Adelaide University
Master of Laws
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 12 months
- Course Type: Master's
Advance your knowledge of legal rights, advocate for your passions and establish your place within the evolving legal landscape.
Course overview
Explore the challenging and rewarding world of law and gain a competitive edge in your career. Advance your knowledge and become a specialist, ready to advise and lead in legal settings within Australia and internationally. Develop deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth in this Master of Laws. You will have the knowledge to succeed, connect with others and build an international portfolio. Stand out in the competitive world of law.
Enhance your skills and gain in-depth expert knowledge across a range of specialisations. Tailor this program to your individual needs, building a desirable skillset for a range of careers. Build a broad professional network including legal professionals, judges and international academics. Gain valuable insights through collaboration with top universities.
Lay the foundation for an international career by creating a global legal network. Become an expert with specialised legal skills and knowledge needed for policy development, compliance and legal practice. Graduate ready to follow your passions and excel in your chosen field.
Key facts
What you will study
Students must complete 48 units comprising:
- Six units for all core courses.
- Zero to 18 units from discipline courses.
- 24 to 42 units for electives.
Unless otherwise indicated, each course is worth six units.
Core courses
Complete six units for all of the following:
- Introduction to Australian Law
Discipline courses
Complete zero to 18 units from the following:
- Dissertation (PG) (12 units)
- Law Research Project (PG)
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- A completed Bachelor of Laws (Honours) (or equivalent); OR
- A completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent), plus a completed Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice; OR
- A completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent), plus substantial professional experience within the profession; OR
- A completed Bachelor of Laws (or equivalent), plus substantial research experience within the profession.
Substantial professional experience is considered to be at least two years of practice as either a barrister or a solicitor. Substantial research experience is the ability to demonstrate knowledge of the underlying principles in law at an advanced level and would include the demonstration of cognitive, technical and communication skills and methods associated with the discipline.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Your previous studies can be credited towards your postgraduate studies, provided they meet the relevant course requirements.
If you receive an offer of enrolment and you’ve undertaken prior learning, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. The procedure is governed by the university's Recognition of Prior Learning policy. Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Career outcomes
A Master of Laws can give you a deeper understanding of the law and open opportunities in both traditional legal roles and more specialised or global positions.
You might stand up for people’s rights around the world, working with organisations like Amnesty International or the United Nations. Perhaps you’ll join the world of global business, helping companies navigate the complex rules of international trade.
Other potential careers you may consider include:
- Jury Consultant
- Lawyer
- Solicitor
- Barrister
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative annual fee in 2026: $42,000 (domestic full-fee paying place).
All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of 48 units (normally eight courses) per year.
A student’s annual fee may vary in accordance with:
- The number of courses studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of courses.
- Credit from previous study or work experience.
- Eligibility for government-funded loans.
You may also need to pay the student services and amenities fee.
Student fees shown are subject to change. Contact the university directly to confirm.
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.