Juris Doctor
University of Technology Sydney (UTS)
Type of institution: University/Higher Education Institution
Level: Postgraduate
CRICOS: 00099F
The Juris Doctor (JD) is a graduate law degree that builds on the established reputation of UTS: Law to provide high-calibre, graduate-level education in the theory and practice of the law. It is specifically designed for graduates of disciplines other than law. The Juris Doctor qualifies as an Australian Qualifications Framework level 9 master's degree. The flexible nature of the JD allows students to work while they study and to tailor their workload to suit professional and personal commitments. The JD offers an alternative pathway to practise as a lawyer for graduates who have successfully completed a first degree. In a globalised environment, the JD is internationally recognised as a graduate-level law qualification. UTS: Law integrates flexible learning options, including day and night classes, block intensive classes and online learning. Career options include, but are not limited to, lawyer within a private firm, government department or community law centre, regulatory affairs and policy adviser in the public or private sector or legal specialisation related to students' previous degree or enhanced career options within an existing professional sphere.
Designed for
Graduates who have successfully completed a first degree in an area other than law
Structure
- The course comprises a total of 144 credit points. The study components for course completion are as follows: 108 credit points of compulsory core law subjects (15 subjects)
- 30 credit points of law options (five subjects)
- and a 6-credit-point legal theory option (one subject). Refer to the course entry in the UTS: Handbook for the Juris Doctor course structure. The standard course can be completed in three years of full-time or five-and-a-half years of part-time study. There are two intakes a year (in Autumn and Spring).
Subjects
- Law
Standard entry requirements
- Applicants must have completed a UTS recognised bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications that demonstrates potential to pursue graduate studies. For this course the equivalent qualification required is a bachelor's degree in a discipline other than law or a law qualification from an overseas jurisdiction. Admission is at the discretion of the associate dean (education). The English proficiency requirement for international students or local applicants with international qualifications is: Academic IELTS: 6.5 overall with a writing score of 6.0
- Or TOEFL: paper based: 550-583 overall with TWE of 4.5, internet based: 79-93 overall with a writing score of 21
- Or AE5: Pass
- Or PTE: 58-64
- Or CAE: 176-184.
Recognition
This course satisfies the requirements for admission as a lawyer to the Supreme Court of NSW, provided students undertake a PLT program, such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice.
Study pathways
Students who successfully complete the Juris Doctor at UTS and have completed Master of Laws equivalent subjects within the Juris Doctor, may apply for these subjects to be credited towards the Master of Laws. Subjects undertaken within the Juris Doctor are recognised within the Master of Legal Studies and the Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies. Students enrolled in the Juris Doctor may apply to internally transfer to the master's or graduate diploma. Candidates are not awarded the Juris Doctor but subjects undertaken are applied towards the master's or graduate diploma.
Further information
To practise as a lawyer in NSW, students need to successfully complete an accredited legal qualification and an accredited course of practical legal training (PLT), such as the Graduate Certificate in Professional Legal Practice. Visa requirement: To obtain a student visa to study in Australia, international students must enrol full time and on campus. Australian student visa regulations also require international students studying on student visas to complete the course within the standard full-time duration. Students can extend their courses only in exceptional circumstances.
