Key facts
Duration
Locations
Key dates
Direct applications to Deakin for Trimester 1 2025 close 16 February 2025
Current Deakin Students
To access your official course details for the year you started your degree, please visit the handbook
Course overview
Prepare for a first-class law career at one of Victoria’s top 3 law schools.* Deakin’s practise-focused Juris Doctor (JD) is built on the principle that lawyers can be catalysts for positive change in society. Designed for non-law graduates, this prestigious law program goes beyond the typical theory-centred model. You will focus on sharpening your critical thinking and practical skills, while developing a solid foundation of legal knowledge.
Looking for a progressive, engaging and flexible online course to launch your law career?
Delivered fully online, Deakin’s JD gives you comprehensive training in each of the major areas of legal practice, with research, theory and policy considerations embedded throughout the curriculum. With flexibility at its core, lectures and interactive live seminars are recorded so you can schedule your study around your other commitments.
Learn from world-leading scholars in human rights, intellectual property, land, property, mining and engineering law, and be guided by teachers with strong practicing backgrounds, including a former judge. This impressive array of expertise helps shape the course, so you can be confident everything you learn is relevant to industry and can be applied as soon as you enter the field.
A placement in the Deakin Law Clinic is also on offer – an award-winning community legal centre where you'll gain real-world experience with practicing solicitors and real clients. Other work-integrated learning (WIL) options are available and strongly encouraged.
The Deakin JD cohort is made up of students with rich and diverse personal and professional backgrounds. Often already successful and established in their first career, your fellow classmates can be a positive source of encouragement and inspiration. Group assignments not only allow you to network in a professional capacity but will enable you to forge genuine connections that you'll carry throughout your career.
You will also have extracurricular opportunities to network with the Deakin Law Students’ Society and can access our campuses, libraries and facilities at any time.
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023
Read MoreCourse information
- Award granted
- Juris Doctor
- Year
2025 course information
- Deakin code
- M729
- Level
- Higher Degree Coursework (Masters and Doctorates)
- Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) recognition
The award conferred upon completion is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 9
Course structure
To complete the Juris Doctor, students must attain a total of 24 credit points, including 17 core units and 7 course elective units, plus completion of the compulsory 0-credit point module, DAI001 Academic Integrity and Respect at Deakin. Each unit (think of units as 'subjects') is equal to 1 credit point.
Students are introduced to research tools and techniques in core units of the course where they learn analytic skills and the ability to apply those skills in professional contexts. They must also complete advanced level units and a capstone unit that require them to integrate the skills learnt over their course of study and produce applied pieces of research with reference to prevailing literature.
17
Core units
7
Elective units
24
Total units
Core units
Optional (but highly recommended) JD Induction program (refer to additional course information below for dates and times), which is live-streamed and recorded, plus online pre-recorded presentations
plus:
Note: MLP code denotes Priestley units, which teach the academic areas of knowledge prescribed for admission to legal practice.
Compulsory 0-credit point module
To be completed in the first trimester of study:-
Course elective units
Not all elective units will be offered every year. Units not offered in 2025 may be offered in 2026 or 2027. From time to time, the Law School may develop new units to strengthen the law elective list.
7 credit points of elective units can be chosen from:
Elective units offered in 2025
Elective units not offered in 2025
Intakes by location
The availability of a course varies across locations and intakes. This means that a course offered in Trimester 1 may not be offered in the same location for Trimester 2 or 3. Check each intake for up-to-date information on when and where you can commence your studies.
Trimester 1 - March
- Start date: March
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 2 - July
- Start date: July
- Available at:
- Online
Trimester 3 * - November
- Start date: November
- Available at:
- Online
Please note: Full-time study in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2 only. part-time study only in Trimester 3.
Students should be aware of the commitment required for this course. Each subject includes 22 hours of pre-recorded lectures, 22 hours of seminars and up to 100 hours of reading and assessment time. The live seminars aren’t mandatory however students who do attend gain a far greater learning experience.
Course duration
Course duration may be affected by delays in completing course requirements, such as failing of units or accessing or completing placements.
Juris Doctor Induction Program
JD students are invited to attend our Juris Doctor Induction Program which will occur in person (and livestreamed online) during Orientation Week and will support you in your studies. Orientation Week occurs the week prior to Week 1 teaching of each trimester. Please register for each session via your Orientation Itinerary.
2025 Induction Program dates:
- T1: Friday 28th February
- T2: to be advised
- T3: to be advised
Mandatory student checks
Units which contain work integrated learning, a community placement or interaction with the community may require a police check, working with children check or other check. These requirements will be detailed in unit guides upon enrolment.
Workload
You can expect to participate in a range of teaching activities each week. This could include lectures, seminars, online interactions, or professional experiences for Work Integrated Learning (WIL) units. You can refer to the individual unit details in the course structure for more information. You will also need to study and complete assessment tasks in your own time.
Participation requirements
Units in this course may have participation requirements that include compulsory placements, work-based training, community-based learning or collaborative research training arrangements.
Work experience
This course does not require students to complete compulsory work integrated learning units.
Entry requirements
Selection is based on a holistic consideration of your academic merit, work experience, likelihood of success, availability of places, participation requirements, regulatory requirements, and individual circumstances. You will need to meet the minimum academic and English language proficiency requirements or higher to be considered for selection, but this does not guarantee admission.
A combination of qualifications and experience may be deemed equivalent to minimum academic requirements.
Academic requirements
To be considered for admission to this degree you will need to meet at least one of the following criteria:
- completion of a bachelor degree in a different discipline with a minimum Weighted Average Mark (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65
- completion of a bachelor degree in a different discipline with a WAM of 60 and at least two years' relevant work experience (or part-time equivalent)
- completion of a graduate certificate in a law or related discipline* with a minimum (WAM) (or equivalent average grade indicator) of 65
- completion of a masters degree in a different discipline
A) A bachelor degree in a different discipline must be a nonlaw bachelor degree that is not accredited or approved by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (previously COLE) as meeting the requirements for admission to the legal profession.
B) Applicants with a law degree from an overseas jurisdiction, deemed to be the AQF equivalent of a three year bachelor degree, will be eligible to apply.
C) A masters degree in a different discipline must be a masters degree that is not accredited or approved by VLAB as meeting the requirements for admission to the legal profession.
*A 'related discipline' award for this course is Graduate Certificate of Law, Graduate Certificate of Business Law, Graduate Certificate of Migration Law, Graduate Certificate of Property Law, Graduate Certificate of Criminology, Graduate Certificate of Cyber Law, Graduate Certificate of Legal Studies, Graduate Certificate of International Law etc.
English language proficiency requirements
To meet the English language proficiency requirements of this course, you will need to demonstrate at least one of the following:
- bachelor degree from a recognised English-speaking country
- IELTS overall score of 7.0 (with no band less than 7.0) or equivalent
- other evidence of English language proficiency (learn more about other ways to satisfy the requirements)
Admissions information
Learn more about Deakin courses and how we compare to other universities when it comes to the quality of our teaching and learning.
Not sure if you can get into Deakin postgraduate study? Postgraduate study doesn’t have to be a balancing act; we provide flexible course entry and exit options based on your desired career outcomes and the time you are able to commit to your study.
Recognition of prior learning
The University aims to provide students with as much credit as possible for approved prior study or informal learning which exceeds the normal entrance requirements for the course and is within the constraints of the course regulations. Students are required to complete a minimum of one-third of the course at Deakin University, or four credit points, whichever is the greater. In the case of certificates, including graduate certificates, a minimum of two credit points within the course must be completed at Deakin.
RPL will generally be granted for a Priestley 11 unit where a student completed the unit within 5 years of the date on which they will commence their Law degree at Deakin University. Whether RPL is granted for a Priestley unit that a student completed more than 5 years before that date will depend on an assessment of the particular unit, including whether its content remains current and it is substantially equivalent to the relevant unit in the Deakin Law course for which RPL is sought. It is possible that RPL may not be granted where the coverage of Priestley 11 knowledge areas across units of study is structured differently in the Law course at Deakin University compared to the Law course at the university where the student previously studied.
You can also refer to the recognition of prior learning (RPL) system which outlines the credit that may be granted towards a Deakin University degree and how to apply for credit.
Recognition of prior learning into the Master of Laws (Juris Doctor) may be granted to students who have successfully completed appropriate Masters-level law studies in Juris Doctor programs offered at other universities.
Fees and scholarships
Fee information
Learn more about fees and your options for paying.
The available fee places for this course are detailed above. Not all courses at Deakin have Commonwealth supported places available. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is provided as a guide only and represents the typical first-year tuition fees for students enrolled in this course. The cost will vary depending on the units you choose, your study load, the length of your course and any approved Recognition of prior learning you have.
One year full-time study load is typically represented by eight credit points of study. Each unit you enrol in has a credit point value. The 'Estimated tuition fee' is calculated by adding together eight credit points of a typical combination of units for your course.
You can find the credit point value of each unit under the Unit Description by searching for the unit in the handbook. Learn more about fees and available payment options.
FEE-HELP calculator
What is FEE-HELP?
FEE-HELP loans cover up to 100% of tuition fees for eligible students. By taking out a FEE-HELP loan, the government pays your tuition fees directly to Deakin, and the balance is repaid from your employment income - but only once you're earning over $54,435.
Please note: fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and based on 2025 rates. Actual fees may vary. We advise confirming fees with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
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- $* is the estimated full cost for a Juris Doctor (24 credit points), based on the 2025 fees.
- is the annual FEE-HELP payment, based on your current salary
- of your current salary be spent on FEE-HELP
*Disclaimer
Deakin University (Deakin):
- gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the currency, accuracy or the completeness of the information provided;
- advises users that no reliance should be placed upon on the information provided, and;
- instructs users that they should confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
This tool provides indicative information about the fees that will be payable in respect of courses and subjects offered to prospective students domiciled in Australia during the periods indicated.
Please note that the fees shown by the calculator are indicative only and actual fees may vary. Users are advised to confirm the actual course fee with Prospective Student Enquiries prior to enrolment.
The estimated course fee is based on the tuition fee costs applicable to a domestic full time student commencing the course in Trimester 1 and studying full time for the duration of the course but:
- does not include non-tuition costs that may apply, such as Student Services and Amenities Fees (SSAF);
- does not take into account any scholarships or bursaries awarded to the student (including the 10% Deakin alumni discount);
- assumes the maximum number of units that need to be successfully completed actual number completed may be reduced if recognition of prior learning is granted;
- assumes that no exceptional, or non-typical, circumstances apply to the proposed course of study;
- assumes that the options that the user selects are appropriate for the course of study that they intend to undertake;
- where fees are estimated for future years those fee will be subject to annual increases in accordance with increases in the cost of course delivery.
Scholarship options
A Deakin scholarship might change your life. If you've got something special to offer Deakin – or you just need the financial help to get you here – we may have a scholarship opportunity for you.
Postgraduate bursary
If you’re a Deakin alumnus commencing a postgraduate award course, you may be eligible to receive a 10% reduction per unit on your enrolment fees.
Apply now
To apply, create an account in the Deakin Application Portal, enter your personal details and education experience, upload supporting documents and submit. Need help? Play this video, or contact one of our friendly future student advisers on 1800 693 888 or submit an online enquiry.
For more information on the application process and closing dates, see the How to apply webpage. If you're still having problems, please contact us for assistance.
Contact information
Our friendly advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, support services and how we can help you further your career.
- Call us: 1800 693 888 Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm
- Live Chat: Monday - Friday
- Submit an online enquiry
- Help hub find common and trending questions and answers
Careers
Career outcomes
A Juris Doctor qualification meets the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, as well as some other Australian and international jurisdictions.
Law touches every aspect of society, and the career opportunities reflect this. As a graduate, you will be qualified to practice in a broad range of areas including:
- academia
- business
- government
industrial relations - law firms – from small rural/regional practices to large national or international organisations
- law reform bodies
- public administration.
Professional recognition
Deakin's Juris Doctor is designed to satisfy the academic qualifications necessary for admission to the legal profession. In Victoria these have been set by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB). In addition to satisfying the academic qualifications, a person seeking admission to the legal profession in Victoria is required to have satisfactorily completed certain practical legal training requirements and must be considered a fit and proper person to be admitted to the legal profession.
A person seeking admission in a jurisdiction outside Australia may be required to satisfy additional requirements. Please check the relevant jurisdiction’s legal admissions authority to confirm the required academic qualifications criteria, including any restrictions on online study or distance education.
Course learning outcomes
Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.
| Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes | Course Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities | Develop an advanced and integrated understanding of the Australian legal system, the fundamental areas of knowledge required for legal practice, and the broader contexts within which legal issues arise, including international and comparative contexts and contemporary developments in the law; and apply that understanding, including to demonstrate appropriate competence in the fundamental areas of knowledge. |
| Communication | Develop and apply an ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to both legal and non-legal audiences, orally and in writing |
| Digital Literacy | Use technologies to identify, locate, and evaluate information for researching legal questions, solving legal problems and communicating legal solutions |
| Critical thinking | Apply sophisticated critical thinking capacities and exercise intellectual independence to identify and articulate complex legal issues. |
| Problem Solving | Apply legal reasoning and research to understand and analyse legal problems, to identify possible responses, and to make reasoned and appropriate choices to generate and justify jurisprudential and practical solutions. |
| Self-management | Develop the capacity to learn and research with autonomy, accountability and professionalism, and to reflect on and assess personal capabilities and performance. |
| Teamwork | Collaborate effectively in team environments, demonstrating constructive engagement and contribution to the team and the ability to draw on strengths of others. |
| Global Citizenship | Recognise and reflect on the ethical and professional responsibilities of legal professionals, and the requirements of ethical decision-making in legal practice; and apply these to a range of social, ethical, global and environmental contexts. |
Footnotes
+Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our list of media references.