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Juris Doctor
Note
Commonwealth Supported Places
There are a limited number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available in this course, which are competitive and awarded based on merit. To be considered for a CSP, applicants must:
- Indicate their interest in a CSP on their application.
- Have attained a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.5 out of 7 in their previous studies (note that applicants with a GPA between 5.0 and 5.49 may be assessed for a CSP place depending on availability).
- Apply on time in line with CSP deadlines (it is recommended applicants apply early as applications are assessed progressively)
Eligible applicants must accept their offer by the lapse date to retain their place. For application deadlines and information, please refer to Postgraduate courses with Commonwealth Supported Places.
The UTS Juris Doctor is an internationally recognised graduate-entry qualification for non-law graduates. As an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 master's qualification, this course meets the academic requirements for admission as a lawyer in NSW for graduates who have successfully completed a first degree.
As the foremost provider of JD education in Sydney, UTS delivers industry informed, academically rigorous and highly practical courses, equipping students with extensive knowledge in the theory and practice of the law. Flexible timetabling provides options for day and evening classes (core subjects), block study (selected subjects) and online learning (electives), as well as selected recorded lectures and podcasts.
Mentoring programs and co-curricular programs and services are also available to help keep students on track and to build students' career options. Practical Legal Training (PLT) – the practical requirement for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW – can also be completed at UTS. For students seeking a career path beyond the law, the JD can be an entry point into a range of other roles where legal expertise is of value.
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Study plan
Students in the standard full-time program enrol in 24 to 26 credit points in Autumn and Spring sessions. Optional subjects are regularly timetabled but not all options are offered in any one session. Students may choose to study one of the 30-credit-point option subjects instead of the 6-credit-point legal theory subject in the recommended sequence, provided that they complete the legal theory subject in a later session. The UTS Timetable Planner enables current and future UTS students to view subject timetables.
The standard full-time and part-time programs are shown below.
First year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Law | 70102 | 8 |
| Ethics Law and Justice | 70103 | 6 |
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 70114 | 8 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Contracts | 70211 | 8 |
| Torts | 70311 | 8 |
| Australian Constitutional Law | 70616 | 8 |
Second year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Property and Commercial Law | 70327 | 6 |
| Civil Practice | 70104 | 6 |
| Administrative Law | 70617 | 8 |
| Evidence | 70109 | 6 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Real Property | 70317 | 8 |
| Equity and Trusts | 70517 | 8 |
| Principles of Public International Law | 70106 | 6 |
Third year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Remedies | 71116 | 6 |
| Principles of Company Law | 70107 | 8 |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6 | |
| Law and Literature | 78210 | 6 |
| Justice | 78235 | 6 |
| Environmental Ethics | 78236 | 6 |
| History and Theory of Intellectual Property | 78238 | 6 |
| Feminist Perspectives on Law and Justice | 78239 | 6 |
| Reading the Law: Language, Power and Ideology | 78241 | 6 |
| Animal Law and Policy in Australia | 78218 | 6 |
| Corporate Governance | 78126 | 6 |
| Crime, Victims and Criminal Justice | 78270 | 6 |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6 | |
| Options (JD) | cbk90920 | 30 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Select 24 credit points from the following: | 24 | |
| Options (JD) | cbk90920 | 30 |
First year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Foundations of Law | 70102 | 8 |
| Ethics Law and Justice | 70103 | 6 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Law and Procedure | 70114 | 8 |
| Contracts | 70211 | 8 |
Second year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Torts | 70311 | 8 |
| Australian Constitutional Law | 70616 | 8 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Practice | 70104 | 6 |
| Evidence | 70109 | 6 |
Third year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Property and Commercial Law | 70327 | 6 |
| Administrative Law | 70617 | 8 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Real Property | 70317 | 8 |
| Equity and Trusts | 70517 | 8 |
Fourth year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Remedies | 71116 | 6 |
| Principles of Public International Law | 70106 | 6 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Principles of Company Law | 70107 | 8 |
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6 | |
| Law and Literature | 78210 | 6 |
| Justice | 78235 | 6 |
| Environmental Ethics | 78236 | 6 |
| History and Theory of Intellectual Property | 78238 | 6 |
| Feminist Perspectives on Law and Justice | 78239 | 6 |
| Reading the Law: Language, Power and Ideology | 78241 | 6 |
| Animal Law and Policy in Australia | 78218 | 6 |
| Corporate Governance | 78126 | 6 |
| Crime, Victims and Criminal Justice | 78270 | 6 |
Fifth year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12 | |
| Options (JD) | cbk90920 | 30 |
| Spring session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Select 12 credit points from the following: | 12 | |
| Options (JD) | cbk90920 | 30 |
Sixth year
| Autumn session | Subject Code | Credit PointsA credit point is the unit of measure of workload for individual subjects. |
|---|---|---|
| Select 6 credit points from the following: | 6 | |
| Options (JD) | cbk90920 | 30 |
Course fees
For relevant fee information, please choose from the following:
Local student
In most cases, UTS offers domestic students entry to postgraduate courses on a fee paying basis.
Tuition fees are charged:
- based on the particular course in which you are enrolled
- based on the number of credit points in which you are enrolled
- at the rates set for the current year and revised annually
Fees for future year(s) published in the online calculator, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.
Tuition fees can be found in the online calculator.
A small number of postgraduate courses offer government subsidised Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP). Find out whether there are CSPs available in this course by visiting our postgraduate fees page.
In addition to tuition fees, students are required to pay a Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The purchase of textbooks and other course materials may also result in additional costs.
UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage
International student
Tuition fees for international postgraduate coursework students can be found using fees search.
Tuition fees must be paid in advance each session and are subject to annual increase. Fees for future year(s) published in fees search, whilst unlikely to change, are estimates only. UTS makes every effort to provide up to date future year(s) fee estimates and to limit any changes, however, UTS reserves the right to vary fees for future year(s) at any time.
For this course, the cost per credit point for 2025 is $1042. The total credit points are 144.
All international students should familiarise themselves with the following documents:
- Protocol on refund of fees for international students - contains the refund of fees information for international students.
- Tuition Protection Service - designed to ensure that students receive the tuition they have paid for
In addition to tuition fees, students may be required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). Textbooks and other course materials will also result in additional costs.
UTS Alumni save 10%: alumni.uts.edu.au/advantage
For further information on costs related to your study at UTS, visit the international students' fees information page.
Careers
Career options include, but are not limited to, lawyer within a private firm, government department or community law centre, regulatory affairs and policy adviser in the public or private sector or legal specialisation related to students' previous degree or enhanced career options within an existing professional sphere.
Course structure
Course structure explained
The course comprises a total of 144 credit points. The study components for course completion are as follows:
- 108 credit points of compulsory core law subjects (15 subjects)
- 30 credit points of law options (five subjects), and
- a 6-credit-point legal theory option (one subject).
Industrial training/professional practice
To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal qualification and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Course completion requirements
| Requirement | Credit Points |
|---|---|
| STM90831 Core subjects (JD) | 108 |
| CBK90920 Options (JD) | 30 |
| CBK90921 Options (Legal Theory PG) | 6 |
| Total | 144 |
Additional information
Course duration
The standard course can be completed in three years of full-time or five-and-a-half years of part-time study. There are two intakes a year (in Autumn and Spring).
Note: The academic qualifications required to practice law include successfully completing a tertiary academic course in Australia with a duration of at least three years' full-time study of law.
Full time, on campus
Part time, on campus
Admission requirements
Admission requirements
To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Applicants must have one of the following:
- Completed Australian doctorate, or overseas equivalent
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 4.5/7
OR
- Completed Australian graduate certificate or Australian graduate diploma, or overseas equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 5/7
OR
- Completed Australian bachelor's degree or Australian master’s degree, or overseas equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 4.1/7 AND Capacity to study the course demonstrated through relevant professional experience
The qualification must be in a field of study other than law or, if the qualification is in a legal field of study, it shall not be an academic qualification for legal practice.
Applicants who have completed the UTS Master of Intellectual Property are not eligible for admission in this course.
Applicants who do not meet the criteria above should consider applying for C04264 Master of Legal Studies or C11264 Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies.
Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application
For applicants who need to demonstrate capacity to pursue this course:
- Curriculum Vitae AND Statement of service in one of the following formats:
- A 'Statement of Service' provided by the employer
- A completed 'UTS statement of service’ signed by the employer
- A statutory declaration confirming work experience (for Australian Residents only)
- An official letter from the applicant’s accountant or solicitor on their company letterhead confirming the applicant’s work experience or engagement with the business, duration of operations, and the nature of the business
- A business certificate of registration in original language and English (e.g. provision of ASIC documentation or ABN or similar documentation for Australian Businesses)
- Personal statement outlining relevant professional experience and reasons to pursue this course
- Relevant work-related references
For Applicants seeking credit recognition for core law subjects in overseas legal qualification
- Written assessment from the NSW Legal Profession Admissions Board (LPAB) indicating which subjects need to be completed to meet the requirements for admission as a Legal Practitioner
The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0; or TOEFL iBT: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21; or AE5: Pass; or PTE: 58-64 with a writing score of 50; or C1A/C2P: 176-184 with a writing score of 169.
Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.
International studentsVisa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
If you don't meet the admission requirements for this course, there may be alternative pathways to help you gain admission.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential to the successful completion of a course. For more information about inherent requirements and where prospective and current students can get assistance and advice regarding these, see the UTS Inherent requirements page.
Prospective and current students should carefully read the Inherent Requirements Statement below and consider whether they might experience challenges in successfully completing this course.
UTS will make reasonable adjustments to teaching and learning, assessment, professional experiences, course related work experience and other course activities to facilitate maximum participation by students with disabilities, carer responsibilities, and religious or cultural obligations in their courses.
For course specific information see the Faculty of Law Inherent (Essential) Requirements Statement.
Recognition of prior learning
Students who successfully complete the Juris Doctor at UTS and have completed Master of Laws (C04143) equivalent subjects within the Juris Doctor, may apply for these subjects to be credited towards the Master of Laws (C04143).
Students who successfully complete Master of International Commercial and Business Law (C04432) or the Master of International Commercial and Business Law Master of Business Administration (C04433) may apply for 24cp of elective credit to be applied to the Juris Doctor (C04236), the Master of Legal Studies (C04264), or Master of Laws (C04143).
General and course-specific recognition of prior learning information regarding the Juris Doctor is available at postgraduate course information.
Articulation with UTS courses
Subjects undertaken within the Juris Doctor are recognised within the Master of Legal Studies (C04264) and the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies (C07122). Students enrolled in the Juris Doctor may apply to internally transfer to the master's or graduate diploma. Candidates are not awarded the Juris Doctor but subjects undertaken are applied towards the master's or graduate diploma.
Scholarships and prizes
Scholarships
For Juris Doctor students
For Law students
- ARC Linkage Project in digital-twin driven prognostics for the mining industry
- Crescent Leadership Scholarship
- Ericsson Technology Scholarship
- International Research Training Program Scholarship (IRTP)
- Mentoring of Women in Engineering and IT Scholarship
- Quantum photonics based on single photon emitters
- RACE for 2030 CRC Industry PhD Scholarship
- Rosemary Johnston HDR Scholarship
- Telstra Enterprise Certitude Scholarship
- Thrive: Next Generation Graduates - PhD – Social Science and Policy
- UTS Diploma to Degree Pathway Scholarship
- UTS Housing Resident Networker Scholarship
- UTS Scholarship for European Undergraduate Students
- UTS Undergraduate Tuition Fee Scholarship
- UTS-Vietnam Government Project 89 PhD Scholarship
- Wikipedia and Australian history and events
Only for international students
- Australia Awards Scholarships (Australian Government Scholarships)
- LATAM International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
- Postgraduate Academic Excellence International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Excellence International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship
- UTS Academic Merit International Scholarship – South Asia
- UTS Chinese Postgraduate Tuition Fee Scholarship
- UTS MACC Postgraduate Scholarship
- UTS Onshore Postgraduate International Scholarship
- UTS Study Abroad Excellence Scholarship
- UTS Vice-Chancellor’s International Postgraduate Coursework Scholarship
For all domestic students
Only for Aboriginal Australian or Torres Strait Islander students
Prizes and awards
For Law students
- AJ Park Prize
- Allens Prize
- Aqua Nine and DeAúrora UTS Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- Ashurst Litigation Prize
- Australian Insurance Law Association Prize
- Banking Law Prize
- Blackstone Waterhouse Prize
- Business Deans Merit List (Postgraduate)
- City of Sydney Law Society Practical Legal Training Award
- Clyde & Co Prize
- CommBank & Telstra UTS Best Venture Prize
- Competition Law Prize
- Dame Mary Gilmore Memorial Prize in Journalism
- David & Catherine Barker Mooting Prize
- David Toolan Memorial Prize
- Engineering (Management) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Engineering (Technical) Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- Ernst & Young Prize
- Fragar Prize in Environmental Planning and Development Law
- Gareth Ivory Memorial Prize in Journalism
- Guy Morrison Prize for Excellence
- Harmers Workplace Lawyers Prize for Employment Law
- Harmers Workplace Lawyers Prize for Labour Law
- Henry Davis York Prize
- Henry Davis York Prize
- Industrial Relations Society of NSW Prize for Excellence in Industrial Relations Undergraduate Study
- Information Technology Postgraduate Achievement Prize
- King & Wood Mallesons Award
- Lance Jolly Prize
- Law Partners Personal Injury Lawyers Prize
- Law Society of New South Wales Prize
- Legal Futures & Technology Major Law Prize
- Maurice Blackburn Prize
- MinterEllison Prize
- New South Wales Bar Association Prize
- Norton Rose Fulbright Prize
- Orthoptics Australia Prize
- Peter Egri Memorial Prize
- Pharmaceutical Defence Limited Prize
- Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Prize for Excellence in Pharmacy
- Philippa Williams Ethics and Justice Prize
- PMI Project Management Prize
- Robert Greenwood QC Memorial Prize
- SHPA NSW Branch Prize for Excellence in Clinical Practice
- Sir Owen Dixon Chambers Prize
- Sydney Mechanics’ School of Arts Award for Achievement in Adult Education
- Teachers Mutual Bank Rural Student Placement Prize
- The BioCeuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Carla Zampatti Foundation Design Award
- The Complementary Medicine Group (CMG) for Good Manufacturing Practice Prize
- The Hon Michael Kirby – Voiceless Prize for Animal Law
- The Hon. Helen Sham-Ho Law Postgraduate Prize
- The Hon. Helen Sham-Ho Law Undergraduate Prize
- The iNova Pharmaceuticals Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Star Combo Pharma Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- The Webstercare Prize for Good Manufacturing Practice
- Thomson Reuters Prize for Advanced Commercial Law
- Thomson Reuters Prize for Media Law
- Trevor Buchner Design Prize
- UTS Anthology Writing Prize
- Veronica Pike Prize
- Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Regional Journalism Prize
- Zonta Club of Sydney Inc Prize for the Woman MBA Graduate of the Year
Professional recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW, provided students undertake a PLT program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice (C11232).
Download a course guide
UTS: Handbook
See the Juris Doctor in the UTS: Handbook for comprehensive course details.
Information for international students
Find out about support services, the Australian education system, accommodation and more to help you get the most out of your study at UTS.
Part of The Faculty of Law
