Why study with us?
With more than 150 years of experience, the University of Sydney Law School is one of the world’s leading law schools, ranked 14th in the world in the 2021 QS World University Rankings by Subject.
Our staff are acclaimed legal educators, world-renowned researchers and venerated practitioners.
In response to COVID-19, the University of Sydney has reviewed the availability of courses to be delivered remotely for students commencing their studies in Semester 1, 2021.
This course will be available to study remotely for students commencing in Semester 1, 2021. Please note that some units of study that are not essential to completing the degree may not be available to be studied remotely.
Note: The University intends to offer as many units of study as possible in a remote as well as face-to-face learning method of delivery in Semester 1, 2021 and subject to ongoing border closures and public health orders impacting attendance on campus, in Semester 2, 2021. However, some units of study and courses require students to study in-person at the relevant University of Sydney campus/es and host locations for placements and will not be available remotely.
About this course
This degree allows a broad focus or a tailored program. If you do not wish to commit to a full master's degree but already have a law degree, you might consider our Graduate Diploma in Law. In line with our flexible study policy, you may later upgrade to a Master of Laws.
Our postgraduate coursework program is one of Australia's largest, with more than 120 units of study offered each year. We cater to more than 20 areas of specialisation as well as offering a number of specialised units of study, with units taught by our own experts as well as by international visitors.
You are able to concentrate on one of the areas of study listed below or combine your interests and take units from a number of areas of study.
Candidates will be awarded a Graduate Diploma in Law upon successful completion of the course. The Graduate Diploma in Law will not be awarded with a specialisation.
For academic requirements check the ‘Admission requirements’ section on this page.
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
As many units of study are taught intensively, admission and enrolment in individual units may be possible year round.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 11 February of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 15 July of the commencing year
We strongly encourage applicants to apply as early as possible, offers are made on a rolling basis and places are limited. Separate scholarship deadlines apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
You can apply online via the application portal. When you are ready to apply, select the ‘Apply’ button on this course page. Visit the How to apply page for other important information.
Standard closing dates:
Semester 1 - 31 January of the commencing year
Semester 2 - 30 June of the commencing year
We strongly encourage international applicants to apply as early as possible to allow time for visa and travel arrangements. Separate scholarship deadlines may apply - check the scholarships website for details.
Semester 1 (March) and Semester 2 (August)
Candidates for the Graduate Diploma in Law complete 24 credit points, which is equivalent to 4 units of study. You can select the units of study from a wide range of relevant electives.
Refer to the University of Sydney Law School Handbook for further details regarding the award requirements.
Visit the Sydney Law School website for the most up-to-date postgraduate unit of study timetable.
View unit of study descriptions using the link below.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the following admissions criteria. Admission to candidature for the Graduate Diploma in Law requires a Bachelor of Laws or Juris Doctor from the University of Sydney, or an equivalent qualification.
If you are not ready to commit to undertaking the LLM but have a law degree and an interest in studying our coursework units, you can start with a Graduate Diploma in Law (GradDipLaw), which consists of four units of study. On successful completion, you may apply for transfer to the master’s degree, which requires a further four units of study.
The Graduate Diploma in Law (GradDipLaw) is designed for legal practitioners and law graduates who wish to upgrade their undergraduate qualification(s) for the purposes of career advancement within the field of law or another relevant area.
