University of Melbourne
Graduate Diploma in Government Law
- Delivery: Face to Face
- Study Level: Postgraduate
- Duration: 6 months
- Course Type: Graduate Diploma
Designed to provide you with expertise in matters that lie at the cutting edge of government law in Australia and elsewhere.
Course overview
As a student taking the Graduate Diploma in Government Law, you’ll gain an advanced understanding of the framework of law and practice in which government operates, which includes not only constitutional and administrative law but also a host of particular legal regimes that apply to government actors. This constantly changing branch of the law lends itself to comparison between countries, allowing you to understand the different ways of tackling problems and how to draw lessons from them.
This program is available for both law and non-law graduates and the flexible structure makes it ideal for working professionals looking to immerse themselves in this dynamic branch of the law.
The Graduate Diploma in Government Law is part of the world-renowned Melbourne Law Masters program.
Key facts
June, 2026
July, 2026
August, 2026
December, 2026
What you will study
Students must complete 50 credit points of study from the prescribed list of subjects below. Each subject is valued at 12.5 credit points.
Students who do not have a law degree from a common law jurisdiction or any prior legal studies or experience are also expected to complete the two-day preliminary subject Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions.
This introductory subject is compulsory for graduate diploma students with no previous training in law. It is highly recommended for international students who do not have a degree from a common law jurisdiction. Students are advised to attend Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions prior to undertaking any other subject.
- Australian Legal Process and Legal Institutions (zero credit points)
Entry requirements
To be considered for entry into this course, you must have completed one of the following:
- Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) (AQF7) or a Juris Doctor (JD) (AQF9) leading to admission to legal practice with a weighted average mark (WAM) of 70%, or equivalent.
- Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) (AQF7) or a Juris Doctor (JD) (AQF9) or equivalent, leading to admission to legal practice and one year of documented relevant experience.
- Bachelor's degree (AQF7) or equivalent in a cognate (relevant) discipline and one year of documented relevant experience.
Cognate (relevant) disciplines include: Public policy, politics.
Relevant experience for this course may include legal roles such as a lawyer, solicitor, advocate, attorney, counsel, barrister, magistrate, or judge's associate or roles within federal, state or local government or a regulatory body.
English language requirements
All applicants to the University of Melbourne must satisfy the English language requirements. This may be achieved in a number of ways, including a recognised previous study taught and assessed entirely in English or an approved English language test.
Contact the university or visit its website for more information.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior studies may be credited towards your degree and potentially reduce the duration of your course. This is known as Advanced Standing (also known as credit or recognition of prior learning). Contact the university for more details.
Outcomes
Learning outcomes
As a student in the Graduate Diploma of Government Law, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the complex body of knowledge in the field of government law, including the acquisition and application of knowledge and skills in relation to:
- The legal and institutional framework for the Australian government in theory and practice.
- An analysis and resolution of the complex problems of government law.
- A range of alternative approaches to government law in other countries and systems and the methodology of comparative public law.
- The context within which government law operates and the sensitivities peculiar to it.
- You’ll also develop skills in critical analysis and the ability to interpret and transmit your ideas to specialist and non-specialist audiences, including clients.
Fees and FEE-HELP
Indicative first-year and total course fee in 2026: $24,992 (domestic full-fee paying place)
The indicative fee shown is based on a full-time study load of 50 credit points (four subjects).
Student fees may vary in accordance with:
- The number of subjects studied per term.
- The choice of major or specialisation.
- Choice of subjects.
- 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.