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Juris Doctor Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice

Fast-track your future with the only university degree in Sydney that can see you graduate practice-ready in just three years.

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.

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Domestic student

You are a domestic student if you are: 

  • an Australian citizen 
  • an Australian permanent resident. 
  • a New Zealand citizen.
Apply online How to apply
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International student

You are an international student if you are not: 

  • an Australian citizen 
  • an Australian permanent resident 
  • a New Zealand citizen. 
How to apply International pathways

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.

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Part of the Faculty of Law.

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

View important dates

COURSE FEES

Indicative total tuition fee for government-supported domestic students
$61,488.93

Indicative total tuition fee for domestic students
$155,756.61

More on fees

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

  • Core subjects

    Subject Code Subject Name
    70102
    Foundations of Law
    70114
    Criminal Law and Procedure
    70311
    Torts
    70211
    Contracts
    70103
    Ethics Law and Justice
    70104
    Civil Practice
    70327
    Introduction to Property and Commercial Law
    70317
    Real Property
    71116
    Remedies
    70106
    Principles of Public International Law
    70109
    Evidence
    70517
    Equity and Trusts
    70617
    Administrative Law
    70107
    Principles of Company Law
    70616
    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.

  1. 15
    core JD subjects
  2. 5
    JD optional subjects
  3. 1
    Legal Theory subject
  4. 4
    core Practice subjects
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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

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

Upcoming events

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UTS campus tours

On-demand

UTS Tower - Building 1 Foyer

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Juris Doctor and Legal Studies info session

Tue 6 May 2025

6.00PM - 7.00PM Australia/Sydney (1 hour)

Online

Free admission

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Migration Law info session

Thu 8 May 2025

6.00PM - 7.00PM Australia/Sydney (1 hour)

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Practical Legal Training (PLT) Information Session

Tue 15 Apr 2025 - Wed 14 May 2025

12.00PM - 1.00PM Australia/Sydney (1 hour)

City campus CB02 Building 2 CB02.14.130 or Online

Free admission

Learn more

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