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

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

Hours

8.30am - 5pm AWST, Monday - Friday

Frequently asked questions

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.
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.
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

Indicative annual course fee
2025
Commonwealth Supported Place $10,248.76

Eligible Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) students can use the HECS-HELP loan program to pay their tuition fees. For Full-Fee Paying (FFP) places, students are charged an annual course fee.

Find out more information about tuition fees, or visit the fee calculator for a more accurate cost.

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. 

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.

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.

International Student Fees

Indicative first year fee
2024
$51,300.00
2025
$54,100.00

Find out more about tuition fees or visit the fee calculator for the estimated total course fee.

Note, tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increase up to 7.5 per cent per annum.

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.

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.

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.
(5) 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.

2025 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.

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 2025

If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2025 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 2024.

 
APPLICATION
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
APPLICATION

Equity and Diversity pathway

Entry for 2025

If you would like to start the JD in Semester 1, 2025 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 6 January 2025.

 
APPLICATION

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.
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
Juris Doctor
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 2025
Application Open
Application Close
  • Monday 13 January 2025
  • Equity and Diversity Pathways close - 6 January 2025
  • Alternative Experience Pathways close - 15 November 2024

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

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.

Be at the forefront of innovation in legal education with initiatives such as:

  • Indigenisation of the Juris Doctor curriculum: An Australia-first initiative that seeks to embed Indigenous knowledge, experiences and laws across the Juris Doctor.
  • You'll be introduced to cutting-edge technological developments in the law and in the provision of legal services.
  • Progressive and interesting elective offerings.

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.

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.

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
VIDEO

Meet our law students

Monica Brierley Hay in graduation gown

Raphael Parvin

Raphael Parvin

Course structure

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

Core
Take all units (102 points):
Option - Group A
Take units to the value of 0-36 points from Group A.
Option - Group B
Take unit(s) to the value of 6-42 points.

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.

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. 

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
Meet the UWA Law School

Course coordinator Rebecca Faugno

Rebecca Faugno

Rebecca Faugno is Director of the Juris Doctor and teaches Corporations Law (LAWS5104) and Professional Practice (LAWS5108).

Her research interests are in the areas of Corporate Governance, Regulation of Multinational Corporations, Corporations and Human Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Meet the UWA Law School

Course Accreditation

The Juris Doctor (20820) is accredited by the Legal Practice Board of WA (LPBWA) and the Australian Law Schools Standards Committee (ALSSC).

International recognition

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

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 2024). 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.

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

Meet our alumni

Alumna Ebony Back

"When I started university I would never have thought I would end up as a lawyer. I thought there was a special breed of super-smart people who became lawyers.

It was during my international relations studies that I got a taste of how law can shape society, which set me on the pathway to a career in law. Studying at UWA gave me the opportunity to gain experience, expand my networks and discover my passions through overseas study, internships and volunteering. 

After graduating from my law degree, I worked as an Associate at the Federal Court of Australia where I assisted with hearings, judgments and the day-to-day management of the Court. I subsequently joined the law firm, Allens, where I have worked in the Disputes and Investigations and the Projects teams. 

My studies taught me the value of hard work and persistence. I learnt to solve complex legal questions and think critically. Outside the classroom, I was surrounded by a dazzling array of legal talent: academics, mentors, friends and members of the profession who inspired me and have informed my professional life ever since. 

My time at UWA helped me to develop an intellectual curiosity and growth mindset that follows me through all aspects of life."

Ebony Back, Bachelor of Arts (2015) and Juris Doctor (2018)