Master of Laws

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.

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

Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements.

Credit may be granted for formal, informal and non-formal learning, with guidance on eligibility provided to prospective students in a clear, transparent and publicly available credit framework.

Credit determinations will be:

• Evidence-based, equitable and transparent.
• Academically sound.
• Applied consistently, fairly and subject to review.

Credit will be granted for prior learning that is relevant and equivalent to the learning required for the courses for which credit is sought.

Credit will only be granted if it:

• Maintains the credibility and integrity of the program for which credit is sought.
• Does not contravene the conditions of the program’s professional accreditation.
• Does not disadvantage the student’s ability to achieve the expected course or program learning outcomes.

For more information, contact the university or visit its website.

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)

Fee-paying programs require the full tuition fees for your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. Where the duration of the program is less than one year, the total cost of the program is displayed.

A student’s fee may vary depending on:

• 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.