University of Canberra

Graduate Diploma in Law

  • Delivery: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate
  • Duration: 16 months
  • Course Type: Graduate Diploma

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Download your course guide and connect with a university advisor to explore:

  • Course structure
  • Learning outcomes
  • Fees
  • Entry requirements

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Course overview

The law is a fundamental part of our society, from the rules that govern us to the rights that protect us. With an online Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, you can learn the legal fundamentals, advocacy skills and practical problem-solving strategies for a changing world.

When you’re equipped with the right legal skills and you’ve developed diverse and inclusive advocacy abilities, you can do more for those who need your help.

Study foundational legal units, understand legal fundamentals, develop practical dispute resolution skills, study online around your life and work and experience support at every stage.

Key facts

Delivery
Online
Course Type
Graduate Diploma
Duration
16 months (Part time)
Price Per Unit
From $4,250
More Information
The estimated per-unit fee is calculated using the annual average first-year fee. It is based on a part-time study load of eight units.
Intake
11th May, 2026
6th July, 2026
31st August, 2026
26th October, 2026
Units
8
Fees
More Information
FEE-HELP loans are available to assist eligible full-fee paying domestic students with the cost of a university course.
FEE-HELP

What you will study

The Graduate Diploma in Law comprises eight units – two foundation units and six electives of your choice. Each unit duration is seven weeks. The University of Canberra advises a minimum of 15 to 20 hours of online study per week.

Foundation

Complete the following units:

  • Legal Methods and Skills
  • Legal Systems

Electives

Complete two units from the following:

  • Dispute Management
  • Evidence Law
  • Lawyers and Professional Responsibility
  • Contract Law
  • Torts Law
  • Criminal Law and Procedure
  • Constitutional Law
  • Corporations Law
  • Property Law
  • Administrative Law
  • Equity and Trusts Law
  • Civil Procedure
  • Legal Theory
  • International Law
  • Advanced Legal Research and Writing Skills
  • Law, Innovation and Technologies
  • Law Reform and Social Change
  • Human Rights Law
  • Workplace Law in Context
  • Intellectual Property Law
  • Negotiation

Entry requirements

To be eligible for the Graduate Diploma in Law, applicants must have an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in any non-law discipline, with a GPA of at least 5/7.

English language requirements

You can demonstrate your proficiency in a number of ways, including through an approved English language test or recognised past study taught and assessed in English.

The Graduate Diploma in Law requires an overall IELTS Academic score (or equivalent) of 6.5, with no band score below 6.0.

Contact the university or visit its website for more information.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Your previous studies can be acknowledged as credit towards your postgraduate studies, provided that 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

Learning outcomes

  • Legal fundamentals - Gain the foundations in legal studies to develop diverse and inclusive advocacy abilities and legal skills, while understanding the theory and history of law.
  • Problem prevention and problem solving - Learn practical legal problem-solving and dispute resolution skills, including evaluating responses to legal issues and solutions to legal problems.
  • Manage new worlds of technology, business and justice - Discover how the law engages with and shapes disruptive technologies and understand the profession's broader social and economic contexts.

Career outcomes

With a Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of Canberra, you will be building your legal knowledge to apply in a variety of work settings. If you continue to study the Juris Doctor, your career options include working as a:

  • Solicitor
  • Legal counsel
  • Workplace relations consultant
  • Family lawyer
  • Legal case manager

Fees and FEE-HELP

Indicative cost per unit in 2026: $4,250 (domestic full-fee paying place)

Indicative total course cost in 2026: $34,000 (domestic full-fee paying place)

All costs are calculated using current rates and are based on a study load of eight units.

Student fees may vary in accordance with:

  • The number of units studied per term.
  • The choice of major or specialisation.
  • Choice of units.
  • 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.