Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies

Admissions information

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• Course description arrow_forward_ios

  The Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies is for non-law graduates who require a solid grasp of legal and regulatory frameworks to excel in their career.

  This course is particularly useful if you work in professions such as human resources, accounting, auditing and compliance, business development, financial advising or property development.

  You will gain invaluable insights into how the law impacts your field, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and manage legal risks.

  You will study three core subjects across core areas of the Australian legal system, including Foundations of law, criminal law and constitutional law. You will then choose additional elective subjects, allowing you to specialise in areas of law that are relevant to your field of work or your interests. If you want to qualify as a lawyer, you can apply to transfer into the Juris Doctor program at UTS Law upon completion of three core subjects, and completed subjects will be applied towards the Juris Doctor.

  You will learn from experienced academics, practitioners and industry experts. You will enjoy a flexible learning environment that allows you to balance work or other commitments with subjects offered in a variety of delivery modes, including collaborative face-to-face seminars, online, evening classes and intensives. As a valued member of our postgraduate community, you will have access to a range of facilities, including our exclusive UTS Law postgraduate student lounge that provides a dedicated study and relaxation space for our postgraduate students.

  The Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies will complement your current professional capabilities with legal knowledge that will empower you to make informed decisions and provide a competitive edge in your field.

  Course content includes ethics, criminal and tort law. Students can also use their elective choices to build specialist legal expertise in areas such as compliance and intellectual property law.

• Important dates arrow_forward_ios

  Find out more about application dates relating to this course

• Scholarships and prizes arrow_forward_ios

  Discover our scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and research students. Our scholarships celebrate diversity and academic excellence. Use the scholarship search tool to find the right scholarship for you.

  Scholarships for domestic students

  Scholarships for international students

• Course duration arrow_forward_ios

  The course can be completed in a minimum of one year of full-time or two years of part-time study. Subjects may also be available in Summer session, allowing accelerated progression.

  The course is offered in a variety of attendance patterns, including intensive block attendance and weekly on-campus evening classes.

• Admission requirements arrow_forward_ios

  To be eligible for admission to this course, applicants must meet the following criteria.

  Applicants must have the following:

  • Completed Australian bachelor's degree, or higher qualification, or overseas equivalent

  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 do not meet the criteria above should consider applying for C11264 Graduate Certificate in Legal Studies.

  Supporting documentation to be submitted with the application

  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.

  Eligibility for admission does not guarantee offer of a place.

• International course fees arrow_forward_ios

  2025 Indicative tuition fees for international students 

  • Indicative First-Year tuition fee: $49,990.00
  • Indicative Total tuition fee:  $49,990.00 

  As an international student, it’s important to know that, in addition to tuition fees, you need to have enough funds to cover your living expenses, training and professional development while studying in Australia. These costs can vary for each person, so careful planning is essential. The Department of Home Affairs requires you to show that you can cover these living costs. You may also want to look into scholarship opportunities to help support your studies.

  Important details 

  • All amounts shown are in Australian Dollars (AUD).
  • At UTS 48 credit points is one Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFTSL).
  • Unless otherwise noted, the indicative total tuition fee shown above assumes a study load of 1EFSTL, except for courses with a duration of less than 1 EFSTL.  
  • Your actual fees depend on your area of study, the number of credit points you enrol in for each session, and the subjects you choose. You can use the online calculator for a more detailed estimate.
  • The university reviews fee amounts each year and approved fees for the following year are published on the website.
  • The total tuition fee shown includes an estimate of annual fee increases for your course duration. While we strive for accuracy, these figures are meant to be a reference only.

  Essential resources

  As an international student, it's important to familiarise yourself with the following resources: 

  Protocol on Refund of Fees: This document contains information about fee refunds for international students.

  Tuition Protection Service: This service is designed to ensure that you receive the tuition you have paid for. 

  Additional fees for international students 

  • As an international student, you must have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to obtain a student visa. You can find the cost and get a quote on the OSHC page or by visiting the Medibank website.  
  • In addition to your tuition fees, you may need to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). This fee supports services and activities that enhance your student experience. 
  • Keep in mind that buying textbooks and other course materials can add extra costs. Check out the Australian Government’s Study Australia cost of living guide for information on accommodation and living expenses in Sydney. 

  Alumni Advantage Program 

  As a UTS graduate, you can enjoy a 10% discount on your course fees. Just apply for the course you're interested in, and if you're accepted, the discount will automatically be applied to your enrolment invoice. Learn more about the Alumni Advantage Program. 
   
  If you have any questions about course fees, please feel free to make an enquiry.

• Inherent requirements arrow_forward_ios

  Inherent requirements are academic and non-academic requirements that are essential for successfully completing a course at UTS. You can find the inherent requirements for your course via the inherent requirements directory.

• Recognition of prior learning arrow_forward_ios

  General and course-specific recognition of prior learning information regarding the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies is available at postgraduate course information.

• Transfer between UTS courses arrow_forward_ios

  Subjects undertaken within the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies are recognised within the Master of Legal Studies (C04264). Students enrolled in the graduate diploma may apply to internally transfer to the master's. Candidates are not awarded the graduate diploma but subjects undertaken are applied towards the master's.

  Subjects undertaken within the Juris Doctor (C04236) are recognised within the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies. Students enrolled in the Juris Doctor may apply to internally transfer to the graduate diploma. Candidates are not awarded the Juris Doctor but subjects undertaken are applied towards the graduate diploma.

  Students who successfully complete three core subjects in the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies may apply to internally transfer to the Juris Doctor (C04236). Candidates are not awarded the graduate diploma, but completed subjects are applied towards the Juris Doctor (C04236).