Postgraduate
Doctor of Juridical Science
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Take your studies to a new level with a postgraduate degree and discover what career opportunities lie ahead.
Career Pathways
Lawyer
Fees and scholarships
Learn more about the fees that apply to you for this course. For fee type definitions and further assistance, see the Fee Calculator Help page. You can also search our database for scholarships that are relevant to you or this course.
Scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.
Research Training Program
Cost of living
Higher degree by research – onshore students
Annual course fees are calculated based on a standard annual study load of 48 credit points.
Scholarships
Postgraduate scholarships support UWA's position as one of Australia's leading research-intensive universities and the premier research institution in WA.
Research Training Program
Cost of living
Admission requirements
If you’re interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate degree, find out the admission details below.
Admission Requirements
(a) the Bachelor of Laws with first or upper second class honours; or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
or
(b)(i) a Juris Doctor or Master of Laws, including a 12 point research project, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 70 per cent;
or
(c)(i) a bachelor's degree in law, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA; and
(ii) evidence of adequate research preparation as recognised by UWA; and
(iii) at least two years of relevant professional experience, or
(d)(i) completed 24 points of a Master of Laws (LLM) at UWA or elsewhere, including a 12 points research paper;
(ii) the equivalent of a UWA weighted average mark of at least 70 percent on completed LLM units; and
(iii) a mark of at least 70 percent in the 12 points research paper.
Research and coursework supplementary form
English competency
How to apply
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Course details
About the course
Quick details
- Available
- Perth (Crawley campus)
- Full-time
- Part-time
- On-campus
- The majority of SJD law units are offered intensively throughout the year during the vacation periods and study breaks. View important dates for study break and vacation periods.
Units listed in the course rules are not necessarily available every year. It is advisable to check the availability of units before accepting or applying to defer an offer from the University. The list of available option units is updated in November each year.
- The estimated time commitment for a standard full-time enrolment is approximately 30 hours per week (or 15 hours part-time), which includes contact hours, personal study and examinations.
- Postgraduate
- 20810
- 024815G
Course structure
Postgraduate research degrees are identified by an intensive research component. Refer to the Handbooks for information on course rules.
The UWA Law School is certified by the Australian Law School Standards.
Course coordinator Professor Alex Gardner
Professor Alex Gardner teaches undergraduate and postgraduate students in Public Law and Natural Resources and Environmental Law.
Born and raised on a farm in Western Australia, he is an environmental legal consultant, especially to the Environmental Defender's Office (WA) and to Western Australian Government Agencies responsible for water resources management.
Western Australia's premier Law School
The UWA Law School is ranked in the top 100 law schools in the world (QS 2021, THE WUR 2021). You will join and contribute to 90 years of excellence: we were 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.
Why study this course?
- Gain distinguished professional recognition for high quality research.
- The coursework component provides for networking opportunities, and enhancing subject expertise and higher skills in legal theory and research methodology.
- The thesis equips you to apply these skills with the guidance of expert supervisors and funding for research activities.
Work integrated learning
Meet our law students
