Master's Degree Law (JD) Full Time

Master of Private Law

at University of Melbourne · Melbourne, Victoria

CRICOS course code

076224M

CRICOS provider code

00116K

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

1 year

Tuition (whole course)

A$60,992 total

Per year

A$60,992/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Master of Private Law at the University of Melbourne is designed for graduates seeking advanced knowledge of private law in the Australian and comparative context. This intensive one-year master's qualification delves into areas such as contracts, torts, equity, trusts, property law, and commercial law, providing a thorough understanding of the principles underpinning legal relationships between individuals and organisations. Students benefit from exposure to contemporary legal issues, statutory reforms, and the latest research affecting the private law domain.

The programme is structured in line with Australian postgraduate standards, featuring a selection of advanced units of study. These units are measured in credit points, allowing students to tailor their learning to specific interests within private law. Many coursework subjects address both Australian and international perspectives, equipping graduates with skills for practice or research in a broad range of settings. Students may also undertake a research or capstone project, exploring a chosen area in depth or contributing to scholarship under academic supervision.

Skills developed include legal research and analysis, problem-solving, legal writing, and a nuanced understanding of judicial reasoning and legislative developments. The University of Melbourne’s strong industry and research connections ensure learning is relevant to current Australian legal practice, helping prepare students for dynamic careers in legal and corporate sectors. This programme is ideal for law graduates or practitioners looking to advance in private or corporate law, academics seeking specialisation, or professionals in related fields requiring expertise in legal frameworks that affect private relationships.

International students must demonstrate English proficiency, and graduates may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream. While studying, students are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight under current visa regulations. For full details on admission and course structure, refer to the official university page.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.

International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

Solicitor or barrister in private law practices
In-house legal counsel for corporations and organisations
Legal advisor in government or regulatory agencies
Policy adviser in private sector and not-for-profits
Academic or researcher in private law

Typical employers can include top Australian law firms, multinational companies, government departments, and research institutes.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Master of Private Law at University of Melbourne?

It typically takes 1 year, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$60,992 total. Fees change yearly — confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Solicitor or barrister in private law practicesIn-house legal counsel for corporations and organisationsLegal advisor in government or regulatory agenciesPolicy adviser in private sector and not-for-profitsAcademic or researcher in private lawTypical employers can include top Aus...

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