Master of Laws (Coursework)

The Master of Laws (Coursework) at the University of Notre Dame Australia is a one-year postgraduate degree for law graduates who want to deepen their expertise in specific areas of law. It's a coursework master's, so you'll take units of study rather than write a full thesis. The exact units on offer change from year to year, so check the official page for the current list. The degree sits at AQF Level 9, which means it's a genuine master's qualification, not a graduate certificate or diploma.

How it's structured

Australian coursework master's degrees are built from units of study, each worth a set number of credit points. You need to accumulate the required total to graduate. At Notre Dame, the academic year runs across semesters, with some units also offered in intensive or trimester modes. This programme is one year full-time, which usually means two semesters of study. Part-time study is often available, so you can stretch it over two years if you're working. There's no compulsory research thesis in a coursework master's, but some programmes include a research project or capstone unit. Check the official page for what's required. If you're coming from an overseas law degree, the programme can help you understand Australian legal practice and meet the academic requirements for admission in Australia.

What you'll study and the skills you'll gain

You'll choose from a list of elective units that let you specialise. Common areas include commercial law, international law, human rights, dispute resolution, and legal practice. The skills you build are the ones employers actually ask for: legal research and analysis, statutory interpretation, drafting, advocacy, and client communication. You'll learn to read cases closely, write advice that a client can act on, and argue a position clearly. Because it's a master's, the work is more advanced than a JD or LLB. You're expected to engage critically with the law, not just memorise it.

Who it suits

This degree suits law graduates who already hold an LLB or JD and want to specialise, update their knowledge, or gain an Australian qualification. It's also a good fit if you're returning to study after time in practice, or if you're an overseas lawyer who needs to understand the Australian legal system. The University of Notre Dame Australia has campuses in Fremantle, Sydney, and Broome, and law is taught at Fremantle and Sydney. The university is known for its small class sizes and its commitment to legal ethics and social justice, which shows up in the way units are taught. If you want a research career, you'd normally look at a Master of Laws by Research or a PhD instead. This coursework degree is for professional practice.

Practical matters

English requirements for international students are set by the university. For law, the standard is higher than for most coursework programmes: IELTS Academic 7.0–7.5 overall, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, or Cambridge C1 Advanced score. Notre Dame also accepts its own English programmes. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa, so you need to meet both. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 0101871. While you study, your visa lets you work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks. After you graduate, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may let you stay and work in Australia, depending on your circumstances. Always confirm the details on the official university page and the CRICOS register, because requirements can change.

• Solicitor or barrister in private practice, government, or community legal centres. You'll need to complete practical legal training and admission requirements for the state or territory where you want to practise.
• In-house counsel for corporations, banks, insurers, and resources companies. These roles often look for commercial law or corporate governance expertise.
• Policy adviser or legal officer in federal and state government departments, regulators, and statutory bodies.
• Legal consultant or compliance officer in financial services, technology, health, and not-for-profit organisations.
• Academic or researcher in law schools or research institutes, though this usually requires a PhD for ongoing academic roles.
• Migration agent or human rights advocate in NGOs and international organisations, particularly if you focus on refugee law, human rights, or international law.

Graduates work across Australia and overseas. Australian law firms, the public service, and corporate legal teams are the main employers. Some graduates use the degree to move into legal roles in the UK, Canada, or Asia, though you should check local admission requirements. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) can give you post-study work rights in Australia, which helps with getting local experience.