government or non-government organisations)Compliance officer in sectors such as finance, mining, or healthCo...

Apply View university