Postgraduate

Juris Doctor (JD)

The Juris Doctor gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to have a long and successful career in law.
3
Years Full Time
Course Details Careers & further study Fees & Scholarships Admission requirements How to apply Contact us Enquire Apply

Contact us

Address

Student Central

The University of Western Australia (M355), 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Western Australia 6009

Telephone

131 UWA (131 892)

International

(+61 8) 6488 1000

Email

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Book an online consultation

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways

Although the practice of law (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel or judge) is the most common career progression for law graduates, the JD also equips you to head into other areas such as politics, international relations, leadership positions and legal publishing.

Career Pathways

Although the practice of law (lawyer, solicitor, barrister, in-house counsel or judge) is the most common career progression for law graduates, the JD also equips you to head into other areas such as politics, international relations, leadership positions and legal publishing.

Further Study

Following the JD, you can choose to study a more specialised and advanced law degree. At UWA you can undertake further study in Law, Commercial and Resources Law, International Law, Taxation Law, International Commercial Law, Mining and Energy Law and Chinese Business Law. Or, if you would like to pursue a research dissertation, you could enrol in the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Laws or another of UWA's research degrees.

Further Study

Following the JD, you can choose to study a more specialised and advanced law degree. At UWA you can undertake further study in Law, Commercial and Resources Law, International Law, Taxation Law, International Commercial Law, Mining and Energy Law and Chinese Business Law. Or, if you would like to pursue a research dissertation, you could enrol in the Doctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of Laws or another of UWA's research degrees.

Fees and scholarships

Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course.

Domestic Student Fees

For Commonwealth-supported places, student contribution amounts are charged by unit, based on area of study. For a fee estimate, go to the Fee Calculator and select “I want to price my units”. Fees are subject to annual indexation. Refer to the Handbook to identify the units required. More information on how fees are calculated.

Fee calculator

Domestic Student Fees for Full-Fee Paying Places

If you're not eligible for a Commonwealth-supported places, you will be charged a for Full-Fee Paying place. For Full-Fee Paying places, students are charged an annual course fee, charged per credit point at a rate dependent on the course in which the student is enrolled. Annual course fees are calculated based on an annual study load.

Check the handbook to confirm the annual study load for your course. Visit the Fee Calculator and select your course type to find out more. Fees are subject to annual indexation. More information on how fees are calculated.

Domestic Student Fees for Full-Fee Paying Places

Juris Doctor fee categories explained

A number of different fee categories exist for the Juris Doctor. The UWA Juris Doctor Bursary is also available for eligible fee-paying students. Find out more about your fee category eligibility. 
View full details

Juris Doctor fee categories explained

 

1. Australian Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) 


What is it?     
High-achieving students who are awarded a UWA Juris Doctor Assured Pathway Place will be automatically allocated a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).  A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) reduces the overall tuition fees payable by the student (student contribution) through a monetary contribution made by the Australian government (Commonwealth Support). 

CSP places may not be deferred. Students who choose to defer their studies will go back into the pool for allocation of a CSP.

Who is eligible? 
For 2026 commencement, Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) will be offered to all Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand citizens with a Juris Doctor Selection Grade Point Average (sGPA) of 5.70 or above.

Students with an Assured Pathway to the Juris Doctor will automatically be awarded a CSP.

What will I be charged?
Students with a CSP will be charged a Student Contribution based on the units they enrol in. Information on individual unit fees can be found on the Fee Calculator


2. Australian Fee-paying Places 

What is it?     
Students who receive an Australian domestic fee-paying place will be charged the full course fee. Domestic fee-paying places in the Juris Doctor may be deferred for 12 months. Australian citizens are eligible for FEE-HELP, a Government loan scheme which allows most of the course fees to be deferred.

Who is eligible? 
Australian citizens, permanent residents of Australia and New Zealand citizens are eligible for an Australian domestic fee-paying place. Eligible applicants with a sGPA of 5.5 to 5.69 will receive an offer for a domestic fee-paying place.

What will I be charged?
The Domestic Fee-paying rates for the Juris Doctor can be found on the Fee Calculator

3. Australian Fee Places with UWA Juris Doctor Bursary 


What is it? 
The UWA Juris Doctor Bursary will provide financial support to students who are offered a domestic fee-paying place in the Juris Doctor. Eligible students will be awarded a fee reduction of up to $5,000 p.a.* (maximum $15,000 over the duration of the course). 

Juris Doctor Bursary places may not be deferred. Students who choose to defer their studies will go back into the pool for allocation of a Juris Doctor Bursary at a later date. 

Who is eligible?
Domestic students who meet all entry requirements for the Juris Doctor; and students who have been offered a domestic fee-paying place in the Juris Doctor (students offered a Commonwealth Supported Place are not eligible for the Bursary); and students who have not previously commenced and not completed the Juris Doctor at UWA. The UWA Juris Doctor Bursary will be awarded by a Selection Committee in January based on academic, equity and access considerations.

Find out about the UWA Juris Doctor Bursary Terms and Conditions 

What will I be charged?
The annual fee for an Australian Fee Place will be reduced by $5,000 when the Juris Doctor Bursary is awarded.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available to students from a diverse range of backgrounds, including academic achievement, financial need, educational disadvantage, leadership and community service, artistic or sporting achievements, and being from a rural or remote area.

Search Scholarships

Cost of living

There are a few things to consider before applying to study at university. One could be your cost of living. This can depend on factors such as lifestyle, accommodation, tuition fees, medical insurance, textbooks and more. For an indication of expenses and average costs, see our Cost of living page.

Cost of living

Admission requirements

If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and;
(b) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.5*.
(2) To be considered for admission to this course an Indigenous applicant must have—
(a) met the general admission requirements under 4.(1);
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree via the UWA Indigenous Direct Pathway; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0*;
or
(c)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) a School of Indigenous Studies' Law Admission Test and interview
(3) To be considered for admission to this course via the Equity and Diversity Pathway an applicant must have—
(a)
(i) held a protection, refugee or humanitarian visa within seven years prior to applying for admission to this course; or
(ii) experienced significant personal, medical, social, educational, cultural or financial disadvantage or hardship, including any disadvantage or hardship resulting from an applicant's sexual orientation or gender identity that has had an effect on their prior academic studies;
and
(b) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(c) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0.
(4) To be considered for admission to this course via the alternative experience pathway an applicant must have—
(a)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iii) completed the equivalent of one year full time in a UWA undergraduate course with a minimum GPA of 5.5 undertaken within the past two years;
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0; and
(iii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iv) personal statement; and
(v) interview.
To be considered for transfer to this course an applicant must—
(a) have been enrolled in a recognised Juris Doctor course at another Australian University; and
(b) have successfully completed at least one full semester (or equivalent part time study) in that Juris Doctor;
and
(c) have achieved the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent in that Juris Doctor course.
*All completed tertiary studies will be used when calculating the WAM and GPA.

Admission Requirements

(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and;
(b) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.5*.
(2) To be considered for admission to this course an Indigenous applicant must have—
(a) met the general admission requirements under 4.(1);
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree via the UWA Indigenous Direct Pathway; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0*;
or
(c)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) a School of Indigenous Studies' Law Admission Test and interview
(3) To be considered for admission to this course via the Equity and Diversity Pathway an applicant must have—
(a)
(i) held a protection, refugee or humanitarian visa within seven years prior to applying for admission to this course; or
(ii) experienced significant personal, medical, social, educational, cultural or financial disadvantage or hardship, including any disadvantage or hardship resulting from an applicant's sexual orientation or gender identity that has had an effect on their prior academic studies;
and
(b) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(c) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0.
(4) To be considered for admission to this course via the alternative experience pathway an applicant must have—
(a)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iii) completed the equivalent of one year full time in a UWA undergraduate course with a minimum GPA of 5.5 undertaken within the past two years;
or
(b)
(i) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.0; and
(iii) demonstrate competency for legal studies derived from a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience since completion of the undergraduate degree in (i); and
(iv) personal statement; and
(v) interview.
To be considered for transfer to this course an applicant must—
(a) have been enrolled in a recognised Juris Doctor course at another Australian University; and
(b) have successfully completed at least one full semester (or equivalent part time study) in that Juris Doctor;
and
(c) have achieved the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 60 per cent in that Juris Doctor course.
*All completed tertiary studies will be used when calculating the WAM and GPA.

2026 Selection GPA Calculation

GPA refers to your Grade Point Average, a simple numerical index that summarises academic performance in a course.

Your selection GPA for JD admission will be calculated on a maximum 7-point scale and is rounded to two decimal places. Where appropriate, your grades will be converted to this scale using approved guidelines.

If you have completed more than one degree qualification, your selection GPA will include all completed qualifications. Each qualification is weighted by standard full-time degree duration, as part of a combined selection GPA.
View full details

2026 Selection GPA Calculation

GPA refers to your Grade Point Average, a simple numerical index that summarises academic performance in a course.

Your selection GPA for JD admission will be calculated on a maximum 7-point scale and is rounded to two decimal places. Where appropriate, your grades will be converted to this scale using approved guidelines.

If you have completed more than one degree qualification, your selection GPA will include all completed qualifications. Each qualification is weighted by standard full-time degree duration, as part of a combined selection GPA.
Calculation of your selection GPA includes:
  • unit grades from all completed* University-level degrees, including fails
  • unit grades for any advanced standing that contributes toward your completed qualifications**
  • unit grades for non-exchange cross-institutional study
    • Calculation of your selection GPA does not include:
  • units studied as part of an incomplete degree, except where some or all units contribute advanced standing toward a completed degree
  • unit advanced standing based on vocational-level study (e.g. TAFE or vocational diploma)
  • ungraded passes (note that ungraded fails are included and counted as zero)
  • unit grades for formal overseas student exchange studies


    • *completed courses includes qualifications due to be complete prior to 31 December the year before admission. Applicants with incomplete qualifications may be issued a conditional offer subject to achieving the required selection GPA.
    ** a unit grade can only be used once within the selection GPA calculation and cannot be double-counted. This means that advanced standing is normally only included when advanced standing is based on units that are undertaken as part of incomplete degree studies.

    Selection GPA vs Course Transcript GPA

    Your selection GPA may differ from your course transcript GPA due to advanced standing or if you hold more than one completed degree or degrees from different institutions.

    Concession Scheme - Removal of four lowest grades

    If your selection GPA is below the requirement of 5.50, your selection GPA will be recalculated by removing the four lowest grades. The minimum level of study to be used to calculate your selection GPA is 12 units (1.5 FTE).

    Your selection GPA will not be recalculated if your selection GPA is above the requirement for the applicable admission pathway.

    Removal of the four lowest grades from the selection GPA will not alter fee category eligibility. Rankings for commonwealth-supported places will be based on the full selection GPA with all results included.

    Please note the Concession scheme will not be applied for the Alternative Experience pathway if the selection GPA is below 5.0.

    Weighting of degrees

    Your combined selection GPA is weighted according to the standard full-time duration of your completed degrees. Unit credit points are standardised across institutions based on equivalent full-time study load (EFTSL) completed in-degree. For example, if an applicant has completed:
  • UWA Bachelor's degree (3-year EFTSL, 144 credit points), with a course GPA of 5.50
  • UWA Graduate Diploma (1-year EFTSL, 48 credit points), with a course GPA of 6.00
    • Their GPA will be calculated as follows: 5.50 x 3 years EFTSL = 16.5
    6.00 x 1 year EFTSL = 6
    (weighted GPA 16.5 + 6 = 22.5) / (total EFTSL 3 + 1 = 4) = 5.625.

    The combined selection GPA would be 5.63 (rounded to two decimal places).

    Ph.D. or Master by Research degree calculation

    Applicants who hold a completed Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are automatically awarded a selection GPA of 7.00.
    Applicants who hold a Master by Research will have a bonus of 0.20 applied to the GPA calculation, however, the course itself will not be included in the GPA calculation.

    Ranking and Selection Process

    Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—
    (a) for indigenous applicants under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c):
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c);
    and
    (ii) the indigenous student quota of up to 20 per year;
    (b) for applicants in the Equity and Diversity Pathway:
    (i) the admission requirements under 4.(3) (a), (b) and (c); and
    (ii) the Equity and Diversity Pathway quota of 20 per year;
    or
    (c) for applicants who do not have a place in a Direct Pathway into this course and are not transferring from another Juris Doctor course:
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(1); and
    (ii) the intake quota for that year.

    Ranking and Selection Process

    Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—
    (a) for indigenous applicants under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c):
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(2) (b), or (c);
    and
    (ii) the indigenous student quota of up to 20 per year;
    (b) for applicants in the Equity and Diversity Pathway:
    (i) the admission requirements under 4.(3) (a), (b) and (c); and
    (ii) the Equity and Diversity Pathway quota of 20 per year;
    or
    (c) for applicants who do not have a place in a Direct Pathway into this course and are not transferring from another Juris Doctor course:
    (i) the admission requirements under Rule 4(1); and
    (ii) the intake quota for that year.

    APPLICATION

    Alternative Experience pathway

    Entry for 2026

    If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2026 and would like to apply for our Alternative Experience pathway, please apply to Admissions with your personal statement outlining which pathway you are applying for, your résumé and any other supporting documents as outlined in the admission requirements.

    Applications for the Alternative Experience pathway close on 15 November 2025.

     
    View full details
    APPLICATION

    Alternative Experience pathway

    This pathway requires a minimum of five years' unpaid or paid work, study or other experience, since completion of your undergraduate degree.

    Resume

    Please attach a resume outlining your professional and other relevant experience, including details on each employment or other position (dates, tasks performed).

    Personal statement

    Please attach a statement setting out the unpaid or paid work, study and/or other experience you have undertaken since completing your undergraduate degree that demonstrates your competency to study in the JD course. The statement should not exceed 1000 words.

    Skills that demonstrate competency to undertake JD studies include:

    • Intellectual rigour
    • Time management
    • Self-management and self-reflection
    • Learning and achievement through service activities
    • Understanding and experience of collaborative learning
    • Reading skills
    • Writing skills
    • Analytical skills
    • Critical thinking skills
    • Communication skills
    • Accepting and responding to feedback
    • Understanding the importance of and a demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning
    • Emotional intelligence

    Process and timeline

    Applications are assessed by the UWA Law School after the pathway applications close on 15 November 2025. This pathway includes an interview component, scheduled for mid to late November 2025.
    ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    English competency

    English is the language of instruction and assessment at UWA and you will need to meet the English language requirements of the University to be eligible for a place.

    This course has higher ELC requirements. Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.5 and no band less than 7.0. For more information visit ELC requirements.

    ADMISSION REQUIREMENT

    English competency

    APPLICATION

    Equity and Diversity pathway

    Entry for 2026

    If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2026 and would like to apply for our Equity and Diversity pathway, please apply to Admissions with your personal statement outlining which pathway you are applying for and any other supporting documents as outlined in the admission requirements.

    Applications for the Equity and Diversity pathway close on 15 November 2025.

     
    View full details
    APPLICATION

    Equity and Diversity pathway

    Personal statement

    Please attach a statement describing your circumstances, ensuring that you explain how your academic achievement has been impacted by these circumstances. Disadvantages can include Personal, Social, Cultural, Financial, Educational, LGBTQI, Medical. The statement should not exceed 500 words. If the panel requires further information you may be asked to provide additional details. Where appropriate, please include supporting statements or documentation relevant to your application, for example, statements of support from a professional or support person who has knowledge of your disadvantage. If you have held an Australian temporary protection or humanitarian visa in the past 7 years, please attach evidence of this to your application.

    Process and timelines

    Applications for the Equity and Diversity pathway are assessed by the UWA Law School after the pathway applications close on 15 November 2025.

     


    How to apply

    Group of smiling students wearing UWA shirts 

    Ready for the next step?

    Find out how to apply through our simple online application process. 

    We'll guide you through our entry requirements, admission pathways available to you and application deadlines for your chosen course. 

    We can’t wait for you to join us!  

    Apply now

    Course details

    A successful career in a demanding profession requires comprehensive training. The Juris Doctor gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to become the lawyer you want to be and a lawyer the world needs. You'll enter the competitive graduate market with an edge, with a prestigious qualification offered by institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities.
    UWA JD graduates are:

    Problem solvers who have a deep practical and theoretical mastery of subject matter; are critical and creative thinkers; and understand the ways in which local, national and global contexts influence and shape the law.

    Culturally competent legal professionals who have engaged throughout their degree with Indigenous knowledges, cultures and perspectives and are well equipped to work respectfully across cultural contexts.

    Relationship builders who listen with empathy; communicate effectively; and create constructive and collaborative connections with colleagues, clients and communities.

    Resilient and reflective learners who are adaptable thinkers; have developed skills for critical self-reflection and lifelong learning; and understand the importance of, and have developed practical tools for, managing their well-being and supporting the well-being of others.

    Global citizens who understand the importance of the ethical and professional practice of law; are outward-looking in the search for solutions; and able to engage on national, transnational and international levels.

    About the course

    A successful career in a demanding profession requires comprehensive training. The Juris Doctor gives you the knowledge and skills necessary to become the lawyer you want to be and a lawyer the world needs. You'll enter the competitive graduate market with an edge, with a prestigious qualification offered by institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities.
    View full details

    About the course

    By studying the Juris Doctor at UWA, you'll benefit from our Law School’s longstanding and deep links with the legal profession. These ties contribute to consistently high rates of employment for our graduates. You'll also have the opportunity to learn from the very best of the legal profession as well as academic staff recognised nationally for excellence in teaching and research. You can participate in practical skill-building programs including mooting (legal advocacy) competitions and internships, and build lifelong friendships with a talented, diverse and vibrant cohort of future leaders.

    After completing the Juris Doctor you'll enter the competitive graduate market with an edge, armed with both an undergraduate degree and the JD, which is a prestigious qualification offered by institutions such as Harvard, Yale and Columbia universities. You'll join the ranks of nationally and internationally renowned UWA Law School graduates including Rhodes Scholars, the members of the Judiciary and legal profession, as well as leaders at the highest level of business and government.


    Juris Doctor

    Quick details

    Status
    • Available
    Locations
    • Perth (Crawley campus)
    Attendance
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
    Delivery
    • On-campus
    Starting dates
    • Semester 1
    Weekly contact time
    • The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
    Level of study
    • Postgraduate
    Course Code
    • 20820
    CRICOS code
    • 089786C
    View full details
    Juris Doctor

    Quick details

    Status
    • Available
    Locations
    • Perth (Crawley campus)
    Attendance
    • Full-time
    • Part-time
    Delivery
    • On-campus
    Starting dates
    • Semester 1
    Weekly contact time
    • The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
    Level of study
    • Postgraduate
    Course Code
    • 20820
    CRICOS code
    • 089786C
    Full time/part time duration
    • 3 years
    Degrees course is available in
    • Juris Doctor
    Juris Doctor

    Important dates

    Intake Periods
    • Feburary 2026
    Application Open
    Application Close
    • Monday 12 January 2026
    • Equity and Diversity Pathways close - 15 November 2025
    • Alternative Experience Pathways close - 15 November 2025

    Refer to Admissions Requirements for information on eligibility criteria and how to apply.

    Supportive Learning in the UWA Juris Doctor

    Supportive Learning in the UWA Juris Doctor

    Why study this course?

    • Learn from the very best of the legal profession and award-winning academics recognised nationally for excellence in teaching and research.
    • Emphasis on practical and professional skill building and an inquiry approach to learning.
    • Study with high-achieving students in an inclusive environment and build lifelong friendships with a diverse and vibrant cohort of future leaders.
    • Very high graduate employment rates.
    • Comprehensive and integrated wellbeing and professionalism programs.
    • You'll be introduced to cutting-edge technological developments in the law and in the provision of legal services.
    • Progressive and interesting elective offerings.

    Why study this course?

    Assured Pathways

    If you’re a school leaver and interested in this area of study, use your ATAR to gain an advantage by applying for undergraduate and postgraduate study at the same time through an Assured Pathway.

    Assured Pathways

    JD Assured Pathway

    You can study any of the wide range of Bachelor's degrees UWA offers as part of a Juris Doctor (Law) Assured Pathway.

    JD Assured Pathway

    Bridging the gap between social justice advocacy and law reform

    UWA JD students founded the WA Justice Association, a student-led charity that partners with legal professionals and social justice organisations to advocate for criminal justice reform. UWA Law School students can get involved here. 

    Bridging the gap between social justice advocacy and law reform

    Course structure

    Postgraduate coursework degrees and combined (coursework and research) degrees comprise a number of units. Refer to the course structure for more information.

    Course structure details

    Course structure details

    JD study plan

    The JD curriculum has been purposefully designed to scaffold sequential knowledge and skills progression, and may be completed in three years full-time or on a part-time basis (up to nine years). Students with external commitments (including but not limited to work, travel, clerkships and sporting commitments) are expected to plan these commitments around their studies. External commitments are not regarded as valid reasons for timetable changes, swapping tutorials, the waiving of pre-requisites or variation from the prescribed course structure*.

    In making a decision as to whether to complete the JD on a full or part-time basis, students should be aware that the estimated time commitment for a full-time (4 units) enrolment is approximately 46 hours per week excluding examinations. Some units are also offered as intensives, either in semester breaks or between semesters. Although the contact hours for these units are compressed into a shorter period of time, the time commitment of the unit remains the same.

    * Students who undertake exchange, or other commitments which involve official representation of the Law School or the University, or which are recognised under University Policy, may seek approval from the Deputy Head of School (Students) for a variation in the prescribed course structure.

    Full time course structure

    Year 1
    • Foundations of Law and Lawyering# (Sem 1)
    • Criminal Law (Sem 1)
    • Contract (Sem 1)
    • Property (Sem 1)
    • Foundations of Public Law (Sem 2)
    • Torts (Sem 2)
    • Interpretation (Sem 2)
    • Land Law (Sem 2)
     
    Year 2
    • Dispute Resolution# (Sem 1)
    • Constitutional Law (Sem 1)
    • Equity and Trusts (Sem 1)
    • Option 1 (Sem 1)
    • Corporations Law (Sem 2)
    • Remedies (Sem 2)
    • Administrative Law (Sem 2)
    • Option 2 (Sem 2)
     
    Year 3
    • Professional and Ethical Practice# (Sem 1)
    • Evidence (Sem 1)
    • Option 3 (Sem 1)
    • Option 4 (Sem 1)
    • Procedure (Sem 2)
    • Option 5 (Sem 2)
    • Option 6 (Sem 2)
    • Option 7 (Sem 2)
     

    # These units are taught intensively over a two-week period immediately preceding the start of Semester 1.

    JD study plan

    Meet the UWA Law School

    Course Co-Director, Julie Falck

    Julie Falck headshot

    Julie Falck is Co-Director of the Juris Doctor and teaches Foundations of Law & Lawyering (LAWS4101) and Administrative Law (LAWS5102).

    Her research interests include judicial review, government accountability, and legal education.

    Course Co-Director, Murray Wesson

    Murray Wesson headshot

    Murray Wesson is Co-Director of the Juris Doctor and teaches Human Rights: Law and Context (LAWS2224), Constitutional Law (LAWS5101) and Advanced Public Law (LAWS5209).

    His research explores topics such as free speech, the rule of law, and proportionality, from an Australian and comparative constitutional law perspective.

    Meet the UWA Law School

    Course Co-Director, Julie Falck

    Take a master's unit

    JD students can apply to undertake master's units as part of their studies through submitting our application form either in person at the Arts and Law Student Office or AskUWA. 

    Take a master's unit

    Work integrated learning

    • Legal Internship unit – 12 week legal work placement
    • Clinical Legal Education unit, situated in the UWA Mediation Clinic and Minderoo Tech & Policy Lab
    • Legal APPtitude elective
    • Mooting competitions, client interview competitions, and Australia’s first university law journal

    Work integrated learning

    VIDEO

    Meet our law students

    Monica Brierley Hay in graduation gown

    Meet our law students

    Raphael Parvin

    Raphael Parvin
    Find out more

    Raphael Parvin

    Raphael Parvin

    My degree

    I have always been interested in the intricacies of the legal system and the tangible effect that law has on all areas of society. I chose to study the Juris Doctor Program at UWA, as it allows me to pursue law in a professional capacity and provides me with the knowledge and skills to promote legal advocacy and practice fair and equitable justice.

    I have very much enjoyed the educational experience that has been provided through the UWA Law School. I am especially grateful for the in-depth holistic teaching and the practical insights into the inner workings of the legal system, which were often based on the teaching staff's own professional legal experience. More importantly, the staff at UWA Law School have always been supportive and open to answering any queries or conferring any advice I may have needed during my journey to becoming a legal practitioner. 

    Being a part of the diverse and vibrant legal cohort has undoubtedly been a highlight during my studies at UWA. It is noted that the legal fraternity in Perth is incredibly small and tight-knit, and it is likely that we will practice and work together upon graduation. This realisation has enabled for a cohesive, compassionate and encouraging group, where we strive to support and look out for each other and continue to make life-long bonds.

    Why UWA?

    UWA is renowned as being one of the top universities in Australia, and the UWA Law School has a strong history of legal education with acclaimed teaching and research staff. The School has also produced notable, and highly esteemed figures in Australian law, politics, education and business, and UWA's alumni continue to make their inspirational mark on the world today. But despite its prestige and size, UWA provides tailored education and maintains a strong link with their students. Given the demanding and complex nature of the Juris Doctor Program, this emphasis on student well-being and catering towards various needs and interests demonstrates the commitment that UWA has towards their students.

    Campus experience

    My favourite aspect of studying at UWA has undoubtedly been the people. I have made lasting friendships with both staff and students from all over the world and from various areas of study. I am also pleased to be part of a university environment which places substantial value towards not only education and research, but humanity as well.

    What's next?

    After graduation, I hope to practice commercial law and eventually pursue advocacy and litigation as a Barrister.

    Course Accreditation

    The Juris Doctor (20820) is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of WA (LPBWA). Graduates must complete a recognised Professional Legal Training course offered by an accredited Professional Legal Training provider in Australia before being eligible to apply for admission into the legal profession.
     

     

    Course Accreditation

    International recognition

    The UWA Juris Doctor degree is recognised in China, Malaysia and Singapore.

    International recognition

    Western Australia's premier Law School

    The UWA Law School is ranked in the top 150 law schools in the world for Law and Legal Studies (QS 2025). You will join and contribute to 90 years of excellence: we are the first law school established in WA and the fifth oldest in Australia.

    Our graduates include a Prime Minister, a Governor of Western Australia, State Ministers, Justices of the Supreme Court of WA, a Young Australian of the Year, Rhodes Scholars, and more.

    While we have a long and proud history, we're also a closely-knit, creative and progressive Law School, fostering critical thought, ethical scholarship and practice, a deep connection to our Indigenous past and present, and supportive student culture based upon wellbeing and inclusion.

    Western Australia's premier Law School

    Arianna's internship at Legal Aid

    "My internship at Legal Aid was an invaluable opportunity to experience how working in a legal environment, particularly in Criminal Law, would be. Undertaking the internship gave me an insight into advocacy and the court system, something I have a keen interest in. As part of my internship, I rotated with lawyers at the Children’s Court, Magistrates Court and District Court and I was also involved with various research projects within the organisation. It was a really rewarding experience as it allowed me to apply and observe some of the legal concepts learnt at university and confirmed my intention to pursue a career in this area of law" 

    - Arianna Aragona

    Arianna's internship at Legal Aid

    Meet our alumni

    UWA Graduate Mariella Panegyres

    When I left high school, I wasn't sure what career I wanted to pursue - but I was certain of two things: I wanted to make a meaningful impact on society, and I was passionate about the humanities. UWA stood out to me because of its unique and flexible course structure, which gave me the freedom to explore my interests, broaden my perspective and discover what truly interested me.

    Taking a law unit in my undergraduate degree sparked something in me. I was drawn to the strategic nature of legal reasoning, the emphasis on critical thinking, and the constant opportunity to learn and problem-solve. Choosing to pursue the Juris Doctor felt like a natural next step.

    Throughout the Juris Doctor, I gained far more than just an understanding of black-letter law. What truly defined my time at the law school was the community. The academic staff are not only experts in their field, but also approachable mentors who are genuinely invested in their students' success and open to thoughtful, engaging discussion beyond the classroom. I was also fortunate to be surrounded by peers who have become friends for life. 

    Since graduating, I’ve joined Allens and have rotated through the Projects and Banking & Finance teams. The skills I learnt throughout my studies have been invaluable as I’ve transitioned into practice.

    For anyone considering studying law: it’s challenging, but incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing quite like the moment when a complex concept suddenly clicks. Make the most of every opportunity—get involved, back yourself, and trust that the effort you put in pays off in ways you can't imagine.

    Mariella Panegyres, Bachelor of Science (2020), Juris Doctor (2023)

    Meet our alumni