Study Law at UTS
The UTS Juris Doctor (JD) Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice, also known as JD Accelerate, is a groundbreaking postgraduate degree that integrates Practical Legal Training (PLT), meaning you can graduate ready to practise law in NSW in just three years. Like the standard Juris Doctor, this course is an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9 master's degree that builds knowledge and experience in fundamental legal theory.
Throughout this program, you’ll be exposed to the latest industry perspectives, build your knowledge of fundamental theory and acquire critical hands-on skills through your practical work placement. As a graduate, you’ll be uniquely qualified and ready to launch a thrilling career as a professional lawyer.
As an Australian student, you have the chance to apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place for this course. Find out if you meet the criteria and learn the steps to apply.
Accepted changes and made amendments to bring this in line with word count.
Part of the Faculty of Law.
EXPLORE
Juris Doctor Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice
CODE
UTS: C04320 (version 2)
CRICOS: 092803C
DURATION
3 years full time
5 years part time
INTAKE
Autumn Session 2025
Spring Session 2025
Autumn Session 2026
Spring Session 2026
COURSE FEES
Indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students
$61,488.93
Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students
$155,756.61
LOCATION
City campus
What you’ll study
Flexible and customisable, this degree is designed to be completed at the time, place and pace that suits you. You’ll build solid foundational knowledge through your JD Core stream, where you'll learn everything from torts to constitutional law.
You’ll then specialise your learning through your choice of Options and Legal Theory subjects. Core practical studies, including a 13-week work placement, will see you contextualise your learning in a professional law environment, rounding out your educational journey and preparing you to commence your career as a registered lawyer.
Subjects at a glance
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Core subjects
Subject Code Subject Name 70102 Foundations of Law70114 Criminal Law and Procedure70311 Torts70211 Contracts70103 Ethics Law and Justice70104 Civil Practice70327 Introduction to Property and Commercial Law70317 Real Property71116 Remedies70106 Principles of Public International Law70109 Evidence70517 Equity and Trusts70617 Administrative Law70107 Principles of Company Law70616 Australian Constitutional Law
Typical course program
The outline below shows an example program for the Juris Doctor Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice based on a full-time study load. Please note that your program may differ based on your unique circumstances, such as commencement date, subject selections and recognition of prior learning. Optional subjects are regularly offered but may not be available in every session.
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- 15
- core JD subjects
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- 5
- JD optional subjects
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- 1
- Legal Theory subject
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- 4
- core Practice subjects
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First year
You'll kick-start your accelerated study program by completing a range of core JD subjects. You'll learn about criminal law, contracts, constitutional law and ethics, developing a broad foundational knowledge of Australian law and its applications. -
Second year
You’ll continue completing core subjects and start to build specialised legal expertise. You’ll study specific, practical areas such as property, international and real estate law and begin focusing your learning through your Optional and Legal Theory selections. -
Third year
Your final year will see you finish any remaining core, Optional or Legal Theory subjects. You’ll then undertake your core practical subjects, gathering vital professional skills before undertaking your hands-on 13-week work placement.
Course highlights
This course is designed to help you establish an advanced body of legal knowledge encompassing the Australian legal system, ethical practice and international perspectives. You’ll get the chance to learn to research, evaluate, design and deliver advice and advocacy in a range of settings relevant to the legal profession.
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Industry accreditation
This course is accredited by the Legal Profession Admission Board (LPAB) of the Supreme Court of NSW. The course satisfies both the academic and practical legal training requirements for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW.
Admissions information
Admissions information
Find more Law courses
Entry schemes and pathways
Recognition of prior learning (RPL)
At UTS, we understand the dedication it takes to reach your current position – forging a path through prior study, work, and diverse learning experiences.
Jumbunna Admissions Program
If you're Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Jumbunna is an alternative application process for our courses that emphasises diverse pathways to success.
UTS College
Transition smoothly to UTS with UTS College. Explore our programs now.
Changing from another postgraduate course
You can apply for our courses using your previous study. You may even be eligible for recognition of prior learning, so you won’t need to repeat subjects.
Careers
Your future career
As a UTS Juris Doctorate Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice graduate, you’ll have the required academic and hands-on experience you need to become a practising lawyer in NSW. You’ll be equipped with a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of Australian law theory and practice and the skills required to apply these in real legal settings.
With the experience and expertise you foster through your specialised studies, you’ll be a well-rounded law professional ready to launch your lucrative future career in your chosen area of expertise.
Career options
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Where you’ll study
Our world-class facilities support your future-focused learning and high-impact research. They enable effective partnerships with industry and provide services to our community.
Why UTS?
Why study Law at UTS
With a Law degree at UTS you'll gain work-ready skills and learn how to ethically use law and new technologies to create positive social change.
Employers value our graduates for their problem-solving, collaborative skills and lateral thinking. Our degrees are flexible, with content developed in consultation with industry. We offer practical learning opportunities, including in-house legal counsel, legal centres and firms, and summer clerkship programs.
Top 10
#9 university in Australia.
Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings 2025
#8
in Australia for Law.
Times Higher Education subject rankings 2025
#7
in Australia for most employable graduates.
Times Higher Education graduate employability rankings 2025
Make an enquiry
Considering studying at UTS? Connect with our team to explore your study options, the application process, and discuss any other questions you may have.
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